Hooray! It’s the wet season! Time to get our boots and rain jackets on and be prepared to get wet, or in true Millaa Millaa style embrace the elements barefoot and jacket-free. For a lot of the past year (or two?) the rain has been pouring down. If this year is anything like our usual wet seasons on the Tablelands, then the rain will continue for some time yet.
The best way to survive the wet season, especially with kids in tow, is to get out there and have some fun. Splash in the puddles, go swimming (you’re going to get wet anyway), or take a walk in the rainforest (pack some salt for leeches). Or to stay mostly dry and certainly leech-free, head out to a playground.
The youngest members of our community have benefited from an influx of grants which have provided some major improvements to playgrounds on the Tablelands. Several new playgrounds have appeared in the past couple of years, and upgrades have been made to many of the existing structures including roofs and shade sails. The chart on the right includes most of the larger playgrounds on the Tablelands, with a focus on those with shelter from rain.
Malanda is lucky to have a beautiful nature playground at Jack May Park alongside a pump track and BBQ area, with further developments planned. The pump track is for all ages and all wheels including bikes, scooters, and skateboards. It is usually very busy after school so visit during school hours with little ones. The playground is unique and includes a tunnel, multiple slides, ninja ropes course, and a water feature. There is no roof or shade cover here, and the trees are still young, so visit early morning, or later in the day.
Tolga Rail Trail Park also has a new playground with an awesome ropes climbing course and a double flying fox for races. There is a large covered area to stay out of the rain and sun, but the flying fox and climbing area is in full sun so consider visiting early or late in the day. Another consideration is that the short walk to the toilets with multiple kids can be challenging. Consider bringing another adult, or visiting the toilet as a group.
Kuranda playground has an awesome climbing structure, partial roof for rain and shade, and a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round.
Mareeba has a new playground at Bicentennial Lakes on Mason street. The area features a pump track, flying fox, slides, swings, and sheltered picnic tables.
Kairi Community Recreation Park on Godfrey Road is lots of fun with fantastic shade in a quiet location.
Other upgrades on the Tablelands include a roof at the Millaa Millaa playground, a full new playground beside the Atherton Hospital, and shade sails at Hallorans Hill in Atherton.
Check out the chart below for our guide on visiting playgrounds rain or shine!
