Let’s be honest – when a playground sits right on the water, it’s already halfway to being a family favourite. Add a brand new fully fenced district-level playground and a tidal pool nearby for little swimmers, and Illoura Reserve in Davistown becomes a pretty easy yes for a day out.
Set right on the Brisbane Water foreshore, Illoura Reserve has long been a favourite spot for families – and for good reason. There was already a playground here, and it was a pretty good one too. The old paddle steamer play structure was well loved by local kids, so when council announced an upgrade there was definitely some curiosity about what would replace it.
The good news? The nautical theme has stayed and the equipment has most definitely lifted its game.
The new playground centres around a bold pirate ship structure, complete with tall sails and skull-and cross-bone vibes. Kids can climb ladders, scramble across rope nets, tackle climbing panels and explore the different levels before sliding back down to ground level to start the voyage all over again. It’s exactly the sort of playground that sends imaginations sailing – one minute they’re climbing ropes, the next they’re captains on the high seas.
You shouldn't have to queue too long for a swing as this park has a group swing, both standard and bucket seat swings and an “Expession Swing” – one of those face-to-face adult-child swings which, personally, we just love.
There's a flying fox, Activity play panels, balance stepping logs and a very cool multi-person rocker that invites people of all ages to have a bop.
Call us nostalgic, but one thing we were chuffed to see is that they kept the crocodile and dolphin sculptures from the original park. Kids love them just as much as ever – climbing over them, balancing along them and riding them like playground mascots.
The old sand base has been replaced with a combination of soft-fall and mulch, making the playground easier for little feet and far more accessible for prams. Concrete pathways now wind through the space, and the playground is now fully fenced – wahoo! A very welcome addition given just how close it sits to the water.
Just steps away sits the tidal swimming enclosure – a calm saltwater pool that’s perfect for toddlers and babes in arms wanting to experience the ocean without the pummelling waves. It’s shallow, gentle and wonderfully family-friendly.
The resident ducks are also frequent visitors, and they’re usually more than happy to waddle over and see if anyone might share a snack.
Illoura Reserve is beautifully set up for gatherings. With covered picnic shelters, tables, toilets, open grass and those gorgeous water views, it’s an easy spot to host a birthday party or meet friends for a relaxed playdate by the water.
Our Verdict
A gorgeous waterfront playground that was already a local favourite – now even better. Between the playground, the tidal pool and the foreshore setting, it’s very easy for a quick visit to turn into a long, happy afternoon.
Illoura Reserve Playground
Ages: The playground is better suited to toddlers through to primary school-aged children. The tidal pool is ideal for babies too.
Fully fenced: Yes.
Shade: Limited shade. There is a large shade cloth over the swings but most of the playground is in full sun. There are some mature trees nearby and covered tables for picnics.
Groundcover: Combination of soft-fall rubber and mulch in excellent condition.
Accessible features: Accessible concrete pathways through the playground and a group nest swing.
Facilities: Covered picnic tables, seating, BBQs, toilets, bubblers, bins and open grass areas.
Parent Tip: Arrive with swimmers and towels if the weather’s warm. It’s a glorious spot during autumn, winter and spring, but in the middle of summer, you will bake in the playground.
Parking: Car park attached plus plenty of street parking.
Location: Illoura Reserve, Davistown – right on the Brisbane Water foreshore beside the tidal swimming enclosure.
Playground throwback!
Playing in Puddles has been around for 9 years now, so it’s pretty special to see some of the parks we reviewed years ago getting full refurbishments. When that happens we write a brand new review – but for nostalgia’s sake we’ve kept a few photos of what used to be here.
Written By: KATIE STOKES
Founder & Editor
After working in print and online media for more than a decade, Katie launched Playing in Puddles in 2017. A mum of three young boys and local of the Central Coast, Katie loves discovering and sharing all that’s happening in our region.
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