Could this be Australia’s highest playground?

Posted on August 14th, 2019

Capricorn Enterprise has a question…

Word on the street from our local kids is that the ‘Everest’ of all playgrounds may very well be sitting right in our own backyard…

Located a whopping 604m above sea level and taking in panoramic views of Rockhampton, its surrounding ranges, the Fitzroy River and the Capricorn Coast, kids of all ages and abilities are spending their days climbing, swinging, jumping and sliding into a whimsical adventure of learning through play at the new Mount Archer National Park playground.

Surrounded by picturesque natural bush land, children will be entertained for hours as they are transported to an enchanted land where anything is possible!

Let their imaginations run wild as they net swing to the moon, slippery slide to the bottom of the ocean, and climb on board the balance log – but be very careful not to fall into the river of crocodiles beneath…

Capricorn Enterprise CEO, Mary Carroll is encouraging local and visiting families to make some time to visit this new local attraction.

“The urban playground, which fosters creativity, independence and problem-solving, was jointly funded by Federal, State and Local Government and officially opened this year,” said Ms Carroll.

“Designed to retain the existing landscape and engage with its natural surroundings, kids play freely, in their own way, in their own time.”

“Featuring modern play equipment such as an in-ground trampoline, a fast (but safe) slippery slide and plenty of places to climb, dig and become one with nature, the universal language of play is loud and clear at this wonderful play space,” said Ms Carroll.

The stories shared through colourful artwork on totem poles centred in the middle of the park honour the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Darumbal people.

The playground sits near large shady trees, ensuring that children can play sun-safely and comfortably right throughout the year.

Mount Archer National Park is found on Rockhampton’s north-eastern outskirts and covers 4250ha of open forest and woodland communities dominated by eucalypts and a large pocket of dry rainforest. A steep but short five-kilometre drive from the base of the mountain will have you proudly feeling ‘on top of the world’ as you discover trails leading to magical and remarkable lookouts.

Don’t miss the newly constructed Nurim Circuit Elevated Board Walk extends 25 metres outwards and is 7.5 metres high, providing perfect photo opportunities with the whole family.

And if you feel like you are being watched on your adventure through Mount Archer National Park, you probably are…

Mount Archer is home to a variety of woodland birds including vulnerable powerful owls and black cockatoos. If you tread carefully and keep very quiet, you may even sneak a peak of rock-wallabies searching for a drink.

The National Park has barbeques, toilet facilities and plenty of tables or grassed areas to spread out the picnic rug.

“Make some time this weekend to discover the natural beauty of Mount Archer. With endless fun and unforgettable memories for the entire family, you won’t be disappointed,” said Ms Carroll.

(Pictured: Clancy Anderson)