Located on a lovely stretch of the Brisbane River, Hardcastle Park is the perfect playground to escape to on a hot summer afternoon or when chasing the warm winter sun. Catch the CityCat to the nearby Hawthorne CityCat stop and make an adventure of your visit!
Hardcastle Park playground
Hardcastle Park in Hawthorne is right on the Brisbane River and enjoys great views of the CityCats arriving and departing the Hawthorne Ferry Terminal. There is an unfenced playground, separated into two sections.
The main section has a soft fall base and is well shaded throughout the day with a shade sail and big trees. It has a large climbing structure with a nautical theme, with nets suitable for confident climbers. There are two double slides to come down. Around the climber there is a small sandpit with bouncy rockers, a small boat, and several interactive play stations with small discs to spin around – good for toddlers who are too small to climb.
The second play area has a bark base and contains three swings (including a baby swing) and a spinner. There is a grassy area for running around, as well as a half basketball court with one hoop, which is useful for kids wanting to expel some energy and practice their ball skills.
Note – Unfortunately there are no toilet facilities at Hardcastle Park.
Imagination Factor at Hardcastle Park
With a great view over the river, kids will have fun imagining they are the captain of their very own yacht or CityCat. The tooting horns over at the terminal add to the inner-city river vibe and will be sure to excite Brisbane Kids.
Older children will love the challenge of climbing the nets to the top where they can keep an eye out for pirates or make a splash down the slides into the river below. For younger children, the small boat will take a couple of passengers for a cruise down the river.
Consider bringing a bucket and spade to build your own castles in the sandpit or your basketball to shoot some hoops.
Accessibility at Hardcastle Park
There are no toilets at Hardcastle Park.
Shade sails and large trees shade the main section of the playground, but the second smaller section is unshaded for much of the day. Neither section has any fencing. Some short concrete paths run through the park, connecting the carpark to the playground and the CityCat Terminal. Next to the playground, you will find two picnic tables and one electric barbecue shaded by trees.
Hardcastle Park Features
- Main playground (unfenced)
- Shaded
- Soft fall base
- Climber with three nets and two slides (both double)
- Small sandpit
- Bouncy rockers
- Small toy boat
- Activity stations
- Second playground (unfenced)
- Unshaded
- Bark base
- Three swings (including a toddler swing)
- Ride-on spinner
- Grassy open space
- Basketball half-court
- Short bike/walking paths
- Picnic tables (shaded by trees)
- Electric barbecue
- Bench seats
- Small carpark and street parking
- NO toilets
A nearby FENCED playground is Hawthorne Park or perhaps the fun Bulimba Memorial Park.
What We Thought of Hardcastle Park
We enjoyed Hardcastle Park as the climbing ropes are a fun challenge for older kids while the slides, swings and boat keep little explorers busy. Unfortunately, the only way up to the top of the climber is the nets or slides (no steps), which could be a little tricky if an adult needed to get up to a small child quickly.
No toilets make this park a tricky one to frequent with young kids, but it’s a great waiting spot for a citycat which thankfully does have toilets.
How to Get to Hardcastle Park
Hardcastle Park is located on the corner of Malcolm and Gordon Streets in Hawthorne.
Hawthorne QLD 4171, Australia
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