Eltham Lower Park Accessible Play Space

The best because of the train (Diamond Valley Miniature Railway). There are a couple of nice ovals for playing sports or flying a kite, but the miniature train is exceptional. I wouldn't be surprised if it is the best you'll find in Australia. You can take the kids on a ride, there are lots of trains running so they can see steam trains, diesel, etc. The Trains only run on Sundays and some other days though.

This playground has been totally renovated (early 2013)
It is now a brand new access all abilities playground. New playground is fully fenced. Has a great sandpit and water play area. Very popular swings and flying fox. Seemed good for all ages. Very natural setting, with bush surrounds and statues to explore.
Generally speaking was quite busy and very crowded, but a great park. Not sure why they only put one slide, because there was even a queue for that! I guess lots of people go there after seeing the trains. They are still awesome and highly recommended!

The new Eltham Lower Park is a celebration of two of my favourite topics: inclusiveness and indigenous flora and fauna. The park's theme is the Eltham Copper Butterfly and if you read all the information panels you'll come away with a pretty good knowledge of the unique relationship between the butterfly, the sweet bursaria tree and ants!

The playground is beautifully designed and ticks all the boxes for inclusiveness. You can park right out the front where you'll see beautiful landscaping and some pretty impressive looking public toilets which are fully accessible. Once through the stunning gate (with childproof latch) you can follow a pathway that is dotted with tactile panels with Braille and Auslan symbols; they're fascinating.

The playground is large, with plenty of space between each piece of equipment. There's a wheelchair-accessible carousel, a nest swing, regular swings, a lumpy hill to climb with a tunnel slide down the other side, a whirligig and a double flying fox (one with pommel, the other a harness seat).

The theme makes for a beautiful play space with caterpillar shaped platforms and sculptures, ants, and a stunning copper butterfly climbing wall. There is a dry creek bed sandpit with accompanying elevated sand tables and a water pump. And if you haven't had enough fun by now, have a look at yourself and your kids in the wobbly mirrors!

Throughout the park there are tables, chairs and covered barbecues. The trees provide dappled shade for much of the playground, although the climbing butterfly is quite exposed to sun. There are quite a few new plantings of indigenous grasses and of course the sweet bursaria.

This is truly a stunning playground and is well worth travelling to.

Fenced playground called Eltham Butterfly Park/Playground.
Other amenities: Fenced off leash area, oval, bush walking tracks, BBQs, toilets and miniature railway (Diamond Valley
Railway).

Nearby Cafes: Zen Den (somewhat child friendly - has fenced outdoor seating) about 15
- 20min (adult) walk from park, Second Home (not very child friendly - really good
food and coffee), 20min (adult) walk from park, Petty’s Orchard (Lower
Templestowe) - approx 40 - 60min walk (adult) from park, GREAT for kids - has
¾ fenced playground and plenty of places to sit so you can watch the kids.