If you are heading to Tropical North Queensland and wondering what to do in Cairns with the kids to keep them occupied at a low cost, my top recommendation is to head to the Cairns Esplanade and discover Muddy’s Playground.
Visiting Muddy’s Playground on the Cairns Esplanade
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Prior to our visit, I spotted Muddy’s Playground on a number of websites but they didn’t really capture how fantastic the place actually is. With both a teenager and a tween travelling with us, we left it off our things to do in Cairns list. Luckily on a walk down the Cairns Esplanade and thought we would casually stroll through its shaded pathway. A few hours later we finally dragged the kids away.
Muddy’s Playground Equipment
Muddy’s Playground runs along the Esplanade adjacent to the shoreline. It is well shaded and has a plethora of equipment.
The playground is separated into two spaces with Muddy’s Cafe in the middle. The Northern end is dedicated to smaller children with a height chart in place to indicate this clearly. This area is fenced, making it a safe place for toddlers to enjoy some independent play.
Muddy’s Playground theme is Life in Trinity Bay with a number of splash areas spread out throughout the park along the side closest to the ocean. Many of the children we observed during our visit were in their swimwear enjoying the splash areas.
This Cairns playground also features a flying fox, sound chimes, track ride, rope bridge, slides, mouse wheels, playhouses, storytelling areas, see-saw, trick track, and puzzle games.
The mouse wheel was Sunshine’s favourite spot. There are two wheels – a large and small.
Accessibility
Not all playgrounds are made equally. Luckily, Muddy’s Playground has been designed with all access in mind. The playground is largely on one level with access to most areas without too much trouble
Muddy’s Playground features a Liberty Swing. The swing uses the MLAK national keying system. Ask for access at Muddy’s Cafe.
BBQ and Picnic Facilities at Muddy’s Playground
Muddy’s Playground has an events lawn, BBQs and picnic tables. The southern end BBQ space is not available for private hire so it is first in best served. The BBQ Curlew to the north of Muddy’s Playground is available for private hire.
Muddy’s Cafe
Muddy’s Cafe can be found in the middle of the park. They offer a wide range of options that are both takeaway or dine in. Breakfast runs until 11.30 am too. The cafe has a wide range of juices and smoothies as well! We found it tricky to decide which to order! Seating is both undercover and outside. Staff are warm and helpful.
Where is Muddy’s Playground in Cairns?
Muddy’s Playground can be found on the Cairns Esplanade around 1 kilometre from the Esplanade lagoon.
The playground is open every day of the year from 9.00 am and 7.00 pm. It doesn’t close for Christmas or Easter, or any other day.
The council is vigilant in maintaining the park, so at times sections of the park are closed for maintenance. On our visit, I was chuffed to watch a council worker collect water to test. It is great to see a park so well looked after
Toilet Facilities
Muddy’s Playground has two toilet facilities which are clean and well maintained. You will find one on the southern end and the other near Muddy’s cafe towards the northern end. They are accessible, well stocked with toilet paper and soap, and the toilets are even self-flushing. We were quite impressed.
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