The transformation of leafy John Bray Park, north of Brisbane, has seen the addition of a nature-themed playground with a scribbly gum theme throughout. Featuring a large play tower, slides, swings, exercise equipment, sports courts and paths, it makes for a fun destination for the whole family.

John Bray Park Playground

Nestled in suburbia, and surrounded by mature and newly planted trees is the John Bray Park playground, accessed from Walsham Street.

Wide concrete paths lead from the off-street car parks to the sprawling, unfenced play area.

Near the car park you will find the first of the water play features which is a water pump, that once activated, sees water trickle down the channel. Can you find the checky frog statues hiding??

Looking up your eyes will be drawn to the large play tower, which takes inspiration from a scribbly gum moth cocoon. With multiple access points, once at the top you can exit to ground level from one of two slides, or trip trap across the enclosed net bridge to reach the other side.

At the end of the tower is a small space for toddlers to play with climbing equipment, a small slide and a play panel and shop front underneath.

Separate to the play tower you will find an accessible carousel, five-way swings (standard, toddler, high back and face-to-face swings), stepping and balancing logs, as well as a zippy flying fox.

Another water play area can be found next to the play tower and is activated by pressing a button. Mist then appears from the nearby large, round rocks.

A sports court with pickleball markings and a separate basketball court are situated next to the playground, as is a table tennis table, outdoor exercise equipment, and toilet facilities.

Aside from the play equipment at John Bray Park, this area is perfect for exploring nature. Bring the binoculars, sketch pad, camera or just a sense of adventure, as you explore the flora and fauna in the surrounding area.

Follow the pathways and discover cute little bridges, listen to the different bird calls, search for unique scribbly gum trees (yes, it actually looks like someone has scribbled on the tree trunks) and even try your luck at spotting a koala in the wild!! (We found lots of scat (koala poo) on out visit and lots of trees which look ideal for these gorgeous creatures).

Bring your wheels too – the pathways lend themselves to scooters, bike riding, walking or pushing a pram or wheelchair.

If you venture further into John Bray Park, you will also uncover an 18-hole disc golf course, which could be a fun, free activity for the family to enjoy together (just bring your own discs/frisbees).

Imagination Factor at John Bray Park

This expansive park and playground is the perfect environment for children to exercise their legs and imagination. Are they explorers searching for undiscovered treasures or animals? Or are they scaling to new heights? Bring the binoculars, magnifying glass or just your eagle eyes to see what you can spy.

Hide and seek or tiggy is another fun game which could be played at John Bray Park (a great way to make new friends).

Accessibility at John Bray Park

John Bray Park and the playground has accessible components throughout, with large, concrete pathways weaving about the whole park, including the new playground area.

In regard to accessible equipment there is an accessible carousel which is flush with the ground and suitable for wheelchairs. It also has a little seat for those who wish to be seated and spin.

Additionally, there are several swings including a high back swing (no harness just a lap chain), a standard swing, toddler swings and a face-to-face swing, where an adult can swing facing their baby/toddler.

Components of the playground are shaded throughout the day by mature trees, but obviously this is dependent on the position of the sun.

The paths are nice and wide and feature heavily throughout the play area, but also beyond, so take the time to enjoy the lovely, shaded pathways that runs to the left and right behind the playground.

To round out this playground there is an amenities block which includes an accessible stall and baby change table.

John Bray Park features

Unfenced playground
Accessible toilets
Large climbing tower
- Net bridge
- Tunnel slide
- Standard slide
- Fire pole
- Toddler slide
Five-way swing including face-to-face, toddler, high back and standard
Accessible carousel
Stepping and balancing logs
Misting water play elements
Wet/dry creek bed with water pump
Full size basketball court
Multi-sports court including pickleball court
Table tennis table (BYO equipment)
Outdoor exercise equipment
Walking and bike pathways
Bike racks
18-hole disc golf course (nearby in John Bray Park)
Grassy, open space
Covered picnic facilities
BBQ’s
Water taps
Multiple rubbish bins
Off-street car parking including accessible spaces

While You Are in the Area

Extend the playground fun by visiting The Mill at Petrie where you will find an awesome playground suitable for big and little kids and a water play area. Pine Rivers Park is also nearby (about 5km away) and is well worth a visit. It contains several fenced play areas, lots of space, awesome picnic facilities and a 18-hole disc golf course.

What We Thought of John Bray Park

Spending time at this playground was a pleasant surprise. There’s enough to entertain the kids whether they want to play, ride or enjoy their chosen sport, you just need to be prepared and bring the basketball, scooters, football, table tennis gear etc.

Listening to the active birdlife among the trees was so delightful and made us feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of busy suburbia.

How to Get to John Bray Park

You can find John Bray Park at Walsham Street, Bray Park.

Be careful if using electronic maps to navigate to John Bray Park as the park area is quite sprawling. The playground component is located down the end of Walsham Street, so input this into the maps to find the right spot.

If utilising public transport there is a pathway connecting the park to nearby Bray Park Train Station, which is about 600m away.