The Mill Petrie | Waterpark and Playground

The Mill waterpark and playground, stands proudly next door to the University of Sunshine Coast (Moreton Bay), and is home to a free waterplay area, the oval and a terrific playground complete with picnic areas and BBQ facilities. This play space is definitely one to add to your ‘must visit playgrounds’ list!

The History of The Mill

The end of 2020 saw the opening of a spacious recreation reserve in Petrie – The Mill at Moreton Bay.

The $11.5 million development stands on site of the former Petrie Paper Mill, which was in continuous production from December 1957 until its closure in 2013. The Moreton Bay Regional Council purchased the site in 2015, and the rest, as they say, is history.

In a nod to the former Paper Mill, equipment depicting rolls of paper can be found throughout the play space on the adventure tower, tipping bucket and embankment slide (see if the kids can spot them.)

The Mill Playground

There are two distinct play areas at The Mill, which are separate to the water play area. A toddler play space and another area suited to the bigger kids. Between these two areas is a more universal play area.

In the toddler area you will find a colourful fort which contains a slide, climbing nets, bridges, play panels, ladders and a tunnel. Little ones can clamber over the equipment, which is relatively low to the ground, and enjoy calling out to others as they make it up the steps or climbing nets.

Between the toddler and older kids play area is a universal play space which is home to a spinner, embankment slide, nest swing, cone climber and accessible roundabout.

The bigger children are well catered for with a massive adventure tower, which can be seen as you enter the area, standing at over 8m high. There are a series of levels in the tower which can be accessed by rope ladders and nets. Two tunnel slides help users exit the levels.

From the lower level a straight tunnel slide available, whilst a twisty tunnel slide extends from the top level. The tower is made for children but can be accessed by adults if the need should arise (we’ve all had those times when your little one gets to the top but can’t get down and needs your help.)

There are several viewing spots from the tower which affords great views over the playground and surrounding areas. A single flying fox is situated beside the tower and will see children zooming back and forth, seeing who can go the fastest (or perhaps the slowest.)

Waterplay at The Mill

Children, especially toddlers and younger primary school age children, will love splashing about in the waterplay area at The Mill.

Set on one level (which makes supervision easy), the water play area has several shooting fountains which spray water into the air. The kids will be squealing with delight as they move about trying to dodge the water jets or closing the gates in the shallow channels to halt the flow of water.

At times the jets of water will lay dormant, waiting for just the right moment to shoot up, so adults, make sure you watch where you are walking!

The main drawcard, especially for the bigger kids, in the tipping bucket. Situated at one end of the splash pad area, kids will be buzzing with anticipation as they wait for the cylinder to fill, trying to work out when it will tip.

Given the large stream of water that comes tumbling out of the bucket, you need to pay close attention and make sure little ones aren’t under it when it tips.

A sheltered area with seating is positioned right beside the water play area, though it does get busy, especially on the weekends, holidays and warmer days. Shade sails have been erected over parts of the water play area, though depending on the position of the sun, not all areas will be protected, therefore consider adequate sun protection.

The Mill Petrie Opening Hours

The waterplay zone is open 365 days a year but will close during electrical storms. The general hours of operation are:

1 September – 31 March (8am to 6pm)
1 April – 31 August (10am – 4pm)

Things to Consider When Visiting The Mill at Moreton Bay

If you plan on visiting The Mill at Moreton Bay, here are a few things to consider:

Bring a towel and change of clothes for everyone, even if you don’t intend on getting wet. Children move between the waterplay area and playground, so play equipment if often wet and if you happen to be in the vicinity of the tipping bucket when it drains its contents you may also get wet!
Pack plenty of sun protection e.g. Sunscreen, hats etc as the trees around the play area are not yet established and shade is limited to some shelters and shade sails.
If visiting with multiple children, consider bringing another set of eyes and hands, as the waterplay area, toddler play space and adventure tower are slightly separated by shrubs and pathways, so little ones could easily escape your vision.

Accessibility at The Mill

The playgrounds are set on a soft rubber base and is flat, making access relatively easy. There is an accessible roundabout, which is fun for all abilities.

Interconnecting concrete paths weave throughout the play and waterplay area, leading from the carparks, to the toilets, play areas and beyond.

The splash pad area is flat, with several fountains shooting upwards as well as a tipping bucket.

There are several designated accessible parking spaces around the park and an accessible toilet, which is also home to a fold-down change table.

The Mill at Moreton Bay Features

Playgrounds
- Toddler fort with nets, ladders, bridges and slide
- Swings (toddler and standard)
- Embankment slide
- Spinner
- Cone climber
- Roundabout (wheelchair accessible)
- Adventure tower with two tunnel slides (at upper and lower levels)
- Flying fox
Waterplay area – splash pad with fountains and tipping water bucket
Oval with cricket pitch
Amphitheatre
Picnic tables and shelters
Electric BBQ’s
Filtered water stations
Rubbish bins
Bike paths and bike racks
Accessible toilets with baby change facilities
Outdoor shower (near toilet block)
Off-street parking

While You Are in the Area

Before our after your playground visit why not discover some of the wonderful gems in the nearby area. Enjoy a picnic among the trees and by the lake at Bullocky Rest or go looking for koalas at Sweeney Reserve.

Other mega playgrounds in the Moreton Bay region include Pine Rivers Park and The Hills Playground at Arana Hills.

What We Thought of The Mill

Visiting The Mill is always a hit with our family. Zipping across the flying fox or scaling the tower and zooming down the slides is always a big hit with the kids.

In the warmer months getting wet in the waterplay area is always fun (will you and your family be game enough to stand under the big tipping bucket!?)

Mr 11 likes to bring a ball with him, whether it be a soccer, football or tennis ball, and enjoys utilising the large open, grassy space (The Oval) to play with his family or friends.