Playgrounds in Werribee

All six are free, so the choice comes down to water versus climbing. Riverwalk Village Park is the water pick: the visitor guide describes fountains, water tunnels, sprinklers and sprays, and reviewers say the shallow, controlled water play plus a playground with several challenge levels and BBQ areas easily fills two hours. Its drawback is toilets at the far end near the skate park. Village Park Playground covers similar ground with water jets, now under shade, and climbing structures, though its two slides suit older children rather than babies.

For climbers, Cornerstone Raffles Walk Park - Peet is built around bouldering rocks and a rope course, and the visitor guide's Top 10 list says the giant boulders push kids out of their comfort zone. It is spacious, has a covered shelter and a water tap, but no toilets. Townley Boulevard Playground pairs a rope web and bird's nest swing with a basketball half court and BBQ shelter; reviewers put its sweet spot at ages 3 to 10 and note under-3s have few options.

Harpley Estate Playground is the discovery option: two flying foxes, one with harness seating for younger children, and a treasure hunt of 50-plus hidden animals that reviewers say can take an hour on its own. The visitor guide's Top 10 calls it one of the best playgrounds in Melbourne. No toilets here either, and snakes have been spotted off the cleared paths.

Wyndham Park Play Space is the all-rounder: a 12-metre tower with a twisting tunnel slide at the west end, a nature play area with water about 250 metres east, a double flying fox, two BBQ areas and shaded seating, all a five-minute walk from Werribee Station. RACV calls it a fantastic example of how good a playground can be. Expect crowds on warm weekends and school holidays.