1 / 3Hays Paddock
📍 Kew East, VIC
Hays Paddock combines a recently upgraded playground — water fountains, sand pit, timber climbing fort, rope structures — with natural wetlands, tennis courts, and a dog off-leash area. Free entry, pram-friendly paths, and BBQ facilities.
How did I miss this park?! I suspect it's because my wandering in this area was focused on the other side of the Eastern Freeway, but it recently jumped out at me on the map as one I hadn't visited so (though it looked small) I made the time. It's terrific. And it's larger than it looks. The trails meander around it, thoughtfully placed and well maintained. There are toilets, BBQ areas, sporting areas, a really terrific playground, small wetlands and a creek that runs through it. There's parking at a couple of entry points and an off-leash area. It's not a giant national park (just a suburban green space) but it's a gem.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families with children across a wide age spread — toddlers tackle the sand and water play, older kids work the rope climbers and fort, and parents can walk the wetlands or use the sports courts. The full-day capacity sets it apart from single-activity playgrounds. Dog owners can bring pets to the off-leash zone.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →1,016 Google reviews
Anita Harris
3 years ago
“How did I miss this park?! I suspect it's because my wandering in this area was focused on the other side of the Eastern Freeway, but it recently jumped out at me on the map as one I hadn't visited so (though it looked small) I made the time. It's terrific. And it's larger than it looks. The trails meander around it, thoughtfully placed and well maintained. There are toilets, BBQ areas, sporting areas, a really terrific playground, small wetlands and a creek that runs through it. There's parking at a couple of entry points and an off-leash area. It's not a giant national park (just a suburban green space) but it's a gem.”
Aena Pareek
2 months ago
“Hays Paddock is a huge and beautiful park with something for everyone. There’s a separate playground area for little kids, dedicated spaces for cricket and soccer, excellent tennis courts, and even an archery shooting range. The walking paths are well paved and popular with cyclists, making it great for both walks and rides. The wetlands area is a highlight, attracting various species of ducks and many other birds. Ample parking is available, which makes visiting very convenient. Overall, an amazing park and a great place to spend time outdoors.”
Sherree Collins
a year ago
“Newly upgraded! The kids had a lovely time exploring the park with water play, sand pit, timber fort, slides, rope climbing, and various other activities. There is a wonderful grassy area for picnics and a bird watching look out over the wetlands. When the kids are bored of the park, there is a nice, flat gravel track which goes around the reserve, for walking/jogging or riding your bike around. For added exercise there is a fitness equipment park nearby”
L H
a year ago
“Recently upgraded. A good portion of the playground is shaded with shade cloths, plus benches on the side are shaded too. A large sand pit area, a water play fountain & a good amount of ropes on the play equipment to keep slightly older kids entertained. Also some hammocks to swing in & some other cute creatures to encourage imaginative play. Definitely a great playground for kiddies!”
Reviews from Google
Overview
The upgraded playground features water play fountains, a large sand pit, timber climbing fort, rope climbing structures, slides, and hammocks. Beyond the fenced play area, the park includes grassy picnic lawns, tennis courts, an archery range, cricket and soccer spaces, and a wetlands boardwalk for bird spotting. Flat gravel paths connect all sections and suit bikes and prams. Toilets and BBQ areas are on-site.
