A towering playground and natural bushland means there is something for everyone at this inner west park.

 What can you do there? 

Towering organic structures blending timber and steel are set against the Maribyrnong River and the city’s skyline beyond it. Though Maribyrnong might be best-known for Highpoint Shopping Centre, Pipemakers Park is a great reason to venture here. With a walking track along the river, seating, an educational trail highlighting the park’s history and a clear focus on celebrating the Wurundjeri traditional owners of the area, it’s teeming with things to do. 

Heading down into the playground from the car park, cascading hills lush with native greenery rustle in the breeze while local birds dart around. The descent is full of joys. 

There’s a huge, twisting slide, exciting obstacle courses up to the structure’s summit, sandpits, swings and toilets, historic buildings from the former pipe works and Melbourne’s Living Museum of the West. It’s wheelchair accessible too.

The History of the Land Discovery Trail next to the playground has six beautifully mosaiced spots to explore. What at first seems like a strange mishmash of garden styles, I soon realise, is a purposeful tribute to the eras and peoples who came before. I learn as I walk.

 Who will you find there?

Pipemakers Park is heaving. There are joggers along the river track and couples walking pooches on leads. As I meander along the Discovery Trail, I am greeted by stumbling toddlers excited by all the nooks to explore, their parents coming up behind them. 

In the playground, there are so many kids having fun. Parents, grandparents, friends and babysitters are perched on benches or logs around its perimeter. Some on their laptops take the opportunity to get some work done while the kids are gleefully distracted. I chat with Leone Clay, who is at the park with her two granddaughters, Poppy, 9, and Evie, 7. 

“I was blown away when I got out of the car, walked down here and saw how beautiful it is,” Clay says. “The kids are having an absolute ball, loving the atmosphere – it’s just so natural. I think it is a bit of a secret.” 

I go to find Poppy and Evie, who tell me what they love most about the park.  “I love the big slide,” Evie tells me. “I like how it’s really bushy and stuff, and I just like nature,” Poppy says. 

What’s nearby?

Enjoy a longer stroll around this portion of the lovely Maribyrnong River Trail, which follows the river all through the city’s north-western suburbs. The path is shared by pedestrians and cyclists, and a ride along the water’s edge is a real treat. 

Pick up a picnic

There aren’t many shops around here, but it isn’t an issue with Highpoint only a 10-minute walk from the park. Head into the shopping centre and grab picnic ingredients from the Gourmet Deli House, specialising in high-quality goods, deli meats, gourmet pastas, olives and more. 

Address: Level 2, Highpoint Shopping Centre, 120-200 Rosamond Road, Maribyrnong

Website: highpoint.com.au/

 How to get there

2 Van Ness Avenue, Maribyrnong  Free parking at the entrance.  Catch the 57 tram towards West Maribyrnong to Clyde Street/Raleigh Road (stop 42) and walk about 15 minutes, or catch the 82 tram from Footscray Stations towards Moonee Ponds to Gordon Street/River Street and walk about 10 minutes.