![Pictures by Phillip Biggs, Paul Scambler and Craig George Pictures by Phillip Biggs, Paul Scambler and Craig George](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/H9AemfQ3cDaTrBwqEFxwv/0d9c3248-798e-4fd6-88a3-288005f311fc.png/r0_0_1600_900_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Launceston is often heralded as Australia's most family-friendly city.
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And when you consider the smorgasbord of playgrounds on offer - many of which are nestled among scenically spectacular locations - it really comes as no surprise.
Here are seven of our favourite Launceston playgrounds - vote for yours in the poll below!
![Heritage Forest. Picture by Phillip Biggs Heritage Forest. Picture by Phillip Biggs](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/H9AemfQ3cDaTrBwqEFxwv/843f6bf1-3920-4ba2-875a-8136bd881726.jpg/r0_0_1600_900_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
7. HERITAGE FOREST
Sell it to me: A 40-metre flying fox with an all-abilities seat headlines a playground that oozes Australiana vibes, not least thanks to a resident giant Tasmanian Tiger. There's play equipment for toddlers and children and a dog park nearby.
Pros: Surrounded by walking and bike trails and situated well away from traffic.
Cons: No nearby cafes.
Pro tip: Access via Conway Street in Mowbray.
![The Cataract Gorge playground. Picture by Phillip Biggs The Cataract Gorge playground. Picture by Phillip Biggs](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/H9AemfQ3cDaTrBwqEFxwv/160ece48-4f7c-4e6a-ae9f-669af07ffa2c.jpg/r1011_522_4100_2766_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
6. CATARACT GORGE
Sell it to me: You won't find a more scenic playground than Cataract Gorge. The circa-2019 offering is fitted out with some cracking nature-based play equipment and Launceston's only giant hamster wheel.
Pros: Grounds are immaculate, the pool, cafe and toilets are nearby and there's plenty of great walking trails.
Cons: Pushing a pram uphill to the carpark is the equivalent of a Tour de France category 1 climb, no balls allowed on the lawn.
Coffee? Basin Cafe, Gorge Restaurant.
Pro tip: Pack spare socks and shoes for the water play equipment.
![Punchbowl Reserve. Picture by Paul Scambler Punchbowl Reserve. Picture by Paul Scambler](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/H9AemfQ3cDaTrBwqEFxwv/13f6b55d-5242-4598-852b-f5cb11cf11a4.jpg/r0_168_5392_3451_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
5. PUNCHBOWL
Also known as: Punchy, the 'Bowl.
Sell it to me: A great all-rounder boasting a playground, flat green areas, barbecues and a duck pond. There's also a short walk to a 'natural rock fissure', which sounds like a brown bear, but is actually a waterfall.
Pros: Superb parking, ideal for birthday parties, lots of ducks and native hens.
Cons: The ducks and native hens could keep the lawns a bit tidier couldn't they.
Pro tip: The rivulet is great for leaf racing.
![St Georges Square. Picture by Phillip Biggs St Georges Square. Picture by Phillip Biggs](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/H9AemfQ3cDaTrBwqEFxwv/6f51ba08-75aa-4575-bd85-fd48ccadfc76.jpg/r0_211_4567_3333_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
4. ST GEORGES SQUARE
Also known as: High Street, Acorn Park.
Sell it to me: There's something surprisingly enchanting about St Georges Square. Parking is easy, there's a good selection of play equipment and it's usually less busy than some of the other major playgrounds.
Pros: Lots of established trees, traffic gives off some bustling city vibes.
Cons: Can be a bit damp, close to a busy road.
Coffee? Cuccina, Le Cafe, Relish, Alps and Amici, Maple, Gigi.
Pro tip: Use Arthur or Ann Street to park on the bottom side of the hill.
![Royal Park. Pictures by Phillip Biggs Royal Park. Pictures by Phillip Biggs](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/H9AemfQ3cDaTrBwqEFxwv/98e90e85-50eb-430d-b9b5-bcf4aeb03f6b.jpg/r0_0_1600_900_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
3. ROYAL PARK
Also known as: The Lions Endeavour
Sell it to me: Royal Park has a toddler-friendly pirate ship, climbing equipment for older kids, and an outdoor exercise gym - all overlooking Tamar Yacht Club and Kings Bridge. There's also plenty of green space ideal for ball games and exercising your dog.
Pros: Wheelchair friendly roundabout, cracking boardwalk through to Seaport and Riverbend.
Cons: Finding free parking can be tough.
Coffee? Juice Bar Fifty-Five, Hallams, Stillwater.
Pro tip: Bring buckets and shovels for the pirate ship gravel.
![City Park. Picture by Phillip Biggs City Park. Picture by Phillip Biggs](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/H9AemfQ3cDaTrBwqEFxwv/6e8cfb35-8a35-4550-8dfc-90b7b169026c.jpg/r0_0_5000_3333_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
2. CITY PARK
Also known as: The monkey park.
Sell it to me: Launceston's grand old dame has an undeniable charm and is the definition of activity-packed. Immaculate grounds and lovingly-kept gardens envelop a duck pond, monkey enclosure, the City Park Train and endless picnic spots.
Pros: Convenient CBD location, has something for everyone.
Cons: Hutch has been a gallant performer but is overdue for a repaint. Parking could get trickier when the uni moves in.
Coffee? Bread and Butter, Oak Tree Cafe, Devil's Own Ice Creamery.
Pro tip: The weeing conservatory statue is a surefire hit with the kids.
![The skywalk at Riverbend Park. Picture by Phillip Biggs The skywalk at Riverbend Park. Picture by Phillip Biggs](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/H9AemfQ3cDaTrBwqEFxwv/0d4a2339-8578-4cea-ba8e-b1fcdfee319e.jpg/r0_233_5000_3055_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
1. RIVERBEND PARK
Sell it to me: What do you say about the park that has it all? This place is the pinnacle. Great parking, ideal for birthday parties, close to the CBD and well-planned-out. Two full-sized basketball courts and ample green space.
Pros: Has equipment for all age groups and is by far Launceston's best playground for older kids.
Cons: Can get very busy.
Coffee? Grain of the Silos, Boathouse Coffee, plus a selection of cafes/ restaurants at Seaport.
Pro tip: BYO bats and balls for outdoor table tennis.
...and three you mightn't know about
Happy to take a short road trip for a change-up? These three are good value...
![Blackstone Heights Reserve. Pictures by Phillip Biggs Blackstone Heights Reserve. Pictures by Phillip Biggs](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/H9AemfQ3cDaTrBwqEFxwv/14c9ae15-8711-47df-ac83-385e5f9d706a.jpg/r0_0_1600_900_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
BLACKSTONE HEIGHTS
Sell it to me: Blackstone Heights has two playground areas on the edge of Lake Trevallyn. The bigger of the two boasts a flying fox and multi-sport court, while the second is just a short walk down to the lake.
![Equipment at the Legana playground. Pictures by Craig George Equipment at the Legana playground. Pictures by Craig George](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/H9AemfQ3cDaTrBwqEFxwv/2c43ccff-ec24-462a-bc7c-4ee47be3b51f.jpg/r0_0_1600_900_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
LEGANA
Sell it to me: Situated between the cricket ground and the back of Woolworths, this newly-upgraded playground has a BMX track, full basketball court and an array of modern play equipment.
![Longford Village Green. File picture Longford Village Green. File picture](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/H9AemfQ3cDaTrBwqEFxwv/86a61626-1661-450c-8b58-f1e8e481d519.jpg/r0_0_1017_574_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
LONGFORD
Sell it to me: Enjoying prime real estate on the Longford Village Green, this playground features an electronic gaming component for older kids and motor-themed equipment for younger children. A great mix of play equipment and close to JJs Bakery Cafe.
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