Kids go wild at new nature playground

THE first stage of a new nature playground at Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary in Knockrow has opened just in time for the summer school holidays.

Designed around the existing mini golf course, the playground features an outdoor messy play kitchen and tables where children can play with water, sand, seeds and nuts, and a large, elevated cubby house.

Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary marketing and commercial manager Cat Gerke said stage two – the final stage – will include a multi-level climbing structure.

“We’re just waiting for the final tick off from Ballina Shire Council, who have been very supportive of the project from day dot,” she said.

“We’re hoping we will get that tick before the end of the year and will be able to build stage two, which is a much bigger concept, as soon as possible in 2025.”

The attraction, previously known as Macadamia Castle, partnered with Queensland company Wearthy to design the playground with strong use of natural and sustainable materials.

“It’s really linked with what our objectives are at the Sanctuary – to increase kids’ awareness and valuation of nature and wildlife,” Gerke said.

The playground, which will have a total cost of around $500,000 when complete, was made possible through the generosity of an anonymous donor after the Sanctuary became a tax-deductible DGR (Deductible Gift Recipient) charity.

The previous playground was damaged in the 2022 floods and the tree it centred around had to be removed.

The attraction also houses Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital, which provides free veterinary care for injured, orphaned, diseased and displaced native animals, and has plans to upgrade its enclosures and redevelop park facilities, including a Reptile House, Nocturnal House and Rainforest Walk.