Greythorn Park Playground, Frank Street, Balwyn North



Greythorn Park Playground, Frank Street, Balwyn North

As you climb up the hill from Frank Street, there is expectation like an explorer discovering a new Amazonian tribe - the top of the hill is not exactly the Amazon but you will not be disappointed nevertheless.

Greythorn Park Playground, Frank Street, Balwyn North

A super cute part of the playground is the Greythorn Park wildlife sanctuary which is a nod to the history of the site where you can get a ride on a wooden camel and see a quokka, kangaroo springer and wombat springer.

Greythorn Park Playground, Frank Street, Balwyn North

William Robert Maughan opened his animal sanctuary fronting Greythorn Road in 1939. A popular tourist attraction, it drew over 7 million customers. The sanctuary was frequented by local and international visitors. Entry to the park cost 1 shilling (10 cents) and included a free bunch of flowers from Maughan's violet farm next door!

The sanctuary had an 'animal circus' with performing monkeys, dogs and ponies. There were free rides for children on donkeys, camels, a merry-go-round and a small train. Major events included an RSL Christmas party for the children of fallen soldiers, a 'Picnic for Migrants' and a Mardi Gras Carnival.

On weekends a four-horse drag transported visitors to the sanctuary from the tram stop on Whitehorse Road.

In 1948 new laws were introduced restricting the number and type of animals allowed in captivity. Permits were granted for most of Maughan's animals but these were later revoked, forcing Maughan to reduce his exhibits from over 200 to just 80 animals. He was prohibited from keeping koalas and some bird species. Maughan believed that the only sound method of preserving Australian fauna was to bring people to understand and appreciate our birds and animals. He felt he had been 'victimised' and closed the park on 9 February 1954. The names of two local streets, Maughan Parade and Wildlife Parade are a reminder of the area's colourful past.

Bill (as he was known to the locals) lived on-site with his family. A nature lover, he wished to live among the animals and birds. Native animals including koalas, kangaroos, wombats, Tasmanian devils, wedge tailed eagles and emus all lived in the sanctuary. Peacocks, ostriches and pheasants roamed freely throughout the grounds. Maughan once spent eight years searching the country for a rare, white kangaroo.

William Maughan was a charitable man and used Wild Life Sanctuary to raise money for charity. A 'donkey derby' in 1942 raised 250 pounds for the Melbourne District Nursing Society. He also raised money for the Royal Children's Hospital, the Tally Ho Boys' Village, the Returned Services League and the Royal District Nursing Society After-care Hospital. In 1951 Maughan provided additional land for the expansion of Greythorn Park.

The main play structure is under a shade sail. A ramp leads up to a rope bridge and steep wave slide. The structure also has a small slide, clock panel, pipes to hit a clanger against, monkey bars, flying fox and a rope bridge which leads to a big rope climbing cone with climbing walls. Under another shade sail are three standard swings and a swing with a harness. The playground also has a birds nest swing, spinning carousel and a water play area with a hand pump where the water runs along a concrete path until it disappears down the drain.

Greythorn Park Playground, Frank Street, Balwyn North

There are two unshaded tables, water tap and big grassy areas. Near the playground is a BBQ, three tables and seats, water tap and toilets.

Photos:





Location


18 Frank Street,  Balwyn North 3104 Map


Web Links


100 Free Water Play Spaces in Melbourne and Regional Victoria


Greythorn Park Playground, Frank Street, Balwyn North18 Frank Street,, Balwyn North, Victoria, 3104