Murnong Circuit Playground, Torquay

A small playground with interactive artwork which celebrates Paturaal, the Hooded Plover. There is a wide metal slide with soft steps on the side, lots of seating and water tap.

Some of the signage at the playground includes:

We should respect and preserve all bird and animal species, as it is Bundjil’s lore to care for all he created. If you listen carefully birds in Wadawurrung country tell you their name. Paturaal (also known as the hooded plover) is one of those birds. Paturaal nests and lays their eggs in the sand; be very quiet as they are easily scared away.

We call Paturaal the NGARRP KUNANG KUINMATJ; meaning ‘the afraid one.’

This playscape is created to reflect and tell the story about the natural habitat of Paturaal in Wadawurrung country.

Fly with Paturaal, the hooded plover

As the wind from the southwest blows through the sand dunes, Paturaal the hooded plover appears; its head black with a red and black beak.

We invite you to play and imagine you are Paturaal as you fly through Wadawurrung country.

Fly like Paturaal through the nests and find the eggs.
Flap through the tunnels with the wind in your wings.
Slide down the sand dunes towards the coastline.
Glide past the native plants and head back to your nest for a rest.
Listen to all the birds in Wadawurrung country.

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