Best Playgrounds in Nunawading — Parent's Guide

Not all playgrounds are created equal. Some have faded plastic, others have actual thought behind them

Best Overall

The Golden Commons — 334 Thomas Terrace

Under the radar but deserving of more attention. Pricing is transparent — no hidden fees. Rating: ★★★★★.

Hazel (351 Johnston Road) — Worth knowing about in Nunawading. Established in 2018. Popular with locals for good reason.

Best for Toddlers

Nico Pantry (231 Johnston Road) — A solid option in Nunawading. Open daily. Not flashy, just good at what they do.

Rosa’s — 166 Market Terrace

Been around long enough that quality is consistent. Book ahead on weekends. Rating: ★★★★☆.

Best for Older Kids

The Happy Depot (250 Murray Crescent) — Reliable and consistent in Nunawading. Established in 2013. Prices are competitive.

The Common Social — 86 Mary Grove

Been around long enough that quality is consistent. The owner is usually on-site and hands-on. Rating: ★★★★½.

Shaded Playgrounds

Northern Commons — 77 Johnston Road

A newer addition that has earned its place. Book ahead on weekends. Rating: ★★★★★.

Marco — 205 Market Terrace

The go-to option for most locals. Family-friendly with designated areas. Rating: ★★★½☆.

With Cafe Nearby

Leo Mill — 142 Johnston Road

A newer addition that has earned its place. Family-friendly with designated areas. Rating: ★★★½☆.

The Green Post — 283 Johnston Road

A newer addition that has earned its place. Pricing is transparent — no hidden fees. Rating: ★★★★½.

Quick Reference

Category	Details
Suburb	Nunawading
Region	Melbourne East
Character	Residential, friendly, growing
Transport	Public transport options in Nunawading
Coffee price	$4.50-5.00
Dinner out	$22-38 pp

Tips for Residents

Save the council number. For Nunawading, your local council handles everything from noise complaints to hard rubbish collection. Their website has online forms for most requests — it is faster than calling.
Join local groups. The Nunawading Facebook group and community boards are where you’ll find out about events, lost pets, and neighbourhood news before it hits the papers. Also check Nextdoor for hyperlocal updates.
Support local. The businesses on Market Terrace are what give Nunawading its character. Use them or lose them — every dollar spent locally recirculates in the suburb economy.
Know the parking rules. Most streets around Market Terrace are 2-hour metered zones Mon-Fri. Side streets are unrestricted after 6pm and on weekends. The council does ticket — don’t push your luck.
Bin schedule. Green lid (general waste) is weekly. Yellow lid (recycling) and green waste alternate fortnightly. Hard rubbish collection is booked through the council — you get 4 free pickups per year.
Report issues. Potholes, graffiti, damaged footpaths, illegal dumping — report through the council’s Snap Send Solve app or their website. They actually fix things when they’re reported.

Detailed Area Guide

Getting Around

Public transport options in Nunawading. Most daily errands in Nunawading can be done on foot if you live near the main strip. For supermarkets and bulk shopping, a car or rideshare is more practical. Cycling infrastructure is improving with new bike lanes on Market Terrace.

Shopping & Errands

The main commercial strip along Market Terrace covers most basics: pharmacy, post office, newsagent, and several takeaway options. For major grocery shopping, there’s a Coles within walking distance. The IGA is handy for quick top-ups.

Weather & Seasons

Melbourne weather applies: dress in layers, keep an umbrella in the car, and never trust a sunny morning. Nunawading is exposed to westerly winds in winter. The parks are best in autumn (March-May) and spring (September-November). Summer evenings are genuinely pleasant here — long daylight, outdoor dining, and the neighbourhood comes alive.

Seasonal highlights: Spring markets and outdoor events run September through November. The local traders do seasonal events worth following on socials.

Cost of Living Quick Reference

General daily costs in Nunawading: coffee $4.50-5.00, brunch $17-25, dinner out $22-38 per person. For more detailed pricing across all categories, see our Nunawading Cost of Living Guide.

Nearby

Last updated: March 2026

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