South Melbourne (Skinners) Adventure Playground

Opening hours are subject to change due to extreme weather events and staffing availability. The playground may be closed unexpectedly for the following reasons: 

• Temperature exceeds 35 degrees  
• Forecast temperature is 38 degrees or above  
• During hail, heavy rain, strong winds and thunderstorms  
• Due to poor air quality from smoke, bush fires or pollution  
• For maintenance, safety audits and staff training  
• Staffing shortages (the playground must be supervised by a minimum two workers) 
• When programs and activities for specific groups of children are being hosted at the playground  

To check if the playground is open, please visit the Skinners Adventure Playground Google page.

Memberships are available for young people aged 5 to 12 years who live in the City of Port Phillip and would benefit from the playgrounds' programs.

If you would like to become a member, please contact the Middle Years Services Team Leader on 0479 187 364 or visit the Playground to speak with a staff member.

Members of the playground are offered the following programs: 

• Breakfast club and South Melbourne Park Primary School drop-off: 7.30am to 8.25am Monday to Friday  
• Boys Group: 5.30 to 7.00pm Wednesdays 
• Girls Group: 5.30 to 7.00pm Thursdays  
• School Holiday Programs: 12pm (midday) to 4.30pm Monday to Friday  

Play Equipment Project Update:

The installation of new equipment at the Moray Street end of Skinners Adventure Playground was commenced in December 2023 and this section of the playground will be ready for use in early February 2024.

Following consultation on the Concept Plan between 17 March and 10 April 2023 with the children who use Skinners Adventure Playground, the Adventure Playground Staff and the community, the Final Plan for the new equipment at Skinners Adventure playground has been developed.

The Final Plan was informed through consultation with playground users and has incorporated four new pieces of play equipment, including:

• An elevated, covered multi-play cubby featuring timber climbing elements, a fireman’s pole, scramble net climber and a circular net climber.
• A multi-play unit with a large tube slide, climbing wall, scramble-net climber and stepping logs.
• a hammock swing.
• an overhead spinner.

The new equipment will be installed at the eastern end of the site only – it does not include changes or upgrades to any of the western end of the site (including the new trampoline).

To receive project updates please visit the have your say page: Skinners Adventure Playground Upgrade | Have Your Say Port Phillip

South Melbourne is unable to accept group bookings such as birthday groups, however, please be in contact for community/NFP type of agency bookings. 

The City of Port Phillip has an ongoing commitment to the safety and well-being of young people.

Adventure Playground Program facilitators follow strict adherence to child safety standards when operating scheduled programs.

We enact these commitments via the Child Safe Standards, formally endorsed by Council on 15 November 2017.

If a staff member suspects or receives a report that a child is the subject of abuse or negative treatment they are obliged to report it through the appropriate channels so it can be escalated through Child Protection authorities.

All complaints raised will be treated with strict privacy, seriousness and confidentiality.

All Adventure Playground Staff have robust prevention, training, supervision and reporting activities to ensure a child’s safety.

For general information on Victoria Government Guidelines and Legislation see Child Safe-Standards Resources DHHS.

For general information on the City of Port Phillips position please, see our Child Safe Standards.