Bill Thomson Park is the big castle playground at Elanora, set on the grassy banks of Pine Lake. The playspace is one large grey-and-khaki fort, with pink-roofed turrets, crown and shield crests, timber walls and a maze of platforms, ladders and rope bridges linking it all together. A long enclosed green tube slide spirals down from the top tower, and there is an open slide, a crawl tunnel and a climbing wall dotted with green hand-holds.

The marquee piece is the flying fox that runs along the lakeside, and there is a proper swing set with a nest swing and a toddler seat, plus spring rockers for the little ones. It is aimed at slightly older, more confident climbers, but agile toddlers can potter around the lower level and the swings while the big kids take on the towers.

It sits in open parkland with mature gum trees, so there is room to run and kick a ball, and the surrounds had a refresh in 2025 that added a new full-size basketball court, a barbecue, an extra picnic shelter and a drinking fountain. There are toilets with disability access and off-street parking on Murtha Drive. One thing to know before you go: the playground is not fenced and Pine Lake is close by, so keep any little ones who like to bolt within arm's reach.