Tucked between the Burke Road overpass and the Monash Freeway in Glen Iris is where you will find Howard Dawson Reserve Playground. The shaded park is quite hidden making it a great secret playground (every time we have visited we’ve had it all to ourselves).

The main play structure is suspended from the ground and resembles a castle tower with its peaked roofs. My kids love playing hide and seek chase all over its wobbly bridges, ramps, climbing ladders, stairs and slides. Other surrounding play equipment includes a spinning carousel, spring rocker, rock climbing wall, multiple swings, monkey bars, small flying fox and a bouncing see-saw pommel swing.

There’s also the South Camberwell tennis club, sporting oval to kick a ball or fly a kite when windy, barbecue facilities, picnic tables, half court basketball ring and public toilets (amen!).