🌿 A ripper spot to chill, play, and watch the river flow with your mates and ankle-biters!

Richard Ballard Park Goolwa - Riverside Playground & Picnic Haven - Main park image showing the beautiful facilities and surroundings

Richard Ballard Park in Goolwa is a beaut riverside spot perfect for families, dog walkers, and anyone keen on a peaceful arvo by the water. The park features a playground, shaded picnic areas, public toilets, and a paved bike path that runs alongside the river. Locals love watching boats, birdwatching, and enjoying the sea breeze under Norfolk Island pines. With a BBQ and a nearby cafe, it’s a top choice for a laid-back day out with the kids or a quick dog walk. The views across to Hindmarsh Island and the connecting bridge add a scenic backdrop to your visit.

📍 Park Information

📍 Address	206 Liverpool Rd, Goolwa SA 5214, Australia
📞 Phone	+61 8 8555 7000
🌐 Website	Website
⭐ Rating	4.4/5 (157 reviews)
🏙️ City	Goolwa
🗺️ Coordinates	Google Map Link
🏗️ Facilities	playground public toilets bbq shade picnic shelter bike path cafe

🕐 Opening Hours

Day	Hours
Wednesday	Open 24 hours
Thursday	Open 24 hours
Friday	Open 24 hours
Saturday	Open 24 hours
Sunday	Open 24 hours
Monday	Open 24 hours
Tuesday	Open 24 hours

⭐ What Makes This Park Special

Family Playground Fun ✅

This park’s playground is a hit with the ankle-biters, offering plenty of fun in a safe spot right next to shady Norfolk Island pines. While the playground itself catches the sun, there’s plenty of shade nearby for parents to chill out and keep an eye on the kids. The playground is part of a well-planned linear park that also includes a gazebo and picnic areas, making it a bonza place for a family arvo. Plus, the nearby BBQ and cafe across the road mean you can easily keep the little ones fed and happy.

Beautiful Views That'll Take Your Breath Away 🌅

Richard Ballard Park boasts stunning views across the Murray River to Hindmarsh Island and the connecting bridge, making it a top spot for a relaxing sit-down or picnic. Locals and visitors alike love watching the boating action on the river while enjoying the cool sea breeze. The shady Norfolk Island pines provide a peaceful retreat from the sun, and the river walk is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a catch-up with mates. It’s a ripper place to soak up some natural beauty and watch the world go by.

Chill Out Spots & Picnic Areas 🍃

If you’re after a laid-back arvo, this park’s got you covered with shady picnic shelters, BBQ facilities, and plenty of green space to throw down a rug. The shady spots under the Norfolk Island pines are perfect for escaping the midday sun, while the gazebo near the playground offers a great place to gather with family or mates. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite or settling in for a longer catch-up, the peaceful river setting and friendly vibe make it a top choice for relaxation.

Active Fun with Bike Paths & Exercise Gear 🚴‍♂️

For those keen on a bit of exercise, Richard Ballard Park features a paved bike path that runs through the park, popular with cyclists and walkers alike. There’s also some exercise gear tucked under the shade of trees, providing a handy spot for a quick workout. The flat, scenic paths make it easy for families to get moving, whether you’re pushing the pram, riding with the kids, or just keen for a gentle stroll along the riverbank.

Top-Notch Amenities & Easy Access 🚻

This park ticks all the boxes for a hassle-free visit with public toilets nearby, shaded areas, and a handy BBQ for a quick cook-up. Parking is available close to the main street, and a cafe just across the road means you’re never far from a cuppa or a snack. The park is well maintained and family-friendly, making it a great spot for locals and visitors to relax or meet up without fuss.

💬 What Visitors Are Saying

Nice linear park with playground, toilets, shade, overlooking the river.
A very nice well keeped park near main street, with nice views across the river to Hindmarsh Island and connecting bridge.
Great spot just to sit watch the river with my clients 💜 we always see birds just gourgeous
Awesome view along a beautiful river walk… great spot for a picnic and meeting place for friends, dogwalkers, birdwatchers,or people fishing
We launched the jetski up the road and came back to the playground and gazebo for the kids. Also has a bbq although we didnt use that
My favourite place for sitting by the Murray River in Goolwa. Shady place under the Norfolk Island pines, next to the playground, near the toilets and opposite a Cafe.
It's a nice park and there's nice people around these parts.
Good for walkers and taking the dog too (MUST b on a lead though)
Nice shady area with exercise gear under shade of trees sadly kids playground out in full sun
This is a great place