🌿 A ripper spot for a chilled arvo with the kids, a splash on the yak, and a snag on the barbie!

Shapcott Park Coalfalls - Family-Friendly Kayak Launch & Playground - Main park image showing the beautiful facilities and surroundings

Shapcott Park in Coalfalls is a peaceful local gem perfect for families keen on a relaxed day out. It offers a small playground for the kids to run around safely away from the water, plus sheltered picnic tables ideal for a family lunch or a quick snag on the barbie. Kayak enthusiasts will appreciate the functional but steep launch ramp, though paddling is limited to a short stretch due to rapids. While the riverbank is a bit overgrown and water quality questionable, the park remains tidy and quiet, making it a nice spot for a low-key outdoor arvo.

📍 Park Information

📍 Address	Unit 118/116 Gladstone Rd, Coalfalls QLD 4305, Australia
🌐 Website	Website
⭐ Rating	4.1/5 (38 reviews)
🏙️ City	Coalfalls
🗺️ Coordinates	Google Map Link
🏗️ Facilities	playground bbq picnic shelter kayak launch

🕐 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 ✅

Shapcott Park has a small but neat playground where the little tackers can have a good run around well away from the water’s edge, giving parents peace of mind. The play area is clean and tidy, making it a safe spot for the ankle-biters to burn off some energy. Plus, there’s a sheltered picnic table nearby, perfect for a brekkie or lunch break while the kids play. It’s a great spot for families wanting a quiet arvo without the hustle and bustle of bigger parks.

Beautiful Views That'll Take Your Breath Away 🌅

While Shapcott Park is described as peaceful and pretty, the riverbank is quite overgrown with limited clear views of the water. The river itself has some debris and appears a bit polluted, which might put off keen nature lovers. However, the quiet and natural vibe of the place, along with local birdlife, still makes it a nice spot to relax and enjoy a peaceful arvo away from the city noise. Just bring your camera for some tranquil moments rather than postcard-perfect views.

Kayak Launch & Paddling Adventures 🦘

For the water lovers, Shapcott Park offers a kayak launch ramp that’s functional but quite steep and slippery, so be careful getting your yak in and out. The paddling stretch is limited to about 2km due to rapids further along, but it’s a peaceful little paddle perfect for a quick outing. Fishing isn’t allowed because of PFAS contamination, and the river can be a bit tricky to navigate with branches and debris. Still, it’s a handy spot for locals wanting a quick splash on the water.

Chill Out Spots & BBQs for the Whole Fam 🏖️

Shapcott Park is a lovely quiet place to kick back with the family. There are sheltered picnic tables and BBQ areas where you can throw a snag on the barbie and enjoy a relaxed lunch. The park feels peaceful and safe during the day, making it a top choice for a low-key catch-up or a lazy arvo. Just remember to bring your own cleaner for the picnic tables, as some reviews mention they could do with a wipe down.

Things to Keep in Mind When Visiting ⚠️

Several reviews mention the kayak ramp is steep and slippery, so watch your footing when launching. The riverbank is overgrown with limited access or views, and the water quality isn’t great due to debris and pollution. There are no public toilets or drinking water bubblers, so pack accordingly. The park gets quite dark at night and some find it doesn’t feel very safe after dark. Best to visit during daylight hours and bring everything you need for a comfy arvo.

💬 What Visitors Are Saying

There is a small kids play ground. Seems clean and tidy.
Has sheltered picnic table and playground.
Kayak ramp is steep, slippery and has a sharp drop off.
Only a 2km stretch is kayakable here as rapids will stop you going further.
No restrooms or water for drinking or washing.
Nice quiet beautiful and peaceful and good park and area for kids to run around in well away from the water to ! 🙂
Nice park to have lunch at. Just make sure to bring the multi purpose cleaner to wipe off the picnic table.
The riverbank is overgrown, water appears polluted.
Area does not feel particularly safe.
What a great little park in the middle of Ipswich. Areas for BBQ and play spots for the kids.