Marlow Park Playground

In the coastal suburb of St Clair, which graces picturesque Dunedin, lies one of the most beloved family destinations in New Zealand — Marlow Park. More commonly known by locals as the "Dinosaur Park," this space offers a unique blend of fresh ocean breezes and a playground for children's imaginations.

Marlow Park Playground. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The main highlight is the iconic concrete slide in the shape of a giant dinosaur, which generations of young travelers have enjoyed. In addition to the slide, the park features diplodocus swings, a whale sculpture, and serpent climbing frames, turning a simple stroll into a journey through a world of prehistoric giants.

Marlow Park is designed with inclusivity in mind, featuring ramps and specialized equipment accessible for children in wheelchairs. A major upgrade is planned for the near future, which will add modern water zones and parkour areas while carefully preserving its historic charm.

When planning a visit to Marlow Park, it is helpful to have its exact coordinates on hand. The playground is within walking distance of the beach area, making it easy to combine outdoor play with a stroll along the Otago coast.

A visit to Marlow Park is primarily an opportunity for children to stay active outdoors surrounded by whimsical sculptures. The most popular activity remains climbing up the back of the massive dinosaur and taking an exciting trip down through its mouth. For those who love speed, there is a dedicated mini-road with markings and signs where children can learn the basics of cycling or scootering.

Young explorers can discover various themed areas, from climbing nets to the cozy Acorn Village. Meanwhile, parents can enjoy a rest at the picnic tables while taking in the ocean views or walk over to the neighboring St Kilda Beach. Future developments will include new entertainment options, such as water fountains and parkour zones, making the park even more attractive for teenagers.

Getting to Marlow Park from the center of Dunedin is quite simple. If you prefer walking, the route takes about 2 kilometers through pleasant residential neighborhoods: follow Andersons Bay Road, then turn onto Victoria Road and Marlow Street, which leads directly to the park entrance.

For those using public transport, buses heading toward the St Clair district are a convenient option—stops are located just a few minutes' walk from the playground. You can also use a taxi; the trip from the city center will take no more than 10–15 minutes.

Parking is available near the park and St Kilda Beach for visitors arriving by car. Thanks to level paths and well-designed ramps, the playground area is easily accessible for families with strollers.

The history of Marlow Park dates back to the 1970s, when the project was initiated and brought to life by the local South Dunedin Rotary Club. Since then, it has become an integral part of childhood for thousands of residents, earning the popular nickname Dinosaur Park thanks to its unique concrete structures.

For decades, the playground has remained largely unchanged, preserving the nostalgic atmosphere remembered by the parents of today's children. The iconic dinosaur slide and whale sculpture have become true symbols of the St Clair area and some of the city's most recognizable family attractions.

In 2025, city authorities allocated significant funding for a major upgrade of the site. The reconstruction project, scheduled for 2026–2027, aims to transform the playground into a modern leisure space while preserving the beloved historical characters so dear to the people of Dunedin.

To give children enough time to try all the attractions, ride the mini-road, and have a bit of a rest, 1–2 hours is usually sufficient. This is also plenty of time to take a few memorable photos with the famous concrete dinosaur.

If you plan to have a full family picnic outdoors or complement your visit with a walk along the adjacent St Kilda Beach, it is worth setting aside about 3 hours for your visit.

Marlow Park is highly accessible for residents and visitors alike: it is open 24 hours a day, every day from Monday to Sunday.

This schedule allows for family leisure at any convenient time, whether it's active play in the early morning or a quiet outdoor break in the rays of the setting sun.

Marlow Park's coastal location makes it an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding area. After some active play at the playground, you can head to the ocean or visit interesting historical sites located just a few minutes' drive or walk away.