Parks & Recreation
Edward River is home to over 148 beautiful parks, gardens, recreation areas and playgrounds.
Here are just a few:
Local lagoons
As well as the beautiful Edward River (Kolety), Deniliquin boasts a magnificent natural lagoon system that meanders through the centre of town. These lagoons are home to an array of birdlife, native wildlife and aquatic species. Deniliquin’s lagoon system runs across six blocks, each including their own unique park and facilities.
Waring Gardens
Waring Gardens on Cressy Street is a delightful picnic area where you can feed the ducks, let the kids run around in the enclosed children’s playground or just sit back under the shade of a giant Moreton Bay fig. The park has public toilets, plenty of seating and a BBQ area. It is directly opposite one of Deni’s best shopping strips.
Burchfield Park
Commencing in Junction street, Burchfield Park is the natural place to start the Lagoons to River Walk.
McFaull Park
McFaull Park in Civic Place has been developed into an open-air classroom to help people learn about the value of wetlands, with interpretive signs so you can enjoy a self-navigable wetland walk. Look out for native fish, including the endangered Southern Pigmy Perch, in the lagoons as well as a colourful array of birdlife including ducks, speckled geese, shags and pied cormorants. You might even spot a rare species such as the Australian reed warbler. The refuge in the centre of the lagoon is where birds sit, rest and dry their wings. Every day they can be seen from the bird hide on the island. You’ll probably also see some water rats which love eating yabbies and small fish, and turtles which use the refuge for sunning and resting.
Gorman Park
Gorman Park is between the Central Murray Regional Library and the Deniliquin Childcare Centre. It’s another popular place to stop and feed the ducks.
Brown Park
Brown Park is located in Whitelock Street, and is home to the Werrpanakata Fish Park (Wamba Wamba meaning a good place to fish). With its recreational fishing park and education facility, you can learn about the types of fish in our waterways and Indigenous areas of importance. A fishing deck has been built over the lagoon which is stocked with native fish and surrounded by native plants.
Scott’s Park
Continue along Whitelock Street to find Scott’s Park. While the lagoon system is underground in this park, there is still plenty to see and do. The park features a huge water tower mural, an adventure playground for the kids, the town’s indoor and outdoor pools, and the Community Garden. Scott’s Park is also home to a purpose built BMX pump track with a series of rollers and corners that allow riders to gain momentum by using up and down body movements. The pump track caters to a wide variety of skill levels, and is suitable for bikes, BMXs, skateboards and scooters.
Wanganella
Sitting on a picturesque bank of the Billabong Creek, Wanganella is probably best known as the birthplace of the Peppin merino sheep breed; a hardy, large sheep that was built for Australia’s climate and conditions. The Peppin Merino is now the most common breed in Australia, and a bronze statue at the front gates of Wanganella Station, just south of the village, commemorates its importance. The village is around 45 minutes’ drive north of Deniliquin along the flat Hay Plains, and makes a special side-trip to see the countryside. If you’re feeling adventurous, explore the region’s tracks and waterways – either on foot or by bike – and maybe even find a secluded spot to cast a line and catch a fish or two. Heading north from Deni, take a left at the first dirt road after the Billabong Creek bridge (no sign, no name!) for some beautiful natural picnic spots. As well as fish, this spot is home to several notable bird species.
Pretty Pine
Just a short 20-minute drive from Deni is the small community of Pretty Pine. Kids can run free at the football oval, cricket pitch and playground of Pretty Pine Recreation Reserve. If you happen to be in the area in September, don’t miss the famous annual Pretty Pine Father’s Day Expo and Market on the first Sunday of the month. This vibrant community event attracts several thousand visitors every year.
Deniliquin RSL Park
With a small playground and shaded picnic tables, Deniliquin RSL Park is another top choice for kids in need of a run around. Located at the Eastern end of town in Duncan Street (corner of Junction Street).
Skate Park
The Deniliquin Skate Park, opposite Waring Gardens, is the local go-to place for skaters to show off their skills. The concrete park includes quarters and banks, a step rail and a small fun box with ledge. There’s plenty of seating available with shaded areas, perfect for picnics while you watch the kids.
Splash park and pool
The Deniliquin Swim Centre is the perfect place to cool off after a big day of exploring, with three outdoor pools as well as a hydrotherapy pool and splash park. Swimming lessons and aqua aerobics are also available. Open from November to March.