Frequently Asked Questions

• Unique, large-scale play equipment like the Giant Slide and Dairy Maze
• The miniature train, which became a signature experience
• Free or low-cost entry, making it accessible to all families
• Strong community ownership and volunteer involvement
• High-profile events that attracted regional media attention
• Links to flourishing Goulburn Valley industries including orchard and dairy

KidsTown currently welcomes around 1,000 visitors each month, with most guests being families with young children, school groups, and childcare centres. This is significantly lower than in the past and is due to several popular pieces of equipment being closed due to ageing and flood damage, as well as other more modern and safe options available to the community in other parts of the region.

Following significant flood damage in October 2022 and ageing infrastructure, Council initiated a business case. The recommended path was to preserve and upgrade the site to ensure safety, compliance, and long-term viability.

At the August 2025 Council Meeting, Council resolved to:

• Begin a comprehensive community engagement process to shape a new KidsTown Master Plan.
• Allocate $650,000 in 2025/26 for essential rehabilitation works in collaboration with key stakeholders.

• Some play equipment is worn out or damaged and needs to be replaced to keep children safe
• Parts of the playground no longer meet today’s safety standards
• The site was once a landfill, so environmental risks must be carefully determined and managed (see below)
• Council has a responsibility to protect and respect Aboriginal cultural heritage (see below)
• Improving and maintaining KidsTown will leave a lasting, positive impression on both the community and visitors – if the work is not undertaken the site will further decline and would likely close

KidsTown sits on land with deep cultural significance to the Yorta Yorta Nation. The site, known historically as Daishs Paddock, is part of the area referred to as The Flats, which became a refuge for Yorta Yorta people following the 1939 Cummeragunja Walk-Off, a pivotal moment in Aboriginal civil rights history.

Today, KidsTown acknowledges this legacy through its connection to The Flats Walk, a historical trail that begins at the playground and features interpretive signage about Yorta Yorta history and culture.

Any redevelopment of KidsTown will include efforts to honour cultural protocols, protect heritage, and ensure the site continues to reflect its deep Indigenous roots.

Before KidsTown can be safely upgrade, the following will be investigated:

• Further soil testing needs to be conducted to ensure the site is safe for use.
• It is still to be confirmed whether the old landfill beneath the site was properly sealed, this will be determined throughout the project – also risks related to groundwater and gases will be addressed

These steps are part of making sure the site is safe, healthy, and ready for future improvements.

Council has allocated $650,000 for site rehabilitation and redevelopment in the 2025/26 financial year.

Council intends to maintain current café operations while exploring opportunities to enhance food and beverage offerings. The objective is to provide a quality visitor experience while supporting local enterprise.

Several iconic play structures at KidsTown, including the Timber Dairy Maze, Amphitheatre, Tree House, and Giant Slide, have been closed due to safety concerns. They are no longer structurally sound and do not meet current safety standards.

Some other safer items have remained accessible, including flying fox, monkey bars and toddler area.

This is still to be determined. It is expected that the community will provide input into this decision.

If a phased approach is used then parts of the facility will remain accessible, with temporary fencing in affected areas. Alternatively, if the decision is made to close the facility entirely, the works will take place over a shorter time period. 

While some community consultation around the future of KidsTown has already been undertaken, this project is anticipated to be a long journey of engagement and collaboration with the community to ensure KidsTown continues to leave a lasting, positive impression on both the community and visitors.

Recent community consultation on the Council Plan involved a question regarding the community’s perspective on whether the site should be revitalised or relocated. This feedback was factored into the Business Case.

Moving forward, regular community engagement will be undertaken to reflect local needs and aspirations. Be sure to subscribe for updates to stay informed of opportunities to get involved.