Last updated July 2026
Marlow Park in St Kilda, Dunedin, is a popular family destination known locally as the Dinosaur Park for its distinctive concrete dinosaur slide and other sculptural play elements. The park sits beside St Kilda Beach and offers open grass areas, picnic spots, and a range of play facilities suitable for children of different ages. It also includes a bookable cycle learning area designed to teach road safety skills. Nearby attractions such as the Ocean Beach Railway add further interest for visitors exploring the coastal suburb.
Practical Information
| Location | St Kilda, Dunedin |
| Playground theme | Dinosaur-themed with concrete slide and whale sculpture |
| Key facilities | Public toilets, drinking fountains, picnic areas, cycle learning area, grass fields |
| Beach access | Adjacent to St Kilda Beach |
| Parking | Nearby street parking available |
| Accessibility | Accessible paths and inclusive design elements |
About Marlow Park
Marlow Park lies in the coastal suburb of St Kilda, Dunedin, and serves as one of the city’s destination playgrounds. Its informal name, the Dinosaur Park, comes from the prominent concrete dinosaur slide and other sculptural play features that have been part of the park for many years.
The park provides open grass areas suitable for informal recreation, picnics, and family gatherings. It is positioned close to St Kilda Beach, allowing visitors to combine playground time with beach activities in a single outing.
Council records describe Marlow Park as a destination playground, indicating investment in its play equipment and amenities to serve families from across Dunedin. The site includes a bookable cycle learning area intended to help children practise road safety skills in a controlled environment.
The Dinosaur-Themed Playground
The playground features a large concrete dinosaur slide and additional sculptural elements, including a concrete whale. These structures encourage imaginative play and climbing for children of various ages.
Play equipment supports swinging, sliding, and climbing activities. The design includes accessible paths that help children of different abilities use the space.
Parents and caregivers can supervise from nearby seating and shaded areas while children play. The playground remains a focal point for local families and visitors seeking outdoor recreation near the coast.
Facilities and Amenities
Marlow Park provides public toilets with baby change facilities, drinking fountains, and designated picnic areas. Grass fields offer space for ball games and informal sports.
A bookable cycle learning area with a mini road layout allows supervised practice of cycling and road safety. Nearby street parking supports access for families arriving by car.
The park maintains fencing around the main play area and smooth paths that improve navigation for wheelchairs and prams. These features contribute to an inclusive environment for all visitors.
St Kilda Beach
St Kilda Beach lies immediately beside Marlow Park and offers a sandy shoreline suitable for walking, beachcombing, and family relaxation. The beach provides opportunities for surfing when conditions allow and for paddling in calmer periods.
Visitors can enjoy beach sports such as volleyball or simply sit on the sand with views of the Pacific Ocean. The adjacent dunes and coastal path add options for short walks.
John Wilson Ocean Drive runs parallel to the beach and provides scenic views along the coastline. The combination of park and beach makes the location convenient for a full day of outdoor activities.
Ocean Beach Railway
The Ocean Beach Railway operates as a heritage attraction parallel to Ocean Beach between St Kilda and nearby sports grounds. It is New Zealand’s oldest preservation railway, established in 1961 and run by the Otago Railway and Locomotive Society.
Trains run on selected days, primarily Sundays between Labour Weekend and Easter. Journeys are short, typically around 15 minutes, and offer coastal views during the ride.
Tickets are available at St Kilda Station. Current pricing includes adult fares around $12 and child fares around $5, with family options offered on operating days. The railway preserves historic locomotives and rolling stock, providing an educational and nostalgic experience alongside the beach setting.
What Visitors Often Say
Families appreciate the distinctive dinosaur slide and the chance to combine playground time with a visit to the adjacent beach. Many note that the open grass areas and cycle skills track keep children engaged for extended periods.
Visitors often mention the convenience of toilets, drinking fountains, and nearby parking. The heritage train rides receive positive comments for adding a unique element to a day out, especially for children interested in trains.
Where to Learn More
Wikipedia – Marlow Park: Summary of facilities, history, and location details drawn from local sources.
Dunedin City Council: Information on parks, destination playgrounds, and community facilities in Dunedin.
Wikipedia – Ocean Beach Railway: Details on the heritage railway’s history, operations, and location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Marlow Park open every day?
Yes, the park is open at all times as a public space. Individual facilities such as toilets follow standard park hours.
Is there parking at Marlow Park?
Street parking is available nearby. No dedicated off-street car park exists directly at the playground.
Are dogs allowed in Marlow Park?
Dogs are generally permitted on leads in Dunedin parks, but visitors should check current council bylaws and keep pets away from the playground area.
Can the cycle learning area be booked?
Yes, the cycle skills area is bookable through Dunedin City Council for supervised sessions.
What are the Ocean Beach Railway operating days?
Trains typically run on Sundays from Labour Weekend to Easter. Confirm current schedules directly with the operator before visiting.
Is the playground suitable for all ages?
The dinosaur-themed equipment caters to a range of ages, with some features better suited to younger children and others to older ones.
Are there toilets and drinking water?
Public toilets with baby change facilities and drinking fountains are available at the park.
Is Marlow Park wheelchair accessible?
Accessible paths and inclusive design elements are present, though some play structures may have limited access.
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