Just under the Smiths road bridge near Tharwa is a stretch of the Gudgenby river perfect for water play for babies and toddlers. Mainly ankle deep water with one small pool, the spot is flanked by a wide stretch of sand perfect for sand play. Make stone sculptures out of smooth river rocks, go for a treasure hunt to discover the “fairy dust”, make sand castles and sand mermaids, race boats down the shallow ankle deep river, have a plunge in the small pool by the rocks, explore the boulders on the other side. If you are in need of a proper swim, just up the road is Tharwa Sandwash picnic area. No dogs and no fishing allowed at either of these spots, which are part of the Gigerline Nature reserve.