I love the option to work in a private office while still feeling connected to the larger open plan space. And who doesn't want a huge blackboard to creatively brainstorm?

You have a large open area that could benefit from a little more zoning starting with the bbq and undercover area. If you could build in the bbq and add some bench seating which overlooks the back yard and add some vertical planters for herbs or succulents to separate this area. Zones create interest and you may enjoy the separation from the play areas while still maintaining supervision. Plants along the fence could certainly be a variety of lilly pilly or what about some citrus trees like limes for the cocktails, lemons for the salad dressing etc? Raised vegie gardens? A feature tree would be nice too but not sure what suits your area. Magnolias are very beautiful and the flowers are divine!

couches, angled island, powerpoint on island are good bt having dining table so far away frm kitchen not practical...I can imagine a tiff everytime the table is to be laid...who is going to ferry all the food and cutlery up and down?

I totally agree with Fusion LD. There are so many opportunities with your great blank space, however you need to consider what you want to achieve from the garden. It looks quite detached from the house, so how do you draw people (you and your family, friends, etc) out into the garden? Will this space be your main outdoor entertaining / dining area? Do you have children or pets and need a more open activity area or can it be divided up into smaller spaces? It looks like it has really good northerly aspect, so do you want a vegetable garden / herb planters / fruit trees? If the second photo is the view from the main access to the garden, then that gives you a starting point for attracting people into the garden. A glimpse of a feature tree or ornament from this point could be all it takes to create that invitation. Use planting and the shape of a path to hide enough of the garden to create a sense of discovery. So many opportunities here for you! PS. I would move the hose to somewhere less conspicuous!