Just on the other side of the Galston Gorge north-west of Hornsby, you’ll find gorgeous Fagan Park. With more than 55 stunning hectares to explore, itβs a place I find my family visiting at least once or twice a year. And each time we leave with a new experience because there is just so much to discover, writes North Shore Mum, Kirsten Goodwin.
At Fagan Park, kids can choose from two playgrounds. My kids LOVE the popular Regional Playground as itβs perfectly suited to their ages and has plenty to keep them entertained with slippery dips, a climbing web, flying fox, swings (including an infinity swing), play equipment, plus sand and water play. Next to this playgroundΒ is aΒ coffee cart, which is open on weekends and every day over theΒ school holidays. It not onlyΒ sells beverages, but also light snacks and ice-creams.
The sealed bike paths are a great way to explore the park and are perfect for scooter riders and prams alike. The paths take you through sprawling grassed areas which are great for flying kites, and the slight hillsΒ have children (usually mine) rolling down them with great gusto.
The entire park is scattered with fantastic locations for picnics and barbecues. There are a number of shelters which can be booked for gatherings and quite a few electric barbecuesΒ available (they require a $1 coin to operate).
And yes, there are ducks! The duck pond is easy to find (and not far from the Regional Playground). I will warn you, though, the ducks are accompanied by HUGE eels, which can give first-time unsuspecting visitors quite a fright.
Then thereβs the Gardens of Many Nations to discover. This comprises 11 themed gardens from around the world, and youβll be forgiven if you just want to sit down and take it all in. Thereβs also a short bush trailΒ to wanderΒ and an Eco Garden where kids (and adults) can learn about sustainable gardening. The Eco Garden is run by volunteers and various workshops are held throughout the year. The opportunity to learn about the history of Fagan Park and the local area can be found in nearby Netherby Cottage, the original homestead of the Fagan family.
This gorgeous park really does have something for everyone, and itβs for this very reason that my family keeps returning. Some of our visits are just to entertain the kids, while others are for group gatherings, and we always keep an eye out for festivals held within the park grounds. If youβre visiting for the first time, my best advice is to take your time and see where the park and your discoveries take you. Youβre guaranteed to have some happily exhausted family members at the end of the day (and visiting the coffee cart for an ice-cream on the way out is a great way to coax kids to the car).
Essential Details
- Address: 38-48 Arcadia Road, Galston
- Parking: There are two car parks β one off Arcadia Rd at the main park entrance, and another off Carrs Rd. Parking is $5 per vehicle
- Open: Every day except Christmas day, from 7am until sunset (6.30pm during daylight savings)
More local parks and playgrounds…
