If you’re willing to venture a touch beyond the North Shore, you’ll find this gem of a playground just waiting to be explored. And the best part? It’s walking distance from coffee! Head to Appletree Park in Cherrybrook to enjoy the newly planted grove of trees and set kids loose of the play space for all ages.
Work on Appletree Park in Cherrybrook only recently finished in June this year, which saw more than 120 new trees planted, new lighting to connect the park with the shops, plenty of open space and, of course, a new play space for the kids. I took my youngest, Elliot (3), for a drive from Wahroonga to check it out with some friends. Here’s what we found.
Getting to Appletree Park
While not on the North Shore, from Wahroonga it took us just a short 20 minute drive to get to Appletree Park. We parked directly in front of the playground, where there’s plenty of untimed, free street parking. Of course, the first thing I was after was a coffee before the kids settled in and played!
There’s a path that takes you directly to the set of shops
If you walk beyond past the park, there’s a path that actually takes you to the local set of shops, where you will find a bakery, chemist, and of course, coffee shop! You could park here and then walk to the park, however parking is extremely busy and you’ll have to take back tired kids at the end of playtime as well. It was handy parking next to the playground instead.
Grabbing a coffee from the local coffee shop
Play space for kids
You find all the main play features towards the middle of the open space, with plenty for kids to climb on a run around. While the equipment is best suited to toddlers and preschoolers, there’s so much open space around it, bigger kids can bring a ball to kick around or play. There’s also a great path that goes right around, so pack those bikes and scooters too.
Climbing frame with slides
Elliot and his friend spent a lot of time on this climbing frame, racing each other down the slides and enjoy the tunnel slide. It was easy enough for them to tackle on their own, which mean we could just leave them to play. Even 12-month-old Charlotte gave it a go, and the smaller slide was perfect for her.
Charlotte enjoying a climb
There’s also plenty more to do with a set of swings just opposite the climbing frame, complete with a normal swing, net swing, then a dual swing where a kid or adult can sit on one side, with a baby seat connected. I popped Charlotte on my lap and sat with her opposite Elliot so we could have a swing together, which the kids just loved!
Plenty of swinging options
Finally, the seesaw was another big hit. The boys were able to climb on themselves and got the hang of bouncing each other. Naturally, they wanted to climb too, but that was fine!
Playing on the seesaw
Charlotte loved it too
Natural area
One of the biggest attractions of this park is all the natural space available. Since most of the trees have been newly planted, you’ll find lots of tape block off sections, simply to give the plants a chance to grow. But you still have access to enough of the area!
The boys loved running through and climbing the toadstools
The wooden logs are the perfect spot to practise some balancing!
There’s also so much space around the park. You can grab the table that’s undercover, or bring a picnic rug and spread out on the open grass. There’s a bike path that wraps around, with plenty of open space for playing.
More balance on stones, with lots of grass space behind
Covered seating area
Essential Details: Appletree Park, Cherrybrook
- Where: 35 Kanangra Cres, Cherrybrook NSW 2126
- Parking: Free street parking
- Toilets: No, but can head to the shops a short walk away
- Sunshade: No, just a covered sitting area
- Enclosed: No
- Seats: Benches
- Nearby Refreshments: Plenty of cafes and shops nearby
