A gorgeous natural walk through bushland is a tonic for the soul, and trails that include a playground for the kids are the perfect outing for the whole family. Here are some of our favourite North Shore playgrounds in bushland settings.
Looking for something to do on the weekend? Or simply want to keep the kids active during the week? Here’s five great playgrounds in bushland settings, just waiting to be explore.
- Berry Island Reserve Playground, Wollstonecraft
- Bobbin Head Playground, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
- Golden Grove Playground, Bicentennial Park
- Fagan Park, Galston
- Blaxland Riverside Park, Sydney Olympic Park
North Shore playgrounds in bushland settings
Berry Island Reserve Playground, Wollstonecraft
The open lawn causeway is a popular venue with BBQs, picnic areas, seats, a small beach and an adventurous playground. The custom-designed playground at Berry Island Reserve blends in with its spectacular bushland and foreshore setting. The timber equipment includes slides, climbing walls and fire pole and a number of freestanding items such as the spider’s web climbers, timber spring mounted decks, several quiet sitting areas and a bank of four swings.
- Best features: Fully fenced on three sides with steep rock-face enclosing the fourth side, slides, climbing walls and fire pole.
- Address: Shirley Road, Wollstonecraft
- More details: Berry Island Reserve Playground
Bobbin Head Playground, Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park
The Ku-Ring-Gai Chase is a wonderland of things to do for kids, with a playground smack in the middle of winding bush tracks, a waterside wharf with boat hire available, canoeing, fishing and gorgeous picnic spots. It’s also home to one of our favourite playgrounds in bushland settings.
The area features barbecues, picnic tables, shelters and plenty of green space for an impromptu frisbee session or a spot of cricket. Feeling peckish? Need a coffee? You’re in luck! Enjoy a delicious meal or drink at Waterside Bistro or Bobbin Head Inn Café.
- Best features: The playground is a huge drawcard, and while you’re there, try Bobbin Head picnic area for a barbecue or a spot of fishing, or go canoeing or hire a paddle boat
- Address: Sydney North (Bobbin Inn, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park)
- More details: Bobbin Head Playground
Golden Grove Playground, Bicentennial Park
You’ll find Golden Grove Playground nestled down the road from West Pymble Bicentennial Club (perfect for a bite to eat with the kids) and right next door to Ku-ring-gai Fitness and Aquatic Centre. This facility has a splash zone and shallow pool to cater to the kids, as well as lap pools, lessons and even a gym.
For those who want to explore outside, there are boardwalk trails starting just a few meters from the playground, which join up to local dog parks and ovals (Lofberg Oval) with cricket nets. Inside the playground, there’s plenty to do with nature play equipment, a huge sandpit, swings, slides and more.
- Best features: Sandpit, rope climbing net, giant slide, toddler play area, water play zone
- Address: Prince Of Wales Dr, West Pymble
- More details: Golden Grove Playground
Fagan Park, Galston
Fagan Park Playground (by Arcadia Road car park)
Fagan Park has been described as “the crown jewel of Hornsby Shire’s parks” – and it’s easy to see why. Covering 55 hectares of land, whether you’re walking, pushing or rolling, there’s plenty to cover. The park was once home to the Fagan family and you can even visit their original homestead at Netherby Cottage. There’s plenty to uncover on a day of exploration. Some of the highlights include the bike path, Carrs Bush walk which is great for little legs and prams, and the fabulous play spaces.
- Best features: Slides, sandpit, flying fox, liberty swing, climbing frame
- Address: 38-48 Arcadia Road, Galston
- More details: Fagan Park
Blaxland Riverside Park, Sydney Olympic Park
The largest playground and park in Sydney offers an amazing play space. Spread over 3 hectares, there’s water features, moving play elements, high and steep landforms and hidden and confined spaces to play in. Enjoy the double flying fox, mega-swing, tunnel slides, scramble wall, spinning play disk, Viking swing, multi-level tree house, and the largest outdoor water play facility in the State. Grown ups can enjoy a sausage sizzle on the free BBQs or enjoy a picnic, plus walk, cycle or run along the riverside walking trail.
- Best features: Scramble wall, spinning play disk, Viking swing, multi-level tree house, and large outdoor water play facility
- Address: Jamieson Street, Silverwater
- More details: Blaxland Riverside Park
