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Tips On Visiting La Perouse Beaches

Tips for visiting La Perouse Beaches

Tips On Visiting La Perouse Beaches

La Perouse is located at the northern headland of Kamay Botany Bay National Park, near Maroubra. Named after a French explorer who landed on the northern shore of Botany Bay, to the west of Bare Island in 1788, La Perouse has great walks, restaurants, historic sites and sheltered beaches.

The traditional owners of this land, the Aboriginal people, lived in this area thousands of years before the First Fleet arrived.

La Perouse Beaches

Frenchmans Bay

Frenchmans Beach, La Perouse, Sydney

The most family-friendly of the La Perouse beaches, Frenchman Bay is located at the eastern end Botany Bay.

Frenchmans Bay La Perouse

A sheltered, calm bay, Frenchmans Bay has easy access from the street and plenty of off-street parking nearby. 

The Boat Shed, La Perouse, Sydney

There are plenty of shops and restaurants located right across the road from the beach. We loved The Boat Shed, which is extremely family-friendly and located above Frenchmans Bay.

There is a reserve behind the beach with a newly-built children’s playground and public toilets.

Frenchmans Bay La Perouse Frenchmans Bay La Perouse

There is very little shade on the beach, so a beach tend or umbrella are a good idea. 

Frenchmans Beach, La Perouse, Sydney

Be warned that the beach is not patrolled by lifeguards or lifesavers.

Congwong Beach

Congwong Beach, La Perouse, Sydney

Another calm La Perouse beach, Congwong Beach is a sheltered bay located inside the Botany Bay National Park. 

To access Congwong Beach, follow the track that leads down from the car park. 

Read more about visiting Congwong Beach.

Little Congwong Beach

Little Congwong Beach La Perouse

Little Congwong Beach is a further 600m down the same track that leads to Congwong Beach. Take in and out any food and rubbish that you have with you – there are no rubbish bins available. The nearest public toilets are located at the start of the track that leads to 

Once considered an unofficial nudist beach, signs at the entrance to the track leading to Little Congwong Beach now aim to deter nudity. 

Get more information on La Perouse Beaches below.

Get more info on Frenchmans Bay

Get more info on visiting Congwong Beach

Read about our experience visiting La Perouse and Bare Island

Get more info on visiting La Perouse

Tips for visiting La Perouse Beaches

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Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids.

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Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

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Head to one of the best museums in Sydney.

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Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney.

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Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Sydney.

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Tips For Visiting Congwong Beach La Perouse

Tips for visiting Congwong Beach La Perouse Sydney

Tips For Visiting Congwong Beach La Perouse

Another calm La Perouse beach, Congwong Beach is a sheltered bay located inside the Botany Bay National Park. 

The beach is accessed down a 100m path down stairs from the La Perouse Loop Road. Little Congwong Beach is located a further 600m down the track. Look for the sign at the south end of Cann Park. The beach can also be accessed from the carpark on Anzac parade, opposite Endeavour Avenue

Congwong Beach, La Perouse, Sydney

In the past Little Congwong has been known as an unofficial nudist beach, however there are signs at the entrance to the beach trail that state clothes must be worn.

Congwong Beach, La Perouse, Sydney

Public toilets are available on Anzac Parade near Cann Park, around 50m from where the beach track begins.

Congwong Beach, La Perouse, Sydney

There is no drinking water available at the beach. Drinking water available via bubblers at the amenities block, plus from taps in Cann Park.

Take all rubbish with you as there are no bins on the beach. 

Congwong Beach, La Perouse, Sydney

While the best food option is to take a picnic down to the beach, if you want to buy food there are shops and cafes around 100m from the track beginning, on Anzac Parade. We loved The Boatshed.

There are no lifeguards or lifesavers patrolling the beach, so be safe when you go.

There is also very little in the way of shade on the beach so take down a tent or umbrella with you.

There is free three-hour parking available at Cann Park and near the entry gates on Anzac Parade.

To reach the beach by public transport, take bus L94 or 394 to La Perouse from Circular Quay, Martin Place, or Hyde Park via Maroubra Junction. Visit Transport for NSW for details.

More things to do in Sydney

Enjoy the history of La Perouse and Bare Island

Dine at the Boatshed La Perouse

Explore more La Perouse beaches.

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids.

Find things to do in Sydney for free.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Find the best high teas in Sydney.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney.

Cool down at one of these free water parks in Sydney.

Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Sydney.

Get a list of the best playgrounds in Sydney.

Find the best ice cream and gelato in Sydney

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Restaurant Reviews: The Boatshed La Perouse, Sydney

The Boatshed, La Perouse, Sydney

The Boatshed La Perouse

Enjoy casual, modern dining with a focus on fresh seafood at The Boatshed La Perouse. This waterfront restaurant is an extremely family-friendly place to dine – with a bonus killer view!

The Boat Shed, La Perouse, Sydney

On weekends a booking would be advisable, as the restaurant is in a very attractive spot, perched over Frenchmans Beach, with the stunning ocean as a backdrop. There is a large deck to choose a table on, with a lovely sea breeze but also full shade coverage.

The Boat Shed, La Perouse, Sydney

The Boadshed La Perouse is open for breakfast and lunch, with the menu crossing over at 11:30am daily. 

The Boat Shed, La Perouse, Sydney

I arrived to try the breakfast menu and ordered the Haloumi Stack (with roasted truss tomatoes, smashed avocado, grilled haloumi and sourdough, $18.5). 

Boatshed La Perouse

The breakfast menu has a lot of options, including some for kids (the Kids Pancakes, $12, Eggs Your Way, $12). There are also vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.

The lunch menu is quite seafood heavy, with only one vegan option, one vegetarian main, one vegetarian entree and a few sides salads.

Boatshed La Perouse

There is a nourishing salad bowl that is extremely green and healthy, and delicious chips to balance that out.

Boatshed La Perouse

Kids options on the lunch menu are all meat-heavy too: Fish and Chips, Calamari and Chips and Chicken Nuggets and Chips, all $12 each. The kids’ pancakes are amazing.

Boatshed La Perouse

Order at the bar and food will be brought to your table. There are plenty of baked goods for sale there, too.

The Boat Shed, La Perouse, Sydney

We found the food was delivered quite quickly and was hot and fresh.

Bathrooms are located upstairs, with the exception of the family and disabled bathroom on the restaurant level. The family and disabled bathroom has a change table.

Boatshed La Perouse

There is easy, single level entrance to and from the Boatshed La Perouse, making it a great choice for strollers, and plenty of high chairs available.

Frenchmans Beach, La Perouse, Sydney

The Boatshed La Perouse sits above Frenchmans Beach, which is an extremely flat, sheltered beach, perfect for families. There is a new, fenced playground next to the restaurant and beach.

Boatshed La Perouse Boatshed La Perouse

Another nearby beach is Congwong Beach.

Get tips on visiting La Perouse beaches.

Enjoy the history of La Perouse and Bare Island.

The Boatshed La Perouse
1609 Anzac Parade, La Perouse
Phone: (02) 9661 1817
Hours: Tues-Fri 7am-3pm, Sat & Sun 7am-4pm
theboatshedlaperouse.com.au

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Inside the Children’s Library & Family Spaces at the State Library of NSW

Children's Library and Family Spaces inside the State Library of NSW

 

Inside the Children’s Library & Family Spaces at the State Library of NSW

Step inside the new Children’s Library and family spaces at the State Library of NSW. The library opened its new spaces to the public on Saturday 12 October, designed to give young readers and their families a place to read, play and rest in the busy CBD.

Children’s Library

The Children’s Library is a maze-like space located within the Bashir Reading Room, on lower ground 1 floor in the Macquarie Street building. The Children’s Library is brimming with Australia’s best children’s books, as well as international classics.

Children's Library and Family Spaces inside the State Library of NSW

Kids can read a book in a little nook or lie down on the floor if they choose. If they look up at the ceiling they will see an array of books attached to the roof that appear to be flying overhead.

Children's Library and Family Spaces inside the State Library of NSW

The books in the Children’s Library are suitable for younger readers up to the age of 16. The books stay in the library so are available for anyone to read.

Children's Library and Family Spaces inside the State Library of NSW

No library card is required to browse these books. Prams and bags are allowed inside. If kids need to eat, take them to the verandah area outside the reading room or on the ground level. 

 

John B Fairfax Learning Centre

This fantastic room is located on the ground floor of the Mitchell Building, next to the Family Space.

Children's Library and Family Spaces inside the State Library of NSW

Designed to inspire curiosity, creativity and critical thinking, the John B Fairfax Learning Centre is a space for kids K-12, their teachers and families to enjoy a hands-on, digitally rich learning environment. 

Children's Library and Family Spaces inside the State Library of NSW

Enter through a hidden door, through a four-metre tunnel filled with historic artefacts embedded in the walls, through to a light-filled space dominated by two huge arched windows. 

Children's Library and Family Spaces inside the State Library of NSW

The learning centre offers so many activities for kids to do, including dress-ups, colouring in and crafts, books to read, blocks to play with, magnetic word games and digital screens where you can design your own galaxy.

Children's Library and Family Spaces inside the State Library of NSW Children's Library and Family Spaces inside the State Library of NSW Children's Library and Family Spaces inside the State Library of NSW Children's Library and Family Spaces inside the State Library of NSW Children's Library and Family Spaces inside the State Library of NSW Children's Library and Family Spaces inside the State Library of NSW

 

Family Room

Children's Library and Family Spaces inside the State Library of NSW

Located on the ground floor of the Mitchell Building, the Family Room is a space dedicated to the library’s youngest guests and their carers. The room is designed for kids under five years of age with books, puppets, dress ups, games and activities.

Children's Library and Family Spaces inside the State Library of NSW

The Family Room is open 9am-5pm weekdays and 10am-5pm weekends.

Kids Activity Trail

Children's Library and Family Spaces inside the State Library of NSW

Pick up a free Kids Activity Trail and explore the library!

https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/5365_follow_the_trail_19_web.pdf

Meet Scout, the chat-bot

Scout is Australia’s first chat-bot, designed to get kids reading. A fun, interactive robot, Scout uses a conversational interface to help children discover books matched to their interests and general reading ability, suggesting a list of up to five books they will enjoy reading in The Children’s Library.

Scout is located on the ground floor of the State Library’s Macquarie Street Building.

School holidays and special events

Children's Library and Family Spaces inside the State Library of NSW

The library runs activities year-round, including special family days and workshops for various age groups. Check their website for upcoming events. 

Children's Library and Family Spaces inside the State Library of NSW Children's Library and Family Spaces inside the State Library of NSW Children's Library and Family Spaces inside the State Library of NSW

State Library of NSW
Corner of Macquarie Street and
Shakespeare Place, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: +61 2 9273 1414
sl.nsw.gov.au

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Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids.

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Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

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Head to one of the best museums in Sydney.

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Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney.

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Lab Kitchen Five Dock: Kid-Friendly Cafes in Sydney

Lab Kitchen Five Dock

The Lab Kitchen Five Dock

Lab Kitchen Five Dock serves up delicious, seasonal, modern Western-Eastern dishes at a reasonable price – and has a massive backyard filled with play equipment and toys for kids. What more could you ask for?

The Lab Five Dock

This is a top cafe that we will be returning for, for the food alone. Lab Kitchen has a large menu with breakfast served till 3pm and lunch from 11am, plus coffee, smoothies, fresh juice and even Bing-Soo (Korean style shaved ice). The majority of seating is outside under cover and is dog-friendly, so you will find a lot of families with their human and fur kids here. 

The Lab Five Dock

We chose: Vegetarian Plate (haloumi, smashed avo, asparagus, roasted tomato, portabello mushroom, Persian feta, hash browns, sautéed spinach, bread of choice and eggs of choice, $22), Eggs Benedict (homemade crumpets, poached egg, spinach, hollandaise, smoked salmon, $16.90), the “Whatever” from the kids’ menu (five nuggets and chips, $8.90).

The Lab Five Dock The Lab Five Dock

The food was served quickly and was fresh, hot and absolutely delicious. The portions were generous and items well cooked with fresh produce. The crumpets were homemade!

The Lab Five Dock

The massive backyard is a huge drawcard for families. Kids are free to wander and play with the equipment or bring toys back to their table. There are plenty of high chairs to use for littles and a decent kids menu with fun names that will give you a giggle.

The Lab Kitchen Five Dock

The Lab Five Dock The Lab Five Dock The Lab Five Dock The Lab Five Dock The Lab Five Dock The Lab Five Dock The Lab Five Dock The Lab Five Dock The Lab Five Dock

Lab Kitchen Five Dock
Hours: Daily, 7am-4pm

Prices: $$
108 Great N Rd, Five Dock
labkitchen.com.au

Get Directions

 

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids.

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Head to one of the best museums in Sydney.

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Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney.

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Inside the LEGO Certified Store at Broadway Sydney

LEGO Store Broadway Sydney

Inside the LEGO Certified Store at Broadway Sydney

Take your little builders to the brand new LEGO certified store at Broadway Sydney. Located  on Level 2, near JB Hi-Fi, the store is smaller than the Bondi Junction store, but is still packed with things to do (and buy!). 

LEGO Store Broadway Sydney

There are several large LEGO statues around the store, some life-sized and perfect for photos, and plenty that are the huge, expensive LEGO packs that are also available for sale. 

LEGO Store Broadway Sydney

The store is divided into themed sections – there are plenty of new Frozen 2 sets, plus Star Wars, Harry Potter, Friends, City, Disney LEGO and much, much more. 

LEGO Store Broadway Sydney

The Pick a Brick wall is a popular spot – fill a container with pieces to take home. Note: the bricks are sold by the container not weight, so fill the container to the brim to get the best value.

LEGO Store Broadway Sydney

We loved the build your own Minifigure station where you can custom build your own LEGO Minifigure, including heads, torsos, legs, hair and accessory. 

LEGO Store Broadway Sydney

There is a large LEGO play table for kids to sit at and play with LEGO for as long as they like. 

LEGO Store Broadway Sydney

For LEGO buffs, there are plenty of hard-to-find LEGO sets, as well as lots of little items that are only available directly from LEGO store, such as the cute LEGO keyrings.

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Broadway Sydney
1 Bay St, Ultimo
Online

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Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids.

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Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

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Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Find the best high teas in Sydney.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney.

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30 of the best playgrounds in Sydney

Playgrounds Sydney

30 Of The Best Playgrounds in Sydney

Swing, slide and climb the weekend away at one of these excellent playgrounds in Sydney. There are all-abilities playgrounds, spaces for teens, tweens, toddlers and everyone in between in this list of playgrounds in Sydney.

Oatley Park Inclusive Adventure Playground

Oatley Park Playground

The Oatley Park Inclusive Adventure Playground is an adventure playground designed to blend into its bush setting, incorporating nature-based play elements and built with predominantly natural materials. 

The park features seperate play zones with a toddler play area, a flying fox with river views, an active play zone, giant tube slides and a teen zone. This has to be one of the best natural playgrounds in Sydney.

Read more about visiting Oatley Park Inclusive Adventure Playground.

Jubilee Park Adventure Playground, Mortdale, Sydney

Jubilee Park Addventure Playground, Mortdale, Sydney

The Jubilee Park Adventure Playground in Mortdale, Sydney, features a large climbing frame with nets and slides, a children’s bike track, junior swings, flying foxes and multi-purpose sports courts.

The excellent new multi-million dollar Jubilee Park Adventure Playground is a great addition to the community. Built behind the existing Mortdale Community Centre, the playground has revitalised the park and given the community a great spot to picnic, play and get fit.

Read more about Jubilee Park Adventure Playground.

Strathfield Park

Strathfield Park

Strathfield Park, the oldest public park in Strathfield, is home to a huge playground with three play spaces, spanning 1.5 acres.

The park was renovated in 2017, with the resulting play spaces uniquely designed to  compliment each other, taking into account the various ages and abilities of children who might enjoy the play equipment. 

Read more about visiting Strathfield Park.

Darling Quarter Playground

Darling Quarter, Darling Harbour, Sydney, Australia

The most centrally-located Sydney playground features a 21-metre flying fox, water play area with pumps and buckets and plenty of slides, climbing structures and swings. It’s a must for kids visiting the city. The Darling Quarter Playground is without a doubt, one of the best playgrounds in Sydney.

Get more info on the Darling Quarter Playground.

Pirrama Park Playground Pyrmont

Pyrmont Playground and Cafe #Sydney via christineknight.me

This beautiful playground in Pyrmont has shiny, well-designed equipment, a water play area, sand pit with shade cloth, new, well-maintained bathrooms (including baby change facilities) and a cafe with shaded seating. Street parking is available. Pirrama Park features grasslands, wide avenues for scooting and entry into the harbour for swimming.

Get more info on Pirrama Park Playground here.

Victoria Park, CBD

Victoria Park, Camperdown

A 9 hectare green space connecting to Sydney University, Victoria Park features a beautiful lake, playground for kids of all ages and plenty of shady trees, right in the middle of the city.

Get more info on Victoria Park here.

Enmore Park, Marrickville

Enmore Park, Marrickville, Sydney

Kids can play astronauts at this excellent park which features two space rockets, a large grassy area with plenty of trees, swings, slides, a climbing net and see-saw. The park has partial shade so bring a hat and sunscreen.

Enmore Park, Marrickville, Sydney

The Annette Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centre is located in the park so bring swimmers if it’s hot. There are plenty of kid-friendly cafes nearby, including Petty Cash, which is just across the road from the playground. Enmore Park, without a doubt, has the best playground in Sydney for wannabe astronauts!

Read more about Petty Cash Cafe.

Tramsheds and Harold Park

The Tramsheds, Harold Park, Sydney

One of our fave places to eat and play in Sydney! The Tramsheds is home to a full-size restored tram that kids can climb inside, plus a wide range of family-friendly restaurants.

Harold Park, Sydney

Outside the Tramsheds lies Harold Park, an expansive park featuring a custom-built playground.

Read more about the Tramsheds here.

Read more about Harold Park here.

Fairfield Adventure Park Playground

Fairfield Adventure Playground Sydney

Especially designed to provide a play space for kids of a variety of ages, the Fairfield Adventure Playground brings the “wow” factor in spades. The park opened in 2015 after a $1.4 million council investment. With the star attractions designed specifically for teens, this is a unique playground that provides a much-needed recreational space for older kids. Fairfield Playground is absolutely one of the best playgrounds in Sydney, particularly for older kids.

Get more info on visiting the Fairfield Adventure Park Playground here.

Bigge Park, Liverpool

Bigge Park, Liverpool, Sydney, Australia

Bigge Park in Liverpool, a south-west suburb of Sydney, received a $5 million upgrade a few years back. The upgrade included a fantastic free water play area. Bigge Park also includes an accessible playground, a regular playground and climbing equipment.

Get more info on visiting Bigge Park.

Ollie Webb Reserve Parramatta

Ollie Webb Reserve Parramatta

Parramatta’s first all-inclusive playground opened in early 2019. It features climbing structures, water play with a splash play area and water pumps, an elevated sandpit, an accessible carousel, swings, BBQ facilities and excellent bathrooms.

Read the full review of Ollie Webb Reserve playground here.

Variety Livvi’s Place, Bankstown

Variety Livvis Place Playground Bankstown Sydney Australia

The Canterbury-Bankstown area’s first all-abilities playground opened in late 2018, a joint project between Variety, the Children’s Charity, and the Touched by Olivia foundation. The fully-fenced playground features picnic and bbq facilities, bathrooms, Variety Livvi’s Place includes a sensory zone, flying fox with accessible seats, a climbing net, trampoline, swings with accessible seats, water play area, a climbing tower with ground level play features, two nest swings, roller table, accessible carousel, slides, a nature trail, sand play and a lizard log carved from wood.

Get more info on visiting Variety Livvi’s Place here.

Livvi’s Place Playground Five Dock

Livvi's Place Five Dock

Livvi’s Place in Five Dock, Sydney, is a playground designed for children of all abilities. The equipment and unique design of the playground ensures that all kids, including those with special needs, are able to enjoy playing side-by-side. 

Read more about visiting Livvi’s Place Five Dock.

Casula Parklands Adventure Playground

Casula Parklands Sydney

The brand new Casula Parklands has something for everyone, from toddlers to adults. Located near the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, the park features play equipment and fitness training for all ages.

Casula Parklands Sydney

The $4 million park includes a ninja warrior training course for teens and adults, toddler climbing equipment, older kid / tween climbing equipment, flying foxes, swings, on and off-leash dog parks and a fitness area.

Get more info on visiting Casula Parklands Adventure Playground.

Blaxland Riverside Park

Blaxland Riverside Playground via christineknight.me

A gorgeous spot for families with one of the biggest playgrounds in Sydney set among three hectares of rolling hills and big open spaces. The playground caters for kids of all ages and abilities with a fantastic water play area (the largest outdoor water play facility in NSW), moving play elements, high and steep landforms and hidden and confined spaces. There’s a double flying fox, mega-swing, tunnel slides, scramble wall, spinning play disk, Viking swing and a multi-level tree house to be discovered and enjoyed.

Get more info on Blaxland Riverside Park.

Parramatta CBD Foreshore Playground

Parramatta CBD River Foreshore Park

Built into the slope of the hill on the river’s foreshore, the Parramatta CBD Foreshore Playground has got some really cool features like a 4 metre slide and rock climbing. In summer, water features are turned on near the sand play area.

Be aware that the playground is not fenced, not does it have any shade cover or bathrooms.

Get more info on visiting the Parramatta CBD Foreshore Playground.

James Ruse Reserve Playground

James Ruse Reserve Playground via christineknight.me

The James Ruse Reserve Playground is almost brand-spanking new (it was built in 2014), and has a fantastic water play area, which is under cover. 

The playground has no shade cover so is best visited on cooler days. It features an excellent net climbing area.

Get more info on visiting the James Ruse Reserve Playground.

Domain Creek Playground Parramatta Park

Domain Creek Playground, Parramatta Park: The best of southwest Sydney for families
The largest and most modern playground in Parramatta Park, the Domain Creek Playground is nature-based and features mazes made from branches and wires, water pumps and sand diggers, a flying fox and sunken trampolines.

Get more info on visiting Domain Creek Playground.

Newmarket Dining & Playground, Randwick

Newmarket Randwick

Sydney’s newest precinct, Newmarket Dining is a place to eat at cosy cafes and restaurants, picnic in the park and play at a state-of-the-art playground. The playground has the most incredible slide built into the centre of what used to be a horse sale yard.

Read more about Randwick Dining & Playground.

Paperbark Playground, Parramatta

Parramatta Park Playground

Paperback Playground is the newest playground in the park and has some inclusive features. Located in the historic Gardens Precinct near the George Street Gatehouse, the playground is best suited to children and toddlers. Features include an accessible sandpit, swings and a carousel which kids with varied mobility, including wheelchair users, can use, as well as the ‘explorer dome’ centrepiece – a maze made of nets, ropes, ladders and tubes best suited to older children. The playground floor is covered with ‘Softfall’ pavements and there’s plenty of seats for parents and carers.

Thank you to Have Wheelchair Will Travel for the images. 

Plough and Harrow, Abbotsford

Plough and Harrow: Best of Southwest Sydney for Families via christineknight.me

This popular picnic spot is surrounded by bush and features a playground, cafe, high ropes course and wide open spaces for kids to run free. The playground’s hamster wheel is particularly popular!

Get more info on visiting Plough and Harrow.

Bungarribee Park, Abbotsford

Bungarribee Western Sydney Parklands
Opened in 2017, Bungarribee is a 200-hectare recreational space that features walking and cycling tracks, 20 barbecues, 13 picnic shelters and a playground with a climbing tower, flying fox, plenty of slides, swings and a water play area.

Get more info on visiting Bungarribee Park.

Livvi’s Place Ryde

Livvi's Place Ryde, Yamble Reserve, Sydney, Australia

Livvi’s Place is a full-enclosed playground located in Yamble Reserve, Ryde. The reserve features formal gardens, deciduous trees, picnic shelters, large green grassed areas, barbecues and the excellent all-abilities playground, Livvi’s Place. Livvi’s Place playground includes a water pump play area, dual flying fox, nest swing, musical instruments, climbing frame and tunnels.

Read more about Livvi’s Place Ryde.

Putney Park: Playground and Water Park

Putney Park and Playground, Sydney

A great spot to take kids in summer, Putney Park features climbing equipment for kids of all ages plus two shallow pools connected by a pebble creek and a large climbing web.

Read more about Putney Park here.

Sydney Park, St Peters

Sydney Park, Sydney Australia

A 40 hectare green space near St Peter’s, Sydney Park was built in the space once occupied by Bedford Brickworks – the chimneys of which have been left and are a feature of the park that can be seen from some distance away. Features of the park include a large playground on its western side, the Sydney Park Cycling Centre on its northern side, winding pathways over hills for walking and cycling, wetlands, a kiosk and bathrooms.

Get more info on Sydney Park.

Ian Potter Children’s WILD PLAY Garden, Centennial Park

Ian Potter Children's Wild Play Garden, Centennial Park, Sydney, Australia

The Ian Potter Children’s Wild Play Garden opened in Centennial Park in October 2017. The 6500sq m nature-based play area features a 7m-high climbing tower, wooden bridge, water play area and an open play area where kids are encouraged to use sticks and natural materials to make their own shelters, artworks and games.

Get more info on visiting the Ian Potter Children’s WILD PLAY Garden here.

Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park

Entertainment Quarter Sydney via christineknight.me

This park consists of 115 hectares of  open spaces and playing fields, including the ES Marks Athletics Field, an 18-hole public golf course and golf driving range, tennis courts and netball courts.

The Entertainment Quarter at Moore Park has plenty for kids to do, from plaster painting, a Hoyts movie cinema, Monkey Mania play centre, Strike Bowling as well as two partially shaded playgrounds with excellent bathroom facilities.

Queen’s Park, Randwick

Queens Park Shed: #kidfriendly cafes #Sydney via christineknight.me

A 26-hectare urban park with panoramic views and natural sandstone cliffs. Queen’s Park has an excellent gated and partially shaded playground for kids next to a kid-friendly cafe, Queen’s Park Shed (read more here).

Waluba Park, Waterloo

Wulaba Park, Green Square, Waterloo, Sydney

A beautifully designed and landscaped park featuring a mega slide, three-story climbing tower, swings, picnic and BBQ area and bike paths.

Get more info on visiting Waluba Park here.

Lizard Log Park & Playground, Abbotsford

Mary O'Brien Reserve, Zetland

Lizard Log is a bushland park in the Western Sydney Parklands. This beautiful green space features a nature-themed playground, scenic walks, cycling tracks and a dam.

Read more about visiting Lizard Log Park & Playground.

More things to do in Sydney

Find things to do in the Blue Mountains.

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids.

Find things to do in Sydney for free.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Find the best high teas in Sydney.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney.

Cool down at one of these free water parks in Sydney.

Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Sydney.

Twinkle Kids Cafe Burwood

Twinkle Kids Cafe Burwood

Twinkle Kids Cafe 

Kids and parents will adore Twinkle Kids Cafe, a light and bright cafe with an indoor playground located in Burwood Plaza, Sydney.

Designed for kids up to age 10, the cafe I think is best suited to slightly younger kids, although my eight-year-old was desperate to get in there and have a play.

Twinkle Kids Cafe features a large ball pit and soft play climbing area, plus dress up and role play activities such as a play kitchen. 

Twinkle Kids Cafe Burwood Twinkle Kids Cafe Burwood Twinkle Kids Cafe Burwood

Twinkle Kids Cafe Burwood Twinkle Kids Cafe Burwood Twinkle Kids Cafe Burwood Twinkle Kids Cafe Burwood

It’s free for kids under 12 months of age to enter the play area.

Kids and adults need to wear socks at all times. If you forget to bring your own you can purchase a pair at the cafe

Parking is available in Burwood Plaza. 

Twinkle Kids Cafe has been hosting some incredible birthday parties, so consider it for your next function for kids. 

Twinkle Kids Cafe 
Shop 48A, level 1/42 Railway Parade, Burwood NSW 2134
Phone: 02) 9715 1558
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat & Sun 9am-7pm
facebook.com/twinklekidscafeburwood

A Horizon Club stay at the Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney

Shangri-La, Sydney

A Horizon Club stay at the Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney

The Shangri-La, Sydney is nestled in the historic Rocks District, is a luxury hotel with panoramic views of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Shangri-La, Sydney

A stay at the Shangri-La, Sydney is always a special occasion, but for this special birthday we decided to splurge on a Horizon Club room, which comes with a whole host of special benefits.

The Shangri-La Sydney is a large hotel, with 565 rooms, three restaurants and one bar. The hotel is located between Circular Quay and Wynyard train stations. It’s a bit of a walk from both, including a steep uphill section. 

Horizon Club Sydney Harbour Room

Shangri-La, Sydney

This stay we chose a Horizon Club Sydney Harbour Room with a king bed and rollaway bed. The room came with absolutely spectacular 180-degree views across Sydney Harbour, Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour.

Shangri-La, Sydney

Our favourite feature of the room was the padded window seat that we could all fit on and the block out curtains that fell behind it. After sunset we sat on the seat and pulled the curtains behind us and looked out at the beautiful harbour and the sparkling lights. It was just heaven. 

Shangri-La, Sydney

The Horizon Club Sydney Harbour Rooms are located on levels 31-35, guaranteeing a breathtaking view. The rooms all include access to the exclusive Horizon Club Lounge with its full range of privileges.

Shangri-La, Sydney

The room itself is elegant and understated. Luxe furnishings that are bright and beautiful. 

Shangri-La, Sydney

We loved the large marble bathroom containing a separate bath and shower.

Shangri-La, Sydney

Other amenities include plush Shangri-La bathrobes (which we wore to the pool), a pillow menu (we ordered different pillows and they were divine), premium Shangri-La toiletries, Wi-Fi Access, LCD flatscreen television, DVD entertainment system, In-house movie channels, a full-size executive writing desk, electronic safe, coffee / tea-making facilities and a mini-bar. 

Shangri-La, Sydney

Shangri-La, Sydney Shangri-La, Sydney Shangri-La, Sydney

Shangri-La, Sydney Shangri-La, Sydney

Horizon Club Benefits

Shangri-La, Sydney

The added benefits of the Horizon Club definitely made the cost of the room worthwhile. While on the website a 4pm late check-out also listed as a benefit of this package, it is subject to availability and we were not able to get this benefit when we stayed. 

Shangri-La, Sydney

We visited the Horizon Club Lounge for afternoon tea, canapés and breakfast the next morning. The ability to use the lounge during these times meant we didn’t need to buy any extra meals during our stay, as the offerings were so hearty! 

Horizon Club Lounge afternoon tea

Shangri-La, Sydney

The afternoon tea is served between 2pm-5pm and includes scones with jam and cream, a selection of sandwiches (all meat) and pastries. The Shangri-La, Sydney is able to provide food for dietary requirements with enough notice given.

Shangri-La, Sydney Shangri-La, Sydney

The view from the room is just breathtaking – try to get a seat by the window if you can.

Shangri-La, Sydney

Horizon Club Lounge canapés

Shangri-La, Sydney

Evening canapés includes alcoholic drinks which the staff refill constantly throughout the evening. The canapé time from 6pm-8pm is the perfect time for dinner with kids! Our fussy eater didn’t see enough that she liked on the buffet tables, so we ordered a kids meal from room service and had it delivered to the lounge. Easy peasy, it arrived on our table about 20 minutes later.

Shangri-La, Sydney
Kids’ pasta

The buffet had an excellent selection of savoury food, hot and cold, salads, cheese and crackers and desserts. It was quite meat heavy, however the Shangri-La, Sydney is able to provide food for dietary requirements with enough notice given (next time I will remember this and let them know in advance that we are vegetarian!) There was still plenty of food that was edible, however, and we were absolutely stuffed by the end.

Shangri-La, Sydney Shangri-La, Sydney Shangri-La, Sydney Shangri-La, Sydney Shangri-La, Sydney Shangri-La, Sydney Shangri-La, Sydney Shangri-La, Sydney Shangri-La, Sydney Shangri-La, Sydney Shangri-La, Sydney Shangri-La, Sydney Shangri-La, Sydney

Lots of people can be found in the lounge during all times of the day, particularly the evening canapés. Some people are with a group and socialising, some reading books and relaxing. While there is a dress code for using the lounge, we saw many guests in extremely casual attire, so I wouldn’t take the dress code too seriously. We dressed up for the occasion for a fun thing to do, but it certainly isn’t required. 

Horizon Club Lounge breakfast

Shangri-La, Sydney

Breakfast is also available in the Horizon Club Lounge from 6:30am-10:30am daily and until 11am on weekends. The breakfast is advertised as a “light buffet” – however, we thought it was a fantastic feast!

Shangri-La, Sydney

We particularly loved the egg station where we had custom omelettes made for us. A variety of hot and cold food is available, fruit, pastries, cereals, tea, coffee and juices.

Shangri-La, Sydney Shangri-La, Sydney Shangri-La, Sydney Shangri-La, Sydney Shangri-La, Sydney Shangri-La, Sydney Shangri-La, Sydney

Shangri-La, Sydney pool

Shangri-La, Sydney

We love a good hotel pool, particularly when it’s indoors and heated in winter! The Shangri-La, Sydney pool is a large pool with a separate spa with bubble jets, located in the health club.

Shangri-La, Sydney Shangri-La, Sydney

High Tea at the Shangri-La, Sydney

Shangri La Hotel Afternoon Tea via christineknight.me

We have dined in the Lobby Lounge many times enjoying the Shangri-La, Sydney’s high tea offerings! You can read about high tea at the Shangri-La, Sydney here.

Blu Bar High Tea Buffet

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For an absolute treat, I highly recommend the high tea buffet that is offered in the Blu Bar on level 36. It is just delicious and such a treat! It’s also very pricey and no discount for kids, so I would suggest making this an adult-only treat. 

Read about the Blu Bar High Tea Buffet.

Getting to the Shangri-La, Sydney

If you drive to the Shangri-La, Sydney, valet parking is available: $58 for in-house hotel guests, $44 for restaurant patrons, $40 for guests with functions at the hotel, and $22 for guests who have appointments at our spa. There is a cheaper parking station at Wilson parking – Quay West at 111 Harrington St, The Rocks if you don’t mind a bit of a walk.

Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney
176 Cumberland St, Sydney
shangri-la.com/sydney

Shangri-La, Sydney

More things to do in Sydney

Find more things to do in the Blue Mountains.

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids.

Find things to do in Sydney for free.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Find the best high teas in Sydney.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney.

Cool down at one of these free water parks in Sydney.

Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Sydney.

Oatley Park Inclusive Adventure Playground

Oatley Park Inclusive Adventure Playground

Oatley Park Inclusive Adventure Playground

The Oatley Park Inclusive Adventure Playground is an adventure playground designed to blend into its bush setting, incorporating nature-based play elements and built with predominantly natural materials. 

The new playground is located in Oatley Park, a 112 acres reserve on the Georges River in the southern Sydney suburb of Oatley. The park is bounded by the Georges River, Lime Kiln Bay, and Jew Fish Bay.

The Oatley Park Adventure playground design incorporates community feedback and ideas and follows the NSW Government’s ‘Everyone Can Play’ inclusive play space guidelines to create accessible play elements for children of all abilities in over 80 per cent of the playground. (Note: whether this level of accessibility has been achieved or not remains to be seen.)

We visited the playground on a warm winter morning, and were thrilled with the many nature-themed play activities it offered.

The park features seperate play zones with a toddler play area, a flying fox with river views, an active play zone, giant tube slides and a teen zone. 

There is a smaller slide and climbing net area for younger or less confident kids.

The flying fox has a regular seat and a bucket seat.

Oatley Park Playground

The nest swing is a great inclusive addition. There are also regular and toddler swings.

New picnic and barbecue facilities have also been built. The toilets are a 200m walk from the main play area, up the path through the bush, towards the oval. They are currently the portaloos while new toilets are built.

Oatley Park Playground

The paths in Oatley Park are shared by pedestrians, cyclists and cars, and the maximum speed limit is 20km/hour. Navigating the parking areas involves reversing across shared paths, so please check twice before reversing. 

When visiting Oatley Park playground, please be kind to the new shrubs that have been planted and stay out of the garden beds to enable these plants to grow. 

Oatley Park Playground
There are rubbish bins in the park but no recycling bins, so be prepared to take your rubbish with you. There has been lots of rubbish left in the park already, so please be responsible with your rubbish!


Oatley Park is home to many beautiful creatures: wallabies, echidnas, tawny frog mouths and king parrots to name a few. You might see a few on a quiet day.

Oatley Park is also home to various bushwalking tracks. Many of these tracks criss cross over the shared path. Oatley Flora and Fauna Conservation Society has developed bushwalking maps and flora and bird guides to Oatley Park.

Try the Headland track, which has water and bush views that just sparkle on a sunny day. It starts or ends at the Baths. 

The Myra Wall Garden has a wheelchair accessible bushwalking path.

The original steamroller that has been park of the park for decades remains in the new design. It is an excellent place for kids to let their imagination run wild. 

The park features lots of nature play areas for kids to get imaginative and close to nature.

Getting to Oatley Park Adventure Inclusive Playspace Playground

Oatley Park Playground

There are no direct public transport links to the park. It is a 1.7km walk from Oatley Station. The 954 bus service from Oatley Station drops you 700 metres from the entry to Oatley Park. 

Entry to the park via Oatley Park Avenue is narrow and means that often, only one car at a time can pass through. AVOID entry and exit to the park during school drop off and pick up. You can also drive in via Douglas Haig St. 

Myra Wall Garden, Frog Hollows and the Oval are overflow carparks.

The park closes at sunset and the vehicle gates are locked. Make sure if you have driven in, to leave before the gates are locked as there is a fee to retrieve your car.

Oatley Park is a gorgeous place to visit – get info on the Oatley Park Baths, walking tracks and more.

Get Directions

More things to do in Sydney

Find a list of the best things to do in Sydney with kids here.

Find things to do in Sydney for free here.

Get a list of the best kid-friendly beaches in Sydney.

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney here.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney here.

Find the best high teas in Sydney here.

Head to one of the best museums in Sydney here.

Check out things to do in Sydney on a rainy day here.

Enjoy one of the best ocean pools in Sydney here.

First time visiting Sydney? Get tips for first time visitors to Sydney here.

Cool down at one of these free water parks in Sydney.

Find the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Sydney here.

Oatley Park Playground