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Outdoor Play

Blooming Beautiful! Wistaria Gardens Parramatta Park

Wistaria Gardens Parramatta Park

Blooming Beautiful! Wistaria Gardens Parramatta Park

Wistaria Gardens, in Parramatta Park, blooms every spring with wisteria, flowering peach trees and a spectacular display of seasonal flowers.

Wistaria Gardens Parramatta Park

One of only three surviving large-scale Edwardian/Federation Gardens in Sydney, Wistaria Gardens was formerly part of the Cumberland Hospital site, along with heritage listed Glengarriff House. The two-hectare gardens and house were originally built as the residence for the Medical Superintendent of the Parramatta Lunatic Asylum in 1906.

Wistaria Gardens Parramatta Park

The historic Wistaria Gardens and Glengarriff House have recently become part of UNESCO-listed Parramatta Park after the NSW Parliament passed legislation to recognise the Greater Sydney Parklands Trust (GSPT).

Wistaria Gardens Parramatta Park

Now a public space where visitors are welcome, Wistaria Gardens is a stunning place to visit each spring with its spectacular display of Chinese wisteria, Japanese wisteria, flowering peach, almond trees, palm trees, tree gardenia and English elms.

Wistaria Gardens Parramatta Park

Parramatta Park was established in 1857 and is one of 11 sites that form the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Wistaria Gardens Parramatta Park

Wistaria Gardens is located at the northern end of Parramatta Park. Entry is via Byrnes Avenue, near The Picnic Ground inside Parramatta Park. Limited parking is available nearby within the park.

Wistaria Gardens Parramatta Park

Dogs are welcome in the park (please keep your dog on a leash and clean up after it!). There are very few amenities located in the park. A few plastic chairs are scattered around however we suggest bringing a picnic blanket and some food and lounging for a while to enjoy the sweet-smelling blooms.

Wistaria Gardens Parramatta Park Wistaria Gardens Parramatta Park Wistaria Gardens Parramatta Park Wistaria Gardens Parramatta Park Wistaria Gardens Parramatta Park Wistaria Gardens Parramatta Park Wistaria Gardens Parramatta Park

Wistaria Gardens
1 Hainsworth St, Westmead
parrapark.com.au

 

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Treetops Adventure St Ives

Treetops Adventure St Ives

Treetops Adventure St Ives

Soar to new heights on the rope courses and ziplines at Treetops Adventure St Ives, located at the St Ives Showground on the southern border of Ku-ring-gai National Park, Sydney.

Treetops Adventure St Ives

The newest in the Treetops Adventure parks, St Ives Tree Ropes Course Park boasts 95+ aerial obstacles and 10+ ziplines which can be experienced on their 8 tree ropes courses. Courses start at 1m for the littlest climbers, up to 15 metres for older kids and adults.

Treetops Adventure St Ives

Each climbing session at Treetops Adventure St Ives goes for 2.5 hours, which includes gearing up and a safety talk. 

Treetops Adventure St Ives

The climbing sessions run somewhat differently now at all of the Treetops Adventures parks, regarding children who can climb alone and those who need an adult to climb with them as a course supervisor. 

Treetops Adventure St Ives

Tickets are required for grown-ups who will be climbing as course supervisors. Tickets are not required for ground supervisors. See below for details on the age groups, courses and adult supervision required.

Juniors (3-7)
No Grown-Up access on Junior & Junior Pro courses
1 Adult : 4 Juniors
Ground supervision only

Treetops Adventure St Ives

Child (8-12 yrs)
1 Adult : 4 Children
Course supervision required

Treetops Adventure St Ives

Child (13-17 yrs)
1 Adult : 15 Children
Ground supervision only

Treetops Adventure St Ives

Courses available for each age group

JUNIOR
3-7 YRS
2 courses

BEGINNER
8+ YRS
2 courses

INTERMEDIATE
8+ YRS
2 courses

ADVANCED
10+ YRS
1 course

EXPERT
13+ YRS
1 course

Treetops Adventure St Ives

What to wear

Secure, enclosed shoes (such as sneakers) are required. Treetops recommends wearing appropriate clothing, suitable for both the harness and physical activity. They do not recommend crop-tops, shorts and skirts that can ride up when worn with the harness. Long hair must be tied back. Gloves are provided but you’re welcome to bring your own gloves or purchase your own pair at check-in.

Treetops Adventure St Ives

KidZip sessions are available if you would prefer any kids aged 8-12 to climb without a supervising adult from your own party. In the KidZip sessions, a group of 20 or so climbers are taken through the various courses with a Treetops Adventure staff member. 

Treetops Adventure St Ives

While the KidZip option is an excellent one if you prefer not to climb yourself, be aware that the group is large (20+ climbers) and moves extremely slowly with only one staff member supervising. In our sessions, the kids only completed three ropes courses in the two hour period and spent a lot of the time waiting for the rest of the group to catch up. I would certainly advise the better option to get better value and more exercise would be to climb as a group with your own supervising adult.

Treetops Adventure St Ives

There are drinks, ice blocks and snacks available at the check in / booking desk, however there is no cafe at the facility or nearby. There are plenty of picnic tables to bring your own food however. 

St Ives Showground Playground

Before or after the climb, check out the excellent St Ives Showground Playground.

There is plenty of parking available  – drive all the way to the Treetops Adventure through the St Ives Showground.

Treetops Adventure St Ives
450 Mona Vale Rd, St Ives
Hours: School Term Mon-Fr, 10am-5pm, Sat & Sun, 9am-5pm
School & Public Holidays Mon-Sun, 9am-5pm
Closed Christmas Day & New Years Day

0434 377 865
stives@treetopsadventure.com.au
treetopsadventure.com.au/location/st-ives

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Glades Bay and Wulaba Track

Wulaba Track Gladesville

Glades Bay Park and Wulaba Track

The Wulaba Track is a boardwalk that runs along along the Parramatta River, through a quiet  mangrove, rich in history of the Wallumedegal people. 

Wulaba Track Gladesville

Access the Wulaba Track from Bill Mitchell Park, where there is a car park. Bill Mitchell Park itself is a lovely large green space and sports field to run around and is on-leash dog-friendly. There are public bathrooms available here.

Wulaba Track Gladesville

At the end of Bill Mitchell Park is Glades Bay and the start of the Wulaba Track, at the left corner. 

Wulaba Track Gladesville

Follow the path to the new boardwalk, which winds through the mangroves. 

Wulaba Track Gladesville

Along the way you’ll find a boat ramp, benches to sit on, a street library and a brick maze. 

Wulaba Track Gladesville Wulaba Track Gladesville Wulaba Track Gladesville

There are also interpretative signs along the way to learn about the Wallumedegal people, the Aboriginal tribe who occupied the area prior to European settlers. 

Wulaba Track Gladesville Wulaba Track Gladesville Wulaba Track Gladesville Wulaba Track Gladesville Wulaba Track Gladesville

The boardwalk is around 200m long, and ends in Glades Bay Park. You can walk back the same way you came to the car park. 

Wulaba Track Gladesville Wulaba Track Gladesville Wulaba Track Gladesville Wulaba Track Gladesville Wulaba Track Gladesville Wulaba Track Gladesville

Learn more about the history of Ryde and find more areas to explore.

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Elouera Reserve & Playground, Macquarie Park

Elouera Reserve Macquarie Park

Elouera Reserve

Elouera Reserve is a delightful playground and green space, located next to the Macquarie Centre and Macquarie University. It was upgraded in 2018 with new play equipment, and a BBQ.

Elouera Reserve includes a variety of play equipment such as six swings, two illuminated cubbies and a slide, two embankment slides, a flying fox, spinner, two in-ground trampolines and a hammock.

There isn’t a great deal of shade and the slides get hot in summer, however this is a great spot for a play and picnic on a not-so-hot day.

Other facilities at Elouera Reserve include:

  • Accessible BBQ
  • 4 picnic setting (2 with umbrellas)
  • Water bottle refill station

There is also lots of space for kicking a ball or throwing a frisbee.

There are no bathrooms at Elouera Reserve. The closest one is either nearby Macquarie Centre or the train station. 

Get more info on Elouera Reserve.

Elouera Reserve

82-84 Waterloo Rd, Macquarie Park

 

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Sirius Cove Reserve and Beach Mosman

Sirius Cove

Sirius Cove Reserve and Beach Mosman

Sirius Cove Reserve in Mosman, on Sydney’s lower north shore, is a dog and kid-friendly oasis with a calm beach, shady playground and grassy picnic space.

Sirius Cove Beach Mosman

Sirius Cove Reserve is a dog-friendly hideaway in the suburb of Mosman in Sydney’s lower north shore. Often referred to as Little Sirius Cove, this charming natural treasure boasts a quiet beach, a playground and a large picnic area.

Sirius Cove Beach Mosman

This peaceful paradise is an oasis for families and even for well behaved doggos. Sirius Cove is the perfect spot for both kids and dogs to enjoy a splash in the ocean. 

Sirius Cove Beach Mosman

Named after HMS Sirius, the flagship of the First Fleet that arrived in New South Wales at the end of the 18th century, the reserve is located just west of Taronga Zoo. With a huge, grassy area including picnic tables, shady trees, a fenced and shaded children’s playground, drinking fountain and a toilet/shower block, Sirius Cove is a popular spot for locals to spend their weekends.

Sirius Cove Beach Mosman

Sirius Cove beach is 250m wide and surrounded by a sandstone wall. It faces south into a deep bay that flows into Sydney Harbour. As a result of its sheltered location, the water is very calm. There is a large sandbar that extends right out from the shore, making it shallow enough for kids and dogs to walk out onto.

Sirius Cove Beach Mosman

Unleashed dogs are permitted in the park, on the beach and in the water all day from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays this is restricted to non-peak hours before 9am and after 4pm. Dogs are permitted on-leash the rest of the time.

While these rules are in place, when we visited on a weekend at around 10am, ours was the only pooch in the park on a leash.

Sirius Cove Beach Mosman

Sirius Cove is also a great starting point for walking trails that head to Taronga Zoo Wharf, Bradleys Head and Chowder Bay, or to Cremorne Point. 

Sirius Cove Beach Mosman

It’s also a great starting point for the walking trail going east to Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head and Chowder Bay, or going west to Cremorne Point.

Sirius Cove Beach Mosman

If you take the Taronga Zoo Wharf trail, it will take you past the “Curlew Camp Artist’s Walk”. Curlew Camp was a famous gathering spot for artists, writers and musicians in the late 19th century.

Sirius Cove Beach Mosman

The camp was located just around the corner of Sirius Cove, at Little Sirius Cove. The camp was ultimately abandoned in 1912 when the area was chosen to build the new Taronga Zoo.

Sirius Cove Beach Mosman

Sirius Cove has a designated parking area, however this often reaches full capacity especially on weekends. parking then overflows into the free street parking nearby.

You can also catch the ferry to South Mosman and Mosman Bay wharves west of Sirius Cove, and Taronga Zoo wharf east of Sirius Cove and take the 20min hike to arrive at the Cove.

Buses also service the area. Check the bus timetable on the NSW Transport Info website.

Sirius Cove Beach Mosman Sirius Cove Beach Mosman Sirius Cove Beach Mosman Sirius Cove Beach Mosman Sirius Cove Beach Mosman

Sirius Cove
Sirius Cove Road, Mosman

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Visiting Berry Reserve at Narrabeen Lake

Berry Reserve Narrabeen

Berry Reserve at Narrabeen Lake

Berry Reserve at Narrabeen Lake is the perfect family outing, featuring a brand new playground, basketball court, lagoon bike track and a fab cafe that has its own vintage tram. 

Narrabeen Lagoon, Sydney

Berry Reserve is a public open space along the Narrabeen Lagoon foreshore. The lakeside area is perfect for picnics, with plenty of shady trees.

Narrabeen Lagoon, Sydney

Ducks are in abundance (please don’t feed them).

Narrabeen Lagoon, Sydney

There is a multi-use track that runs around the lagoon, through Berry Reserve. The track at Berry Reserve is an entry point to the 8.4km Narrabeen Lagoon Trail that can be walked, biked or scooted. 1.2km along the track, you’ll come to to Bilarong Reserve, which has an excellent playground with play equipment and mythical beast sculptures.

Narrabeen Lagoon, Sydney

The new playground at Berry Reserve is excellent. It’s completely fenced and offers equipment for kids of all ages, with several accessible features. 

Berry Reserve Narrabeen

The castle in the middle is a lovely addition, with access from the top to the slide. 

Berry Reserve Narrabeen

Dotted around the playground are some fantastic pretend play elements such as shops and a tram stop.

Berry Reserve Narrabeen Berry Reserve Narrabeen

The in-ground trampolines are also fun.

Berry Reserve Narrabeen

There are several Australian animal statues also sprinkled around the playground.

Berry Reserve Narrabeen Berry Reserve Narrabeen Berry Reserve Narrabeen

There is also a basketball court and fitness equipment.

Narrabeen Lagoon, Sydney Narrabeen Lagoon, Sydney

Enter the car park from Pittwater Road. There is 3-hour parking Monday-Friday and 2-hour Saturdays plus some all day commuter parking.

Tramsheds Narrabeen

Next to the playground is the Tramshed Cafe, which has a fantastic vintage 1930s tram out the front.

Read more about visiting the Tramshed Cafe.

Berry Reserve
1417 Pittwater Rd
Narrabeen NSW 2101
northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

Tee off at Dural Putt Putt

Dural Putt Putt

Tee off at Dural Putt Putt

Putt your way through two 18-hole themed mini golf courses at Dural Putt Putt. The perfect activity for the whole family to enjoy.

Dural Putt Putt has two themed 18-hole mini golf courses to complete, Camelot & Space Trek. Each course winds its way through picturesque landscaped gardens and are equally challenging. 

Dural Putt Putt

Choose to play one or both courses. The Camelot course has really fun statues built into the course including a medieval castle, Rapunzel, the Sword in the Stone and the Lochness Monster.

Dural Putt Putt

The Space trek course features robots, rockets and some friendly aliens.

The course involves stepping through each each “hole” which has small steps and at times no space for a stroller or wheelchair to pass.

At the completion of the course, grab a snack from the cafe and relax in the fully shaded and paved seating area. No outside food is allowed.

Dural Putt Putt

If you go on a hot day, make sure you have hat, sunscreen and plenty of water. 

Dural Putt Putt

There is a large car park at the entrance. 

Dural Putt Putt

Afterwards, I recommend visiting nearby Glenorie Bakery for lunch.

Dural Putt Putt
Corner of Cranstons & Old Northern Roads
(Entrance via Cranstons Road)
Middle Dural NSW 2158
‭Phone: 02 9651 1334‬
Hours: Daily, 9am-6pm during school holidays. All other times, Fri-Sun 9am-6pm.
duralputtputt.com.au

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Pick your own fruit: fruit picking Sydney.

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Brays Bay Reserve & Mcilwaine Park Playground, Rhodes

Brays Bay Reserve

Brays Bay Reserve & Mcilwaine Park Playground

Brays Bay Reserve & Mcilwaine Park Playground are a fantastic green space for leisure activities located on the waterfront in Sydney’s inner-west.

kokoda track memorial walkway

Brays Bay Reserve was named for the Bray family, who were pioneer settlers with a land grant in 1794. Their home, named “Braygrove”, was built opposite the reserve, on the other side of Concord Road. Alfred Llewellyn Bray was the first Mayor of Concord (1883-1886) and Henry David Bray, Alfred’s younger brother, was the third Mayor of Concord (1890-1891).

Located on the banks of the Parramatta River, Brays Bay Reserve is a scenic spot, with stunning water views. It’s the perfect location for a family picnic, with plenty of wide, open space to run and play ball games. 

There are plenty of picnic tables and BBQs available for public use.

Next to Brays Bay Reserve is McIlwaine Park Playground. The playground has two seperate play areas, a fenced play area for younger kids and an unfenced area for older kids. Both play areas feature shade cloths.

Brays Bay Reserve Brays Bay Reserve Brays Bay Reserve Brays Bay Reserve Brays Bay Reserve Brays Bay Reserve Brays Bay Reserve

There are public toilets available for use and a free car park.

Brays Bay Reserve joins the end of the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway, which is also worth a visit. Read more about the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway.

Brays Bay Reserve & Mcilwaine Park Playground
443 Concord Rd, Rhodes NSW
canadabay.nsw.gov.au

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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.

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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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

Things to do in the Blue Mountains.

Plan amazing NSW road trips.

Pick your own fruit: fruit picking Sydney.

The best things to do in Western Sydney and Parramatta with kids.

Visit the most beautiful Sydney gardens.

Explore Sydney’s best parks.

Find things to do in Wollongong.

Visit Camp Cove Beach at Watsons Bay, Sydney

Camp Cove Beach

Camp Cove Beach

Take a dip at Camp Cove, a short stroll from Watsons Bay ferry wharf. Millionaire views and calm water make for a delightful beach outing.

Camp Cove is a wheelchair-accessible beach located on the harbour side of South Head. Its calm waters attract families, while adults love the stunning city views and underwater aquatic life – octopus, cuttlefish, frogfish and the occasional seahorse can be found in the water for divers, while there is good snorkelling round the rocks.

Camp Cove Beach

Parking is extremely limited and in summer this tiny beach is very popular, so if you’re intending to head here, arrive very, very early to secure street parking. 

Camp Cove Beach

There is very little shade on Camp Cove Beach, so as well as packing your picnic blanket and towels, I recommend a beach umbrella or tent. We have a small tent that folds up in the boot of our car and is the size of a large beach frisbee.

Camp Cove Beach

As the water is so calm, it’s a great spot to bring a boogie board or kayak for a paddle. 

There is a small kiosk at the entrance to Camp Cove Beach selling snacks and drinks. It’s a longer walk to a proper cafe however, so BYO food.

Camp Cove Beach

There are shower facilities, and toilets are located at Green Point Reserve at the southern end.

Dogs are prohibited at all times.

If you have time, take the South Head Heritage trail, starts at the northern end of the beach. The walk has stunning scenery and also lets visitors take in the unique history of the area.

Camp Cove Beach

Camp Cove Beach was a place where the local Aboriginal community found fish and shellfish. There are rock engravings in the area depicting a range of marine creatures including whales and fish, and a a rock shelter at the northern end of the Camp Cove Beach that shows evidence of habitation by the local Aboriginal people.

Camp Cove Beach

European history at Camp Cove Beach begins in 1788, when Governor Phillip and the First Fleet rested here for a night before landing at Sydney Cove. A fishery was set up nearby in 1792 to help feed the new settlement at Sydney Cove.

Camp Cove Beach Camp Cove Beach

Camp Cove Beach
23B Victoria Street, Watsons Bay

Get more information about Camp Cove Beach.

Find the best Sydney beaches for kids.

Find more things to do in Watson’s Bay.

More things to do in Sydney

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

Find things to do in Sydney for free.

Explore the best Sydney gardens and parks.

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

Find the best animal experiences in Sydney.

Chase waterfalls in Sydney.

More things to do on the Central Coast.

Visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Find the best high teas in Sydney.

Things to do in the Southern Highlands.

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

Things to do in the Blue Mountains.

Plan amazing NSW road trips.

Pick your own fruit: fruit picking Sydney.

The best things to do in Western Sydney and Parramatta with kids.

Visit the most beautiful Sydney gardens.

Explore Sydney’s best parks.

Find things to do in Wollongong.

Take A Dip In The Jellybean Pool in the Blue Mountains National Park

Jellybean Pool

Jellybean Pool Blue Mountains

Enjoy a refreshing dip in the Jellybean Pool, a short stroll down the Jellybean Track in Glenbrook, at the base of the Blue Mountains. The pool makes for a perfect Blue Mountains day trip with kids, who will love swimming in the calm waters.

Jellybean Pool

Located inside the Blue Mountains National Park, the Jellybean Pool is a relaxing spot to swim, watch birds or picnic on the shore. There is a large parking lot which fills quickly on hot days, and an overflow car park which has a steep walk down to the start of the trail.

Jellybean Pool

From the parking lot the Jellybean Track is a 500m walk downhill to the Jellybean Pool. The walk is graded a 3 as it is steep and slippery in places with sand.

Jellybean Pool

An $8 park entry fees applies – you will be charged as you drive into the Blue Mountains National Park. You can also leave your car at the Glenbrook Information Centre at the Starting at the Glenbrook entrance to Blue Mountains National Park and walk from there for a more challenging walk.

Jellybean Pool

The Blue Mountains National Park is open from the first Sunday in October to first Sunday in April 8.30am to 7pm, and the rest of the year 8.30am to 6pm.

Jellybean Pool

When visiting the Jellybean Pool pack sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, towels and any food and water you might need. Floatation devices are fun as the water is so flat. You will see boogie boards, pool floats and even paddle boards down there. Remember it’s a walk through the bush to get to the pool and pack appropriate footwear. 

Jellybean Pool

The Jellybean Track winds through the Glenbrook Gorge, past pretty mountain spotted gums, down to the river. There is a lot of birdlife in the area so keep eyes peeled for kestrels and other birds of prey, rainbow lorikeets and even blue kingfishers.

Jellybean Pool

The water is shallow and perfect for littlies to paddle in safely. Up river the water gets deeper.

Jellybean Pool

There are no bathrooms at the Jellybean Pool, or rubbish bins, so prepare accordingly and take your rubbish with you.

Jellybean Pool

The pool gets extremely popular in summer so go early. We arrived at around 10am and it was a little busy but still plenty of parking available.

Jellybean Pool

Keep a close eye on small children. Remember there are no life guards present and keep a close eye on kids in the water.

Jellybean Pool Jellybean Pool

After a swim, we highly recommend the 30min drive to Red Hands Cave to see amazing Aboriginal hand prints and stencils.

Get more information on the Jellybean Track and Jellybean Pool.

Find more things to do in the Blue Mountains.

Jellybean Pool
Hours: 8.30am–7pm during daylight savings; 8.30am–6pm the rest of the year.

Distance: From the Jellybean Pool car park it’s about a 200m walk downhill including steel stairs (about a 10-minute walk).

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