activities for kids sydney

Neighbourhood Earth: Exploring Our Solar System

December 12, 2021 / Indoor Play, Museums, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Neighbourhood Earth: Exploring Our Solar System

Experience space in an immersive, interactive exhibition that combines cutting edge technology and science to tell the story of space exploration with Neighbourhood Earth.

Developed in conjunction with the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and NASA’s George C. Marshall, Neighbourhood Earth is an award winning exploration of space, transporting audiences across the galaxy through a multi-sensory cinematic environment.

From the impressive entrance featuring a detailed scale model of the Earth suspended from the ceiling, set against videos of stars, galaxies and clouds of nebulae on the screens behind it, to the final room filled with hands-on activities kids and space enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy, Neighbourhood Earth is an educational, interactive and immersive look at our solar system.

Neighbourhood Earth showcases rare space artefacts and scale models of some of the most important equipment in the history of space exploration,, including the Hubble Telescope and Ingenuity; the small helicopter which, earlier this year, became the first craft to make a controlled flight on another planet when it completed several short journeys on the surface of Mars.

A fascinating part of the exhibition is the showcase inventions used in every day life like scratch-resistant lenses, dustbusters and ear thermometers, all developed with life on the International Space Station in mind.

Visitors can also get a taste of life on the International Space Station, walking through a replica cross-section complete with a porthole designed to help them imagine they are in space, orbiting the Earth.

The hands-on elements make Neighbourhood Earth particularly family-friendly, with a great range of fun activities to try such as keeping a satellite in orbit, building and shooting a rocket and designing your own space creation and seeing it come to life on a screen in front of you.

The exhibition is currently on display at Sydney’s ICC in Darling Harbour. It is suitable for children (kids ages 2 and under are free), and there is ample space for strollers and wheelchairs (read an accessible review here).

Allow 60-90 minutes to explore the exhibition fully.

The best rates to see Neighbourhood Earth are week days, with Tuesday the cheapest day.

neighbourhoodearth.com.au

We received tickets to Neighbourhood Earth for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

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.

Find the best high teas for kids in Sydney.

A Visit To Timezone Top Ryde

November 12, 2021 / Indoor Play, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Timezone Top Ryde

The new Timezone Top Ryde opened in November 2021 inside the Top Ryde City shopping centre.

Timezone Top Ryde is the perfect place to visit on a hot or rainy day.

The new Timezone features:

12 lanes of bowling
140+ arcade games
Laser tag
Spin Zone bumper cars
Prize shop
Cafe & bar with seating
Party rooms
Free timed parking

Covid restrictions at time of opening:

All guests 16 and older need to be double vaccinated to enter the premises (unvaccinated guests under 16 must be accompanied by a fully vaccinated guardian from the same household) and must be wearing masks. Lower than usual venue capacity.

Timezone Top Ryde
Hours: Mon – Wed 10am-10pm, Thur 10am-11pm, Fri 10am-12am, Sat 9am-12am, Sun 9am-10pm
Phone: 02 4503 4205
Level G, Top Ryde City Shopping Centre Cnr Devlin St &, Blaxland Rd, Ryde

timezonegames.com

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.

Find the best high teas for kids in Sydney.

Little Succers: Build Your Own Terrarium Bar Neutral Bay

May 13, 2021 / Indoor Play, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Little Succers: Build Your Own Terrarium Bar

Get your hands dirty at Little Succers Build Your Own Terrarium Bar in Neutral Bay. Create your own succulent masterpiece to take home.

The Little Succers Build Your Own Terrarium Bar and Succulent Shop in Neutral Bay is a place to let your creativity run wild. Book in for their popular Build Your Own Terrarium events with a $20 ticket that is redeemable on the day towards your terrarium purchase.

Choose from a wide variety of terrariums to start your creation, each with a different cost point. Then, under guidance from the staff, choose from a wide selection of vases, succulents, cacti, coloured pebbles and sand, crystals and other decorations to build your own personalised mini-garden.

During the school holidays Little Succers runs special events for kids (which we attended), as well as hosting private parties, kids parties and corporate gigs. The classes run for approximately two hours.

Little Succers also hosts private events, kids parties and corporate gigs.

Little Succers: Build Your Own Terrarium Bar & Succulent Gift Shop
Shop 5 and 6, 81-91 Military Road
Neutral Bay
littlesuccers.com.au

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.

Find the best high teas for kids in Sydney.

Tee off at Dural Putt Putt

February 19, 2021 / Outdoor Play, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

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.

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.

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.

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

There is a large car park at the entrance.

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

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.

Find the best high teas for kids in Sydney.

Exploring the America Bay Track Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Sydney Australia

September 27, 2020 / Bush, Outdoor Play, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Exploring the America Bay Track Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

America Bay track in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is a short, moderate walk with waterfalls, Aboriginal engravings and a stunning picnic spot at the end of the track.

The track is 1km return, starting from West Head Road off McCarrs Creek Road. Look for the large sign on the side of the road. There is parking on the roadside available.

There are no bathrooms nearby, so make sure you go before you start the trail.

While the walk is quite short, it’s a winding walk with plenty to look at along the way, over uneven surfaces. There are plenty of rocks to climb and little water cascades to explore. Right near the entrance there is a a detour to see the Aboriginal rock engravings. The detour is not sign posted so we actually missed it, even though we were looking for it.

Walking quite slowly, the trail took us 45 minutes to reach the rock platform overlooking America Bay, which is located near the mouth of the Hawksburry River. It used to extend further, however the next park is closed due to hazards.

There is a little waterfall at the rock platform and plenty of shady wide rocks to sit on. We brought a picnic blanket and lunch to enjoy at the lookout.

Be sure to bring good walking shoes, a hat and sunscreen when doing this walk.

The walking track is one of many on offer in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, so you could very easily do this short walk in conjunction with others.

Entry to the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is $12, so I would definitely advise making a day of it.

Along the walking trail you’ll encounter woodlands of scribbly gum and bloodwood, and a little creek with crystal clear water. In August and September the wildflowers bloom bright yellow and pink throughout the bush.

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is open sunrise to sunset.

nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/america-bay-walking-track

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.

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

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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.

Explore the best Sydney gardens and parks.

A Purriffic Time at the Catmosphere Cat Cafe Sydney

September 23, 2020 / Inner West, Surry Hills, Sydney / 0 comment

A Purriffic Time at the Catmosphere Cat Cafe Sydney

Enjoy a coffee with a side of cat at the Catmosphere Cat Cafe Sydney. Catmosphere is Sydney’s original cat cafe, and while it offers several kitty experiences, it is first and foremost a cat rescue.

About the Catmosphere Cat Cafe

Catmosphere’s owners are passionate cat rescuers, who have been rescuing and rehoming cats for over a decade. Catmosphere partners with two rescue groups; the World League for Protection of Animals and Kitten University. “The former works to find homes for all displaced cats and the latter specialises in nursing young, orphaned kittens, and rehoming them when they are healthy and old enough.”

Catmosphere fosters these displaced cats and kittens and cares for them financially as well as ensuring all of their welfare needs are met. It’s the dream of the Catmosphere team to “provide a sustainable, safe space for rescue cats and kittens until they find their forever homes, and provide people with all the information and resources they need about rescue cats”.

Where do the cats come from?

All of the cats at Catmosphere Cat Cafe Sydney are rescues. The majority are permanent residents who have been adopted by the Catmosphere owners after having been observed for one to two years to ensure their suitability for cat cafe life. According to the Catmosphere website, “most of these cats were either surrendered to their rescue group or found on the streets, unowned, and unable to survive on their own in the outside world”.

There are also cats at the cafe who are adoptable and looking for a new home. Living at the cat cafe helps the cats socialisation skills, as well as giving them added exposure to the public and making the adoption process easier for those looking to add a kitty to their family.

The majority of the kittens who come to Catmosphere have been orphaned at an early age and raised in foster care by Kitten University volunteers.

What are the rules for interacting with the cats

Don’t pick up the cats. This ensures the cats interact with visitors only on their terms.

Let the cats com to you. If the cats are up high on shelves or inside their boxes, let them rest.

Talk at a normal sound level.

Keep mobile phones on silent and turn flashes off.

No food is allowed inside.

All bags must be checked into lockers on arrival.

Visitors must stay seated at all times due to physical distance regulations.

Tips for interacting with the cats

Stay low on the floor, be calm and gentle, and let the cats come to you. We sat quietly on the chairs and floors and had plenty of the cats approach us to play with them or for a pat. Some jumped onto our laps.

Sometimes the cats will not want to interact with visitors. They might stay in hidey holes or up on shelves.

“The cats of Catmosphere, and cats in general, tend to be more active in the morning (10am – 12pm) and later in the evening (5pm onwards).”

Cat Experiences

Cat Lounge

The Cat Lounge is for people aged 8+ who enjoy a more peaceful experience. The adult cats here are generally calm and chill, so the Cat Lounge experience is perfect for those looking for a zen experience.

Visitors to the Cat Lounge must be aged 8-years-old and over as the noise and energy levels of younger children and babies is often too much for the cats.

This experience takes place in a shared space, unless you have booked it privately.

A Cat Lounge experience includes:
50 minutes with adorable rescue cats in the Cat Lounge
A complimentary drink from our standard menu (you can choose to upgrade to our optional Premium Menu when making a booking)
A briefing from one of our dedicated hosts who will help you better interact with the cats in their space

The Cat Lounge is located on the first floor and is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible.

The Treehouse

The Treehouse experience is for people aged 5+ who are looking to hang out with an energetic group of adoptable juniors/kittens.

The ages of the kittens/juniors varies. When we visited The treehouse, the youngest cat was 8 months old and the oldest in the room was a year and a half.

Visitors to the Treehouse must be aged 5-years-old and over as the noise and energy levels of younger children and babies is often too much for the cats.

A Treehouse experience includes:
50 minutes with adoptable juniors/kittens in the Treehouse
A complimentary drink from our standard menu (you can choose to upgrade to our optional Premium Menu when making a booking)
A briefing from one of our dedicated hosts who will help you better interact with the cats in their space

The Treehouse is located on the second floor and is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible

Catflix Cat Cinema

Watch a movie in comfy reclining floor lounge seating accompanied by some fellow film-loving cats.

A Catflix Cat Cinema experience includes:
Comfortable reclining floor lounge seating (standard seating available upon request, though the cats don’t respond as well to this)
A movie on our big screen
Wireless headphones so you can control your own volume and the cats hear nothing but sweet, sweet silence
A complimentary drink from a curated menu including milkshakes and mocktails
A blanket and very small portion of treats to help attract and woo a cat when your natural charm just isn’t working

Children and babies under 5-years-old are not permitted into the Catflix Cat Cinema experience and children 12 years old and under must be supervised at all times by a paying parent/guardian.

Individual screenings will have different age limits.

Catflix Cat Cinema is located on the first floor and is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible.

Cat Yoga

Enjoy, yep, a yoga class with cats! Kids aged 8+ are welcome.

A Cat Yoga experience includes:
45 minutes of yoga amongst the cats
15 minutes of pure cat interaction
An experienced yoga instructor
Inner peace, probably
Should you forget your yoga mat, we do have some spare.

Cat Yoga is located on the first floor and is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible.

Catmosphere Cat Cafe
66 Foveaux St, Surry Hills
catmospherecafe.com.au

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.

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.

Wentworth Common at Bicentennial Park Sydney

August 19, 2020 / Outdoor Play, Playgrounds, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Wentworth Common at Bicentennial Park Sydney

A hidden gem inside the sprawling Sydney Olympic Park, Wentworth Common is a quiet, grassy park with wetlands, a playground and picnic facilities.

Wentworth Common is easy to find, with a car park directly outside, off the main road (Marjorie Jackson Pkwy). It’s often overlooked, making it a lovely spot for those seeking solitude.

The park features a huge grassy area, with lots of trees around the perimeter for shade. There are several sheltered picnic areas and free barbecues, plus a large, modern bathroom block.

There is a large adventure playground with a huge sandpit, slide, climbing frame, swings and flying fox.

Little kids will love the stone sculptures of the lizard and frog in a smaller sandy play area.

There is a small water play feature connected to the sandpit in this part of the park for play during the warmer months.

There are some lovely wooden beams linking the two small play areas though the wilderness as well as low circular stepping stones dotted throughout the bush – great for balance as well as imaginative play.

Dogs are allowed on-leash.

If you want some exercise, walk or cycle to the top of Bay Marker lookout for views of the wetlands, Haslams Creek, Homebush Bay and the city skyline.

Look for ducks and other water birds in the wetlands.

Afterwards, check out nearby Brickpit Ring Walk.

There is more of Bicentennial Park to explore as well, plus nearby Blaxland Riverside Playground and the Olympic Cauldron in Cathy Freeman Park. Or, take a dip in the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. Scoot or bike around the Newington Armory.

Wentworth Common at Bicentennial Park Sydney
Marjorie Jackson Pkwy, Sydney Olympic Park
sydneyolympicpark.com.au/parks/wentworth-common

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.

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.

Brickpit Ring Walk at Bicentennial Park Sydney

August 19, 2020 / Historical Sydney, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Brickpit Ring Walk at Bicentennial Park Sydney

The Brickpit Ring Walk is an urban park and elevated walkway over a frog habitat and water storage facility in Bicentennial Park, Sydney Olympic Park.

The Ring Walk is accessed by an elevated walkway in two spots – the easiest is at the Brickpit Ring Walk carpark.

A circular walkway 550m in circumference and raised 18.5 metres above the sandstone floor of the Brickpit, the Ring Walk allows visitors to experience what was once the State Brickworks and is now a habitat for the endangered Green and Golden Bell frog and other native Australian animals.

It’s only a short walk to complete the circuit, however it’s a fascinating one with information panels outlining the significance of the Brickpit’s heritage and environmental significance.

There are stunning views on the walk as well, to the chorus of frog and bird calls, and the recorded voices of the pit workers as they discuss their experience working to make the clay bricks in this spot that were sent all over Sydney to build our city.

Afterwards, check out nearby Wentworth Common. It has excellent picnic facilities and a large nature-based playground.

Brickpit Ring, Sydney Olympic Park
Marjorie Jackson Parkway
Sydney Olympic Park
Sydney
https://www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au/things-to-do/school-holiday-activities/brickpit-ring-walk

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.

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.

Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden: Sydney’s Best Parks & Gardens

August 18, 2020 / Bush, Outdoor Play, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden: Sydney’s Best Parks & Gardens

The Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden is a 123-hectare garden on Sydney’s north shore. Established in 1968, the garden is dedicated to preserving and showcasing Australian plants.

Located adjacent to the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, the garden is home to two endangered ecological communities; Duffys Forest and Coastal Upland Swamp as well as 18 threatened species of flora and fauna.

The Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden is a beautiful spot to picnic, bushwalk and learn about Australian flora and fauna.

While some areas of the garden have been cleared from bush such as Lambert’s Clearing, which has a large grassed area with picnic tables and a children’s playground, most of the garden is in a natural bush state.

The Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden is tended by volunteers from the Australian Plants Society, who cut samples of common wildflowers in bloom and place them on a labelled stand in front of the St Ives Visitor Centre.

When visiting the Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden, your first stop should be the aforementioned St Ives Visitor Centre to collect a map, and take a quick look at the stick insects and snake on display inside. The visitors centre sells cold drinks and ice blocks.

There is no cafe inside the garden so bring a picnic lunch and plenty of water. There are lots of picnic tables dotted around the gardens for use.

There are bathroom facilities in several places around the garden, including at the visitors centre.

While most of the garden is quite wild, there are a few features of interest: The Knoll Garden
(a display garden containing native plants from around Australia), the Fern House, Caley’s Pavilion Gardens (featuring a wide variety of showy native flowers, rainforest trees and bush foods such as macadamia, Davidson’s Plum and native ginger).

Use the map to take one of many walks around the garden. We took the Solander Trail which took about 40 minutes to complete and had plenty of lovely wildflowers along the path.

Plenty of the trails are step-free and paved, suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. Other “adventure tracks” offer an off-road trekking experience.

Step-free paths
The Senses Track
The Senses Track is located at the top of the Wildflower Garden opposite the Visitor Centre.

There are two loops of 400m and 500m respectively, which each take ten minutes or so at a steady pace. Interpretive signage reveals interesting facts about the bushland. This is a great track for kids to enjoy.

The Solander Trail
The Solander Trail is an almost 2km circuit that takes visitors past some of the best wildflowers in the garden. It takes about 40 minutes to an hour to complete.

The Brown Trail
The Brown Trail is a short detour off the Solander Trail route that offers a view of Donnelly’s Swamp and access to the Mueller Track.

There is also a short, step-free path that winds through Caley’s Pavilion Gardens and boardwalk over the wetland area.

All of these paths are adjacent to accessible picnic areas and toilets.

Short adventure tracks
Banks Track
The Banks Track is 200m in length and takes about 5 minutes.

Smith Track
Smith’s Track is 400m in length and takes 10-15 minutes.

Bentham Track
The Bentham Track is 400m long and takes about 10 minutes.

Caley Track
Caley Track is 200m long and takes about 5 minutes.

Wilderness path
Mueller Track
A strenuous walk of 4km in length.

I really enjoyed looking around the Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Nursery, located inside the Visitors Centre. The nursery specialises in local indigenous plants. It also stocks a variety of native plants suitable for planting in Sydney gardens.

Garden runs programs for kids throughout the year. You can see what’s coming up online.

Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden,
420 Mona Vale Road, St Ives (entry off Richmond Avenue).
kmc.nsw.gov.au

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.

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.

Berry Island Reserve & Playground

August 12, 2020 / Outdoor Play, Playgrounds, Sydney, Sydney Life / 0 comment

Berry Island Reserve & Playground

Enjoy some of the most beautiful harbour views in Sydney from Berry Island Reserve, a bushland island in North Sydney.

Berry Island Reserve is a small, circular island, connected to the mainland by a grassed causeway.

The grassed causeway is a nice, wide, open space, perfect for picnics. Public toilets and free barbecues available for use, and some seats dotted around. I would suggest bringing picnic blankets and chairs however.

There is a lovely little fenced adventure playground tucked into the side of the island. It has some of the best views of any playground we have seen. The playground is designed to blend into the bush setting and has equipment suitable for toddlers to primary aged kids.

The Berry Island playground is fenced on three sides, with a rockface creating the fourth wall. At the entrance to the playground can be equipment suitable for younger kids, while the harder equipment is in the rear.

Take the Gadyan Track around the island for some exercise, stunning views, and to learn about Berry Island’s Aboriginal history. The 20 minute bush walk has interpretative signs posted along the way and there are some Aboriginal midden sites, a watering hole and rock engravings to be discovered.

Berry Island was a fishing, hunting and camping site for Aboriginal communities. The island was attached to the mainland with the construction of a stone causeway in the early 19th century by Edward Wollstonecraft, and was dedicated as a public nature reserve in 1926.

Dogs are permitted on Berry Island Reserve, however they must be kept on a leash in bushland areas and they are not permitted within 10m of the playground.

Berry Island Reserve is quite easy to reach by driving straight down Shirley Road in Wollstonecraft, however parking is a bit tricky – there is limited on-street parking on Shirley Road. If you’re catching the train, Berry island Reserve is a 10-minute walk from Wollstonecraft railway station.

Berry Island Reserve
10 Shirley Rd, Wollstonecraft
https://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/Recreation_Facilities/Parks_Reserves/Search_Parks/Berry_Island_Reserve

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