10 New Central Coast Park Reviews

We know you love visiting local parks and we do too. After all, what’s not to love: it’s fun, it’s free, it’s outdoors, kids learn new skills such as climbing, swinging and balancing AND they burn off a heap of energy, so they sleep soundly that night (fingers crossed).

In our survey last year you told us you love our park reviews, so we’ve traversed the Central Coast to bring you a heap more. Some of these are brand-spanking new – all built within the past year; some are oldies but goodies – local favourites that have been forgotten so you’ll likely have the space to yourself.

Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy exploring these Central Coast playgrounds with your kids.

[You’ll find a map showing you the location of these 10 parks at the bottom of the feature].

1. Bateau Bay Mini Park

Bateau Bay Mini Park was given an upgrade in January 2019. The existing play space was replaced with new equipment, including a basket swing, stepping poles and climbing elements.

Nestled among the trees, the mini park is the perfect spot for families to while away a few hours. On one side sits the play equipment and on the other is wide open space for kids to run around or kick a ball.

The play structure offers lots to climb – a rope structure, two bouldering walls, a climbing wall and stairs. It also boasts a double slide, a chain bridge and sliding poles.

Next to the play structure is a swing set (with a bucket baby swing and a regular swing), plus the newly added basket swing. There’s also a fun spring rider, and stepping poles that will tire out your little monkeys.

Bateau Bay Mini Park
Age group: The playground equipment is best suited to children aged 2-7.
Fencing: The park is fenced along one side but there is no fencing along Anglers Drive or Cresthaven Avenue. The play equipment is set back from both roads, however.
Facilities: Bike racks. Trees will shade the playground at times throughout the day. The ground cover under the play equipment is soft-fall rubber.
Toilets: None. Cresthaven Shopping Centre is a five-minute walk from the Cresthaven Avenue park entrance.
Parking: Free street parking.
Location: Accessible through a pathway at the end of Anglers Drive, Bateau Bay (next to number 35). The mini park is also accessible from Cresthaven Avenue (opposite number 139).

2. Tuggerah Lake Cycleway Playground, Long Jetty

New play equipment popped up along the Tuggerah Lake Cycleway at Long Jetty this March and it’s super popular with locals!

The playground is situated opposite Elsiemer Street – just footsteps from Long Jetty Wharf. It’s also about a five-minute walk to Long Jetty’s main strip and cafés. It has replaced Tuggerah Parade Playground, which used to sit roughly 200m away.

The main play structure has two slides and rope walls, a climbing wall, a cubby shop window, a rope bridge, a match game, a noughts and crosses board, and spinning balls.

In front of the play structure is a spinner, and to the side of it is a swing set with a bucket baby swing and a regular swing. There is also a basket swing.

We visited once after school and once on the weekend and on both occasions there was a lot of excitement over the new equipment. It’s the perfect pitstop when out for a bike ride along the cycleway, as kids can play and parents or carers can sit and enjoy the lake breeze.

Tuggerah Lake Cycleway playground
Age group: Best suited to children aged 2-10.
Fencing: The play equipment is not fenced in and is quite close to both the road and lake.
Facilities: Four covered picnic tables, bins. There is no shade over the playground. The ground cover under the play equipment is soft-fall rubber.
Toilets: There are public toilets 350m south along the lake, opposite Gladstan Avenue.
Parking: Free street parking.
Location: Tuggerah Parade, Long Jetty (opposite number 141 and Elsiemer Street).

3. Gosford Lions Park

The NEW Lions Park on Gosford waterfront is open! The fences were removed in early April 2019 and Playing in Puddles stopped by for a play.

Being smack-bang on Brisbane Water, this has to be one of the most picturesque parks on the Coast.

You’ll find a cute rocking dolphin, a spinner, a double swing set (with bucket and regular swing) and a cool play structure complete with balance beam, slippery dip, rope net and fireman pole.

A bike/scooter path circles the entire park and grassed area and makes for a nice track for new riders. Plus, there’s the walking path that circumnavigates Brisbane Water all the way to the Brian McGowan Bridge (and beyond) for people looking for a long bike ride or stroller walk.

Coffee and snacks are available just 20m away at the NEW Boatshed Cafe and Bar – located on the waters’ edge deck of Gosford Sailing Club. Plus there’s snacks available at Gosford Olympic Pool.

The Boatshed cafe (0243 257 216) is open Wednesday 10am-5pm, Thursday 10am-5pm, Friday 10am-10pm, Saturday 9am-10pm, Sunday 9am-7pm.

Gosford Lions Park
Age group: Toddlers, preschoolers and young children.
Fencing: There is no fencing, so you do have to be vigilant of wanderers at the waters’ edge.
Facilities: Soft-fall ground cover under play equipment. Four undercover picnic tables, bench seating at the playground, BBQ, drinking station.
Toilets: The closest public toilets are located beyond the Sailing Club in front of the Scout Hall (about 200m away). There are toilets at the Sailing Club and public pool.
Parking: Free street parking and car park opposite Duke Street.
Location: Gosford Lions Park, Masons Parade, Gosford (opposite number 37).

4. Empire Bay playground

Hidden away on the shoreline, just a five-minute walk from Empire Bay Ferry Wharf is Empire Bay Playground – a cute, sandy pit of play equipment the kids will absolutely love! This park caters for children under five, with a double slippery dip, small climbing frame, swings (one of which is accessible), a bouncy dolphin, mini flying fox and more.

The ducks waddle about freely, so bring seed to feed them. The water’s edge is something to watch out for though with little ones, as is the small dirt track road that runs along the back of the park, past the houses.

The park area is largely shaded by both a sail and large trees which, coupled with the breeze from the water, makes this an idyllic spot in the hotter months.

There is bench and undercover table seating, or you can throw down a picnic rug on the large green to while away the hours after school.

Just a short walk from the park is Empire’s D’Lite, a charming café where you can pick up yummy Black Drum Roasters takeaway coffee, Home ice cream and locally made jams and biscuits. There is also a fantastic deli counter which has anything from sausage rolls to cold meats and cheeses, as well as a hot toasties menu which comes in very handy if picnicking at the park!

Empire Bay playground
Age group: Toddlers, preschoolers and young children.
Fencing: No, but the play equipment is set back from the street.
Facilities: Accessible swing, undercover picnic table, bench seating.
Toilets: No toilets unfortunately.
Tips: No bubblers so bring along drinks.
Parking: Small car park.
Location: 26 Sorrento Road, Empire Bay.

5. Frank Ballance Memorial Park Play Space, Wyong

Conveniently located opposite the wonderful Art House, this is our go-to play space for a post-theatre run around.

This leafy common and play area, installed in 2015, is a lovely space to sit and its many tables are often occupied by office workers catching some sunlight of a lunch time.

The playground is sculptural and interesting with bright forms that young tots will enjoy exploring.

A spinner and slippery dip occupies preschoolers.

Frank Ballance Memorial Park Play Space
Age group: Best suited to children aged 1-7.
Facilities: The playground ground cover is soft-fall rubber and it’s covered in large sails that provide shade in Summer (yeeha!)
Toilets: None.
Fencing: There is a concrete wall running between the playground and road, but it’s not completely enclosed.
Parking: Free street parking. It can be tricky to get a park directly out the front, but you can always find spots in nearby streets.
Location: 20A Margaret Street, Wyong.

6. Long Jetty Foreshore Reserve playground

A walk (or ride) along the Tuggerah Lake Cycleway is such a nice way to spend a morning or afternoon, especially as it offers some amazing views and great play spaces for the kids.

As you’re nearing the famous ‘long jetty’ at Long Jetty Foreshore Reserve, you’ll spot a small playground on one side of the bike track. It has a slide, basket swing, rock climbing wall, rope wall, monkey bars, and a spring rider for the little ones.

On the other side of the bike track is wide open space for kids to run around or kick a ball. This side is closest to the lake and there’s no fencing, so you’ll have to be extra vigilant.

The play equipment is a seven-minute walk from the main Long Jetty strip, where you can grab a coffee at local favourites Green Tangerine or The Glass Onion Society.

If the kids still have energy to burn, we recommend travelling 60m south on the bike track to the bigger playground along Tuggerah Lake Cycleway, opposite Elsiemer Street.

Long Jetty Foreshore Reserve playground
Age group: Best suited to children aged 2-10.
Fencing: The play equipment is not fenced and is quite close to both the road and lake.
Facilities: Four covered picnic tables, bins. There are some trees but they don’t completely shade the playground. The ground cover under the play equipment is soft-fall rubber.
Toilets: There are public toilets 100m north along the lake, opposite Archbold Road.
Parking: Free street parking.
Location: Tuggerah Parade, Long Jetty (opposite number 113).

7. Wyee Point Reserve

The Wyee Point Reserve is for adventure seekers of all ages, from tiny tots through to adults.

The playground area at the reserve is set on a gently sloping hill, with two separate playgrounds – a flying fox and huge climbing web at the top of the hill for big kids and a swing set and play structure at the bottom of the hill for younger tots. The lower playground features a swing set with a baby seat, standard seat and a spider web swing along with a well-sized play structure with slides, monkey bars, chain bridges and more. There’s also a rotating rope pyramid to get dizzy on.

At the top of the hill there’s a large covered BBQ and picnic table area and this is the pick of the spots as it has a great view over both playgrounds. This BBQ area is ideal for birthday parties and family get togethers, but be sure to get here early to bags the spot, as it’s a popular one. There’s a second covered area at the bottom of the hill with picnic tables.

Looping the playground and oval is a bike path – perfect for pram walks, scootering and bike rides. There’s an additional covered BBQ and eating area along this track. The grass field makes a perfect additional space for picnicking or throwing a ball.

Wyee Point Reserve
Facilities: Two covered BBQ areas with picnic tables. There are also other picnic tables scattered near the playground. The playground base is grass and mulch.
Toilets: Yes.
Fencing: The whole reserve is partially fenced from the road and parking area.
Age group: All ages.
Parking: Free parking lot and street parking.
Location: 27 Wymeera Circuit, Wyee Point.

8. Seabrook Reserve, Tascott

This tree-lined park and playground is a bit of a hidden gem for Tascott locals and when we visited we had the space to ourselves for most of our visit. There are two key features that set this play space apart from others – its large tree-lined grassed area (perfect for picnics and mothers group catch ups) and its large playground that is shaded for much of the day by large natives.

The playground is quite large and includes two double swing sets (one with bucket swings and the other regular), two playground structures and a spinner pole. Th structures include slippery dips, tunnel crawls, spider nets, climbing walls, firemen poles, wooden bridges, mini flying fox and steering wheel.

About 50m from the park there is a small wooden bridge that crosses a riverbed. When we visited the riverbed was dry, but it pays to be aware if you have a run away. The bridge is quite lovely with its fern canopy and our toddler loved trit trotting over it as a billy goat and imagining the troll who might live below.

A mounted metal train wheel and single railway track will spark the interest of mini Thomas enthusiasts too. If anyone knows the story behind this sculptural structure, we’d love to hear from you.

Seabrook Reserve
Facilities: Picnic table, benches.
Toilets: Sadly none.
Fencing: None. The park is set a long way back from surrounding roads. Please beware of the nearby riverbed.
Tip: The mulch is well worn and more dirt-like now, so wear closed-in shoes to keep your visit fun (otherwise you will be emptying sandals of “bits” all day long).
Age group: All ages will enjoy the grassy area for a game of soccer, catch or hide ‘n’ seek. The playground is suited to children aged 2-8.
Parking: Free off-street parking on Melaleuca Crescent.
Location: Melaleuca Cres, Tascott.

9. Lady Laurel playground, Blue Haven

This small neighbourhood park was upgraded in January 2018. Concrete pathways provide park accessibility and a track for mini tikes to trike or scooter.

The playground includes a swing set (with bucket and regular swing), a pole spinner and small play structure with slippery dip, two climbing nets and a bridge feature.

This play area won’t keep your kids entertained for hours, but it’s a good space to visit for a quick play on the way home from school to let the kids burn some energy. Take a ball or frisbee to maximise the run around.

Lady Laurel playground
Facilities: None. No shade over play equipment.
Toilets: Sadly none.
Fencing: None. The park is set a long way back from surrounding roads.
Age group: The playground is suited to children aged 2-6.
Parking: Free street parking.
Location: Lady Laurel Drive, Blue Haven.

10. Wallaby Reserve, Blackwall

The Wallaby Reserve is a lovely natural play space for tiny tots. Wooden logs, ladders and stepping poles challenge little bodies to balance and climb and there’s a double rope for older tots. A long wooden lizard crafted by local group Timber Creations makes a lovely new friend to sit on and spark imaginative play.

There’s also a set of swings with bucket swing, regular swing and group swing nearby.

Full-grown paperbarks shade the playground and surrounding area.

Wallaby Reserve
Facilities: None.
Toilets: Sadly none.
Fencing: None. The park is set back from surrounding roads.
Age group: The playground is suited to children aged 1-5.
Parking: Free street parking.
Location: Wallaby Street, Blackwall.