Known to locals as Budgewoi Bridge Park, this playground comes with some extra special features that make it worth a visit no matter where you’re located on the Central Coast. Most notably is the recently installed Liberty swing, an amazing addition for families with special needs.
The playground itself is of an older design but has all of the main things that get kids excited including a slippery dip, monkey bars and a fireman’s pole.
There’s also a mini flying fox and a tunnel for toddlers who love a game of ‘peek-a-boo’!
For older children or kids wanting a bit more of a challenge, there’s a large climbing rope maze set upon wood chip flooring that will keep them busy mentally and physically.
The reserve itself is beautifully picturesque with lots of open space for ball games. The famous Budgewoi footbridge leads to Dunkey Island, a popular haunt for spotting a wide variety of bird life and is a standout hallmark of the setting. Families are free to take a walk across the bridge to the bushland pathway either on foot or on bikes and with furry friends in tow.
If the amazing setting of this awesome park isn’t enough, the facilities for hosting a birthday party literally take the cake – in a good way! The huge undercover picnic area provides heaps of space for families and friends to congregate for special occasions and the many BBQs dotted throughout the park make this a great place to venture for a picnic by the water.
Last but not least, there’s a small sandy “beach” area by the water where kids can play and splash about during the warmer months. It’s also a popular spot to enjoy some paddle boarding, kayaking or fishing with little ones.
Mackenzie Reserve is set within walking distance to a number of restaurants including two fish and chip shops and a pub, plus it’s also very close to the beach which really does make this a wonderful place to visit for the whole day.
Mackenzie Reserve Playground, Budgewoi.
Park Name: Mackenzie Reserve Playground, also known as Budgewoi Bridge Park.
Ages: Best suited for preschoolers, primary and older kids. The playground also has a liberty swing.
Fenced: The liberty swing is fenced but other parts of the park aren’t.
Groundcover: Wood chip.
Toilets: Yes – and they’re actually quite nice! Although there’s no change table unfortunately.
Other facilities: Huge undercover picnic area with 12 picnic tables and BBQs, lots of litter bins, heaps of seating and picnic tables both by the water and throughout the park.
Shade: Plenty of trees shade the playground and areas throughout the whole park.
Tips: The park does get quite muddy after rain, so just be aware. During peak times in summer the park can get busy but you can always seem to find a place to sit.
Parking: Plenty of parking spaces available directly in front of the park / reserve area. The area isn’t too busy but make sure you watch the kids as there aren’t any fences.
Location: Corner of Lake Street and Weemala St, Budgewoi. Opposite house number 1 Weemala Street.
Header Image ©Lauren Tierney for Playing in Puddles
