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.
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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.
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There’s also a mini flying fox and a tunnel for toddlers who love a game of ‘peek-a-boo’!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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