The Lions Park, home to the famous rocket ship, has tested the mettle of many children (and adults) over the years. It’s a rare day that a child doesn’t venture up the structure, only to then look down and break into a tearful mess. Mum or Dad, or a particularly unlucky Granny or Pop, are then set with the unenviable task of clambering up the metal ladders to rescue the child – hopeful that they, too, don’t freak out at the height… or pull a muscle.
So with this memory in mind, we were super excited to hear that when the original Lions Park rocket – a local icon since the ’70s – was being lovingly retired, it would be replaced. And now in its place stands a striking yellow-and-blue tower that nods to its predecessor while offering a whole new level of play.
It stands tall in a burst of colour, with a double-storey climbing cage, a towering tunnel slide that twists and turns, and a long blue slide that spits kids out super fast. It’s part play equipment, part art installation – and a whole lot of fun.
Little ones not quite ready for liftoff can still enjoy the mini playground with toddler-friendly climbing walls, twin slides and a rope bridge. There’s a spinner, a seesaw, and loads of flat paths to scoot along. Plus, it’s all set beneath a canopy of tall trees, so there’s natural shade and plenty of picnic tables and BBQs for a full day out.
This rocket ship isn’t just fun – it’s steeped in history. The original structure, built in 1973, was inspired by the US space race and served as a roadside landmark for decades. You can learn more about it from the on-site information board, which shares nostalgic pics and blueprints of the old-school design.
It’s best to visit this park in the late afternoon right before bath-time, as the ground is covered is fine mulch (read, dirt) and your kids will get filthy. Closed-in shoes will help, but they’ll still end up with dirty knees… and hands… and elbows.
The Lions Park, Long Jetty
Ages: 4-10.
Fenced: Partly. The side that backs onto the Central Coast Highway is fenced, but the rest is open so be vigilant at watching children who aren’t road wise. Be aware that there’s a creek/storm-water runoff in front of the homes that back onto the park. The water can get quite deep if there’s been recent rainfall.
Shaded: No.
Facilities: BBQ, covered picnic tables, toilets.
Parking: Small car park attached.
Location: 418 Central Coast Highway, Long Jetty.
Looking for other playgrounds in Long Jetty? Check out the Liberty Park on the other side of the Central Coast Highway – it has an awesome playground and a BMX track!
Header Image ©Playing in Puddles
This park review was first published in April 2017 and we gave it a full refresh in June 2025. Playing in Puddles’ park reviews are regularly updated as equipment and facilities are modified. If you’ve visited this park and something has changed, please do let us know by emailing [email protected].
We started Playing in Puddles back in 2016, and it’s been such a joy watching the Central Coast grow with us. Some of the parks we first reviewed are now getting full makeovers – and whenever that happens, we go back, snap fresh pics, and write up a brand-new review. For historical sake (and a little nostalgia), we thought it’d be fun to keep a few pics up of what used to be here.– a little time capsule of Central Coast playgrounds!
Written By: KATIE STOKES
Founder & Editor
After working in print and online media for more than a decade, Katie launched Playing in Puddles in 2017. A mum of three young boys and local of the Central Coast, Katie loves discovering and sharing all that’s happening in our region.
