Upgraded in 2022, Cooranbong Reserve Playground is a great playground to visit on a day out with friends and family.
Located on the western side and southern end of Lake Macquarie, turn into the adjoining car park off Freemans Drive, Cooranbong. There’s plenty of parking, including a disabled parking spot right near the playground.
With a large play tower, accessible roundabout, water play area, scooter track, barbecues, nearby basketball court and more, families with kids of all ages could easily spend a couple of hours here.
The playground area, with a soft fall, woodchip, and grass surface and shaded by mature trees, is fenced on three sides, providing a barrier from the road and nearby water.
The first thing the kids will spot is the large play tower. With a large, enclosed slide and smaller double slide, the play tower is suitable for pre-schoolers and school-aged kids. Toddlers will love making music on the xylophone underneath. All ages will love going for a swing in the large hammock attached.
Speaking of swings, there’s plenty for kids to choose from including a baby/toddler swing and regular swing.
The 360-degree suspension group swing will be a guaranteed hit with kids of all ages.
This area also features an accessible roundabout.
Be sure to pack scooters and balance bikes, as a scooter path complete with it’s own mini signs and traffic lights encircles the play area.
Packing a towel and a change of clothes is also a good idea as kids will be drawn to the water play area where they can pump water and splash around in the downhill flow.
Older kids will love racing each other to the top of the 6 metre climbing pyramid.
Commemorating the area’s timber milling history, a public art sculpture depicts a log being milled and converted into a picnic table, complete with climbing features and extra seating. An informative sign provides further information on ‘silviculture’ – the science of forestry.
A further two sculptures and an interpretive sign offer another learning opportunity, this time about the history of the Awabakal People, who have a long connection to this area.
Just beside the reserve is Cooranbong Park Sports Complex with fields and a multi-court for netball and basketball. Bring your own balls to make the most of your time here.
When it’s time for lunch there are a number of picnic tables, including some covered tables, to choose from. There are also four undercover barbecues. Or, lay out a picnic rug on one of the many grassed areas.
The public toilets are located at the southern end of the car park, if needed.
A small track to get to the toilets forms part of the Priests’ Horse Paddock Walkway, a 500m loop walk cared for by the local Landcare group.
If you fancy a stroll, walk the full loop. A small bridge crosses over a pond where you can spot ducks and other birds. Keep a watchful eye on children, as the pond is unfenced and covered in aquatic vegetation.
Crossing the bridge reveals a quiet, secluded picnic area, and nearby stairs lead to a small cemetery – perfect for little explorers!
Cooranbong Reserve provides a wonderful mix of play, learning, and exploration for all ages, making it a perfect destination for a family day out. For a full day of fun, you could also visit the Cooranbong Swing Bridge or LEAP Museum (Temporarily CLOSED), both within 10 minutes drive.
Good to Know
Cooranbong Reserve Playground has something suitable for all ages.
Cooranbong Reserve Playground is located at 513A Freemans Drive in Cooranbong, NSW.
Yes. Public toilets are available.
Yes. A water fountain is available.
Yes. The reserve has both covered and uncovered picnic tables.
Yes. There are four BBQs at the reserve.
Yes. There is a large carpark close to the playground.
Yes. Relish Coffee House is about 600 metres away.
Find on map