King Edward Park is an iconic spot in the heart of Newcastle and a favourite of many local families. It’s a beautiful park with a lovely big lawn and Victorian rotunda. It also is a historical NSW site having been dedicated as a recreation reserve in 1863.
As well as ocean views, lots of shade and grassy areas, there is also a playground in King Edward Park with play equipment to suit different age groups.
If you need some shade, spread out a blanket in the rotunda or under one of the large majestic Norfolk pines. This park is suitable for children of all ages and as a result, is a popular spot with families on weekends. There’s usually a cricket or footy game in progress!
The playground was renovated in 2021 and features play equipment suited to preschoolers. There are two swings: a baby swing, regular swing and a group swing. The flooring is softfall so it’s gentler for little ones.
There’s also a small roundabout.
There’s a cute Newcastle, oops we mean a new castle. This play structure integrates a ladder, small bridge and a small slide.
It also has a bridge across a moat and a pole for kids to slide down.
The original play equipment in the middle and top of the playground stays the same.
Head up the hill via a rope bridge and sway bridge.
At the top, you’ll find a large climbing dome.
This climbing structure provides a challenge to older kids.
Kids (and their parents) can climb to the top and sit on the structure and enjoy great views of the park and ocean.
The park has free parking, electric barbecue facilities, extensive park grounds and plenty of picnic tables. It’s a great place to meet friends or family
If you’re feeling energetic, walk up the path to the summit of King Edward Park and enjoy magnificent ocean views. On a clear day, you can see Port Stephens in the distance.
You can also walk down to the Bogey Hole, a swimming hole that’s also in King Edward Park.
Constructed in 1819 to 1820, the Bogey Hole is a favourite with tourists and locals alike. The Bogey Hole was built by convict labour by order of Commandant Morisset who served as Commandant of Newcastle from 1819 to 1822.
As much as we like King Edward Park, we have two major complaints.
This playground is located close to the road without any fencing, so parents and carers need to supervise their kids. Newy with Kids would love to see some kind of barrier between the playground and the road.
Another drawback is the toilet block which is located near the swing set.
As well as being dark, rundown and frequently wet inside, the women’s bathrooms are located at the back of the toilet block. It’s not somewhere that you want to take your kids if they need a toilet.
Here are some photos we recently took of the toilets. There’s no baby change facilities and where is the soap?
For this beautiful historic inner-city park, it’s frankly an embarrassment to have public facilities like these toilets. We can only hope that this toilet block is torn down soon and replaced with clean and modern amenities.
PARK INFORMATION
Address: York Drive, The Hill, NSW
Public Toilets: Next to playground. Includes disabled access.
Water Fountain: Yes
Picnic Facilities: Covered and uncovered picnic tables
BBQ: Yes
Café Nearby: No
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