King Edward Park is one of Newcastle’s most iconic family spots, set right in the heart of the city with sweeping ocean views.
It’s home to plenty of open grassy space for the kids to run around, a historic Victorian rotunda that’s a popular spot for weddings, and Norfolk pines old enough to remember when the park was first dedicated as a recreation reserve back in 1863. The park is also home to Garside Gardens, a beautifully maintained historic sunken garden well worth a wander.
Throughout the year, the park comes alive with community events from Ngarrama, an Indigenous cultural celebration held each to Newcastle Permanent’s Christmas Under the Stars for an evening of Christmas carols and an outdoor movie screening. Add in other events as well as weddings and you’ll find there’s often something on beyond just a regular visit.
Between the playground, the shade, and the walk down to the Bogey Hole, it’s an easy park to spend a few hours in with kids of any age. The park also connects directly to the Bathers Way, Newcastle’s scenic coastal walk, with a path leading down to Newcastle Beach and South Newcastle Skate Park if you want to extend your visit.
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
The playground was renovated in 2021 and is best suited to preschoolers, though there’s enough here to keep older kids busy too.
Softfall flooring throughout makes it a gentler landing spot for little ones learning to climb and jump. You’ll find a baby swing, a regular swing and a group swing, plus a small roundabout.
A play structure shaped like a castle (a “Newcastle,” if you want the pun) includes a ladder, a small bridge and a slide, along with a bridge across a moat and a pole to slide down.
Further up the hill, a rope bridge and sway bridge lead to a large climbing dome.
This is the spot for older kids after more of a challenge, and it doubles as a lookout. Climb to the top and you’ll get a great view over the park and out to the ocean.
Garside Gardens
Tucked into the gully of the park’s horseshoe bend, Garside Gardens is a sunken flower garden named after Bob Garside, a former Newcastle Council parks superintendent who retired in 1974. The garden’s flower beds bloom in vivid colour a couple of times a year, and it’s a lovely, quieter spot to wander through if you want a break from the playground or a nice backdrop for photos.
Facilities and Getting There
King Edward Park has free parking, electric barbecue facilities, and plenty of picnic tables scattered across the grounds. There’s ample shade under the pines or in the rotunda if you’re visiting on a hot day.
Toilets: The toilet block is located near the swing set. Inside, you’ll find the women’s bathrooms toward the back of the building. There are no baby change facilities, so it’s worth planning ahead if you have a little one in nappies, and we’d suggest packing your own hand sanitiser just in case.
The block is older and could use a freshen-up, so set expectations accordingly if you need to make a stop here with the kids. We’ll keep an eye on whether Council has any upgrade plans for these facilities and update this guide if that changes.
One thing to watch: the playground sits close to the road without fencing in between, so keep little ones close, especially toddlers who tend to wander.
Shepherds Hill and Eddie’s
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’ll find an off-leash dog area here.
A short walk away is Shepherds Hill, a former military complex which dates back to the late 1800s. This spot was a crucial link in Newcastle’s coastal defence system during World War II. Although the site was decommissioned, the concrete observation post is still there. From here, you have great views up and down the coast. It’s also a great spot for whalewatching.
At the rear of Shepherds Hill sits the old Marine Rescue building, now home to Eddie’s at Shepherds Hill. This heritage cottage dates back to the 1890s and served as a military mess hall before later stints with Defence and Marine Rescue NSW. Following a $1.8 million restoration by City of Newcastle, it’s now open to the public for the first time in its 130-plus year history. Eddie’s is a great spot to get some food or coffee while you’re visiting King Edward Park.
The Bogey Hole
Down the hill from the park is The Bogey Hole, a historic ocean pool built between 1819 and 1820 by convict labour under Commandant Morisset. It’s a favourite swimming spot with locals and visitors alike, and worth combining with your park visit if the tide and conditions are right.
Good to Know
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: Yes. Eddie’s at Shepherds Hill
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, free parking is available at the park. It can get busy though so you might have to park at the top of the park near Shepherd’s Hill.
No. The playground is close to the road without fencing, so supervise young children closely.
The lower section suits preschoolers best, while the climbing dome and rope bridges further up the hill are better for older kids.
Yes, the historic Bogey Hole ocean pool is a short walk from the park. You can also walk down to Newcastle Beach.
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