Sydney Park Playground

Sydney Park Playground has that rare combination of brilliant play equipment and a stunning natural setting. Set within the 44-hectare Sydney Park — a converted brickworks site with rolling hills, wetlands, and a thriving bike track — this Kidsafe Award-winning playground (2016) makes the most of its hilltop location. The triple hill slides are the star attraction: three long metal slides built into the grassy hillside that kids can climb up and zoom down endlessly. There's nothing else quite like them in Sydney.

Beyond the slides, there's a solid range of climbing equipment, swings, a sand play area, and balancing structures. But the real magic of Sydney Park is everything around the playground. The dedicated bike and scooter track that loops through the park is phenomenal — kids can ride for ages on a separated path away from cars. The wetlands are beautiful for a wander, and the old brick kilns create a dramatic industrial backdrop.

The playground is not fenced, but it sits on open grassy ground with good sightlines in all directions. Toilets are nearby and reasonably well maintained. There's a popular cafe — The Grounds Keeper — right next to the playground, which makes this one of the few destination playgrounds where parents can actually enjoy a decent flat white while keeping eyes on the kids.

Parking is available on surrounding streets (2-hour limits) and in a small car park off Sydney Park Road. St Peters station is about a 10-minute walk. Multiple bus routes run along King Street and the Princes Highway. This is an inner-west favourite for a reason — it's the full package of play, nature, cycling, and coffee.