Parsley Bay Playground, Vaucluse

The new Parsley Bay Playground has just opened in Vaucluse. An all inclusive playground in a lovely space, lucky Vaucluse families! We’ve always liked Parsley Bay so this just adds another reason to visit!

TOP TIP: The best time to visit is when its warm and it hasn’t rained in at least 3 days so that the kids can go play in the water after the playground.

While there has always been a playground at Parsley Bay, this new playground has just been upgraded as part of the Everyone Can Play program which takes into account three important considerations to ensure everyone has a chance to enjoy the space. A bit more about that later.

This playground is really lovely in that it just fits in with the area. The way it’s been built, the equipment that has been included and the colouring of it all is just lovely.

Parsley Bay Playground, Vaucluse

Where is the Playground

Location

There are two Parsley Bay areas in the great Sydney area. One is up North, just outside Brooklyn on the Hawkesbury River.

This Parsley Bay, the one with the new playground is in Vaucluse, east of Sydney CBD.

If you know where Shark Beach is Parsley Bay is just a little bit further east along the Sydney Harbour. It’s probably the next little bay down.

Proper Name and Address

The proper name for the playground is Parsley Bay Reserve Inclusive Playground.

If like my husband you have no idea where Parsley Bay is, the proper address for the playground is Horler Avenue, Vaucluse NSW 2030. That address will take you exactly where you need to be.

There is a little carpark right next to the playground.

Features of the new Parsley Bay Playground

My favourite element has to be the ship not because of the structure itself but because it references the Kainan Maru, the first exploration of Antarctic territory by an expedition from Japan. The Kainan Maru has an Australian connection as it wintered in Sydney in 1911. How lovely is that!!

I’m not sure my children are as interested though. Other parts of the playground appeal to them. My son loves climbing and my daughter loves swinging and spinning.

The new parsley bay playground is really lovely in that it just fits in with the area. The way it's been built, the equipment that has been included and the colouring of it all is just lovely. I love this tribute to the Kainan Maru. 
All images kindly provided by the Woollahra Municipal Council.
I love this tribute to the Kainan Maru.
All images kindly provided by the Woollahra Municipal Council.

And while it is, in my opinion, a small playground, there are a lot of different elements and play equipment that has been crammed into it. But without limiting the kids’ ability to run through it. You’ll see that on the sides of the structures there are things to spin or move.

The new parsley bay playground is really lovely in that it just fits in with the area. The way it's been built, the equipment that has been included and the colouring of it all is just lovely. There are different activities all around the playground, like this little maze and the spinning wheel up on the ship. 
All images kindly provided by the Woollahra Municipal Council.
There are different activities all around the playground, like this little maze and the spinning wheel up on the ship.
All images kindly provided by the Woollahra Municipal Council.

Please be aware that the playground is not enclosed and it is close to the carpark.

Everyone can play

The new playground has been designed around the three principles of the Everyone can play programme.

Each of the new NSW playgrounds features the three considerations of the Everyone Can Play:

  1. Can I get there? This ensures that the location, layout, signage and accessibility means that everyone can find their way to, in and around the playground. So you’ll see with this playground that almost any child can reach the play equipment regardless of their physical abilities.
  2. Can I Play? This aspect is whether the equipment and surfacing, allows everyone to experience a variety of challenging and engaging play opportunities in a way that suits them. The new parsley bay playground has something for each child to be engaged by and hopefully challenged.
  3. Can I stay? Is there was is needed to make sure that kids can stay and play for as long as they like.
The new parsley bay playground is really lovely in that it just fits in with the area. The way it's been built, the equipment that has been included and the colouring of it all is just lovely. Just look how well the playground matches the space. 
All images kindly provided by the Woollahra Municipal Council.
Just look how well the playground matches the space.
All images kindly provided by the Woollahra Municipal Council.

Playground Equipment

There is a “ship”, a bridge, a high up rope tunnel and a climbing net that almost rolls over itself.

There are some big structures for the kids to climb around and then also your traditional features such as a fireman’s pole, slide and swings. And those little things you sit on that bob up and down. My 4 year old loves those things so much.

For the double seater swing and the roundabout it’s been designed like the ones you see at Livvi’s Place Playgrounds so that children in wheelchairs can also enjoy the fun.

One of the things we love are discs that are lifted off the ground that you get to walk along, holding onto a rope or a pole. It’s one of the best ones I’ve seen (far better than the one at Taronga at the entrance that keeps the children queuing for ages to play on). This feature alone keeps my kids distracted for ages. And when I combine it with the spider net, it’s a good half hour of entertainment for my son.

The new parsley bay playground is really lovely in that it just fits in with the area. The way it's been built, the equipment that has been included and the colouring of it all is just lovely. This is my son's absolute favourite, where balancing meets climbing. 
All images kindly provided by the Woollahra Municipal Council.
This is my son’s absolute favourite, where balancing meets climbing.
All images kindly provided by the Woollahra Municipal Council.

Shade

There is a lot of natural shade at the Parsley Bay Playground. A lot! In fact, if its not a hot summer day, the kids may actually get cold!

TOP TIP: If you’re visiting outside of Summer or late afternoon, make sure you pack jumpers.

Parsley Bay Playground Facilities

Seating

There are picnic tables and chairs under the trees.

There is also a large grassy space for picnics and a lazy afternoon lying in the sun in between playing and swimming.

Bathrooms

Yes, there are bathrooms nearby!

Food

There aren’t any BBQs but there is a sweet little kiosk close by.

The new parsley bay playground is really lovely in that it just fits in with the area. The way it's been built, the equipment that has been included and the colouring of it all is just lovely. 
All images kindly provided by the Woollahra Municipal Council.

All images kindly provided by the Woollahra Municipal Council.

Age Suitability

For those of you who follow the blog, you will notice that this is a new category and purely because my son has started complaining about certain places we visit not being challenging enough for him. It’s an interesting age this!!

So from now on, I will be indicating which age groups would get the best out of each playground.

Age Suitability of this playground

I would say that this playground is best for younger children up to the age of 6 or 7. There are things suitable for my 4 year old but also elements to keep my son who is 7 and very athletic busy.

Disclaimer

Not all children have the same abilities. Not all children who look to have the same physical abilities do. The above age suitability is purely a guideline and should be considered in light of your own child’s ability.

If you’re debating whether to visit Parsley Bay then you have to read THIS POST on it. It’ll give you a better understanding of what the rest of the reserve is like.

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