Why every child must experience Oatley Park

Located in the leafy suburb of Oatley in Sydney’s South is the all inclusive Oatley adventure Playground.

Standing proudly within 45 Hectares of stunning bushland overlooking Lime kiln Bay wetlands home to many types of ducks and other water birds, Georges River and Jew Fish Bay you will find the all inclusive Oatley adventure playground. Designed with mostly natural elements in mind the playground design has clearly incorporated the surrounding landscape as much as possible. The playground includes many features including a flying fox complete with a harnessed seat for younger thrill seekers, a spectacular climbing structure you need to see to believe, allowing only the bravest to climb and weave their way through to reach the enclosed super slide, a toddler play area with musical instruments, a teenage break out area, sandpit with shade, adjacent cycling track, Sporting fields, bushwalking, netted swimming area, a steam roller and even a castle that looks like its straight out of a fairy tale. There really is something for everyone at Oatley Park including, young and old, kids, teens, babies and toddlers, cyclists, sporting groups, scooter riders, walkers, joggers and mums with prams.

The historic steam roller is accessible under adult supervision.

After undergoing a total re-development in 2019 the playground was given life and has attracted many visitors since its opening in September. The perfect place to host a birthday party with covered seating and BBQ areas.

Oatley Park really ticks all the boxes for our family! If you were to google Oatley Park or view it on a map you will notice there are a number of access points to the park in which you can drive, walk or cycle. Entrances from Douglas Haig Street and Pamela Ave will allow you a very scenic view of the park however if its purely the playground you’re after then I suggest entering via 1 Dame Mary Gilmore Road and follow the one way road past the sporting field until you reach the playground. Parking is parallel to the park and is unmarked so just be mindful.

TIP: The roadway is ONE WAY and can be a bit difficult to see oncoming traffic, children and cyclists when reversing to leave so always be vigilant.

Oatley Adventure Playground, was constructed using as many natural materials to showcase and pay respect to the surrounding landscape, the playground was a joint project between both the Georges River Council and the NSW Government Open Space and Parklands Program. The adventure playground was designed using the Everyone Can Play guidelines and over 80% of the playground is fully accessible for all abilities. 

Other Features:

The Castle Standing proudly overlooking the Oatley Baths is the magnificent sandstone castle. Built during the Great depression between 1929-1932 it once served as a kiosk but now serves as a lookout over the Georges River and surrounding bushland. Today its purely a great place to explore or have lunch or host n event such as a wedding. You can hire this area by contacting Georges River Council. Underneath you will find not only shelter from bad weather but picnic tables and BBQs. There are also toilets located close by and access to Oatley Baths and further picnic tables is just adjacent.

Oatley Baths are a tranquil netted swimming area popular with Oatley Swimming Club and swimmers of all ages. There is also an area of sand that is perfect for a beach picnic or little bubs. The history is this area dates back to 1919.

Websters Lookout

Webster Lookout is the ideal place to sit and take in the magnificent view out over the bay and Como Bridge.

Hils Peak Lookout is another lookout just up from the Webster but I recommend Websters more.

Draculas Canteen This is something I came across while researching the park and I haven’t found this myself so if you do please let me know, Id love to know more about it. Apparently there is a large rock overhang you can explore.

A bit of history…..

If you’re up for a bit more of an adventure outside of the playground there is also a number of walking trails throughout the park, I recommend making the time to explore the parklands outside the playground as the park contains a number of historically important elements. Upon entering the park via Dame Mary Gilmore Rd you will notice the ‘Lone Pine’ tree. The pine tree was planted in 1920 by Owen John Davies, a WWI veteran who grew the tree from a seed he collected from the original Lone Pine in Gallipoli.

The ‘Lone Pine’ in all its glory located at the entrance to the park on Dame Mary Gilmore Drive.

After looking into the history of the park this doesn’t even scrape the surface. I urge you to have a read of the many other features and history of this amazing area.

Closing Times

June – August, 6.00pm
April – October, 7.00pm
November – March, 8.00pm

The gates are opened at approximately 6:30am all year round and you can drive through the park

The Lowdown on Oatley Adventure Park:

TOILETS: There are toilets, However neither are located at the playground. Your closest option is a 200m walk back to the sports field along a concrete pathway through bushland.

FENCED: No

PARKING: Yes, parallel parking is located adjacent to the park. Its not marked and it is up to visitors to be mindful of that and park accordingly.

BBQs and PICNIC TABLES: Yes there are 8 Picnic tables and 8 BBQs throughout the playground. Picnic tables are sheltered. There are also BBQs and picnic tables located at the ‘castle’.

SLIDES: Yes, there are 4 slides. The large super slide and the 3 smaller slides for younger children.

SWINGS: Yes, There are 4 swings, one round rope swing and a small toddler swing. I believe on busy days the swings would require some waiting time to secure a turn.

SANDPIT: Yes

DOGS: Yes Oatley park is a dog friendly park but dogs must be on leash.

SUITABLE FOR: The playground is suitable for a range of ages from toddlers to teens. I wouldn’t suggest its the best option for crawling babies with lots of bark chips around but that doesn’t mean there isn’t areas you could access under supervision. The park overall is suitable for ALL AGES with people young and old accessing the park for many activities including sport, running, cycling, bushwalking, events, bird watching and more.

SHADE: The toddler play area is sheltered with a shade sail but the remainder of the park is exposed. In saying that there is lots of natural shade from the surrounding landscape. Early mornings and late afternoon provide the best shade.

BINS: Yes

How do I Book for a party / Event: By contacting Georges River Council on (02) 9330 6400 or email them mail@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au. The playground is on a first in best dressed basis but you are able to hire the ‘Castle’.

CLOSEST CAFE: There are no cafes located in the park but do not despair because you really are spoilt for choice at the nearby Oatley township so your closest choices are:

One 2 One Cafe Oatley – which is also very child friendly with a great play area in a good weather. Located at 121 Mulga Road Oatley – 5 Minute Drive.

Bitton Oatley – Another great choice with an outdoor area in good weather and small kids play area with a cubby house. Located at 119a Mulga Road Oatley – 5 Minute Drive.

Edmonds and Greer – A beautiful cafe and homewares shop with adjacent clothing store. Located at 1/97 Mulga Road Oatley – 5 Minutes drive.

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE: Partially yes.

OTHER FEATURES: Flying Fox, Concrete pathways for prams and wheelchairs.

Stunning outlook over Oatley Park Bushland

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