Last verified 04/26
Lake Macquarie Variety Playground at Speers Point Park is easily the best and biggest playground between the Central Coast and Newcastle.
The playground is so good that even a long drive to get there feels worth it.
It takes us over an hour to get there from the Central Coast, but I’d happily make the trip again, especially on a nice day.
What I love most about this playground is that the kids play nonstop for hours, which means I can relax on my picnic rug under the big trees.
The only time I saw the kids was when they got hungry. That’s always a good sign.
Just How Good Is It?
Parks and Leisure Australia named this playground the “Best Play Space in Australia”. The Australian Institute of Landscape Architects also gave the park a Design Award for Excellence.
What I like most about this playground is that it works for kids of all ages and abilities. My 11-year-old and her friend had just as much fun as my 6-year-old. There’s also an accessible sensory area.
Tip: My kids are old enough to look after themselves. If you have several young children, it might be harder to keep an eye on them all because the park is so big.
Speers Point Park is perfect for older kids who are bored with their local playground. The park is big, and the play equipment is larger and more exciting than most places.
The playground covers a huge 2 hectares and is fully fenced. There’s plenty of room for kids to run around and explore different play areas.
The park has plenty of grass and big shady trees, making it easy to spread out a picnic rug. You’ll also find picnic tables and barbecues.
Even when it’s busy, the park still feels open and roomy.
And there’s plenty to keep kids busy for hours.
The 12-metre tower
The 12-metre climbing tower with its spiral slide was my kids’ highlight. They went up and down it over and over again. To reach the top, kids climb through nets, ropes, and soft floors before enjoying the nine-metre slide down.
Play Equipment
Next to the climbing tower, there’s a large sandpit, a spinning wheel, and a bridge with a climbing wall and a door that opens into a tunnel. Kids like to sit in the tunnel and hide from each other. The double flying foxes were really popular too.
The Mini Cycling Road
A winding path runs through the playground, so kids can ride their bikes, scooters, or skateboards from one end to the other.
Children enjoy the road network, which includes road signs, roundabouts, obstacles, bumps, and pedestrian crossings. They kept riding their bikes around it.
Sensory Spaces
There’s a quieter part of the playground with sensory equipment and peaceful spots. In this area, you’ll find bridges, climbing nets, a water play zone, totem poles for children with visual impairments, and musical equipment.
This quiet zone was created for children with autism spectrum disorders. It’s popular with younger kids and anyone who prefers a quieter place to play. The area feels very calming, and the sensory section is wheelchair accessible.
There are also swings and climbing nets to enjoy.
Food and Water
Table 1 Espresso is right next to the park, offering hot food, drinks, and ice cream. You can grab takeaway or relax on the verandah. It’s open daily from 8:30am to 2:30pm.
Harry & Lola’s is in the arts pavilion, close to the playground, and has a deck with a view of the lake. They serve coffee, toasties, and takeaway food. The café is open from 7am to 2pm every day except Monday.
There are free BBQs throughout the park, along with many picnic tables, covered shelters, and shaded spots. You’ll also find large open grassy areas to bring a rug or set up your own spot. Some tables are next to the playground, making it easy to watch the kids. Drinking water is available in the park.
Visitor Information
How to Get There
Located at 20 Park Rd, Speers Point NSW. There’s plenty of free parking, with a large car park on Park Road. For the bike circuit, use the car park on Creek Reserve Road off the Five Islands Roundabout.
Opening Hours
The playground is always open, so you can visit anytime during daylight.
What amenities are available at Speers Point Park?
The main feature is the large playground with climbing structures, slides, swings, flying fox, water play and a bike track.
Around it are toilets, accessible paths, parking, shaded picnic areas, BBQs, and a café.
The park also has wide grass spaces, lakefront walking and cycling paths, and a fenced dog area.
Is Speers Point Park free to enter?
Yes, the playground is free.
What age is it suitable for?
The playground is great for children of all ages, from toddlers to early teens, but the main attractions are especially fun for kids who are about five years old and older.
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