Ultimate guide to the best playgrounds on the North Shore

With the school holidays approaching, here is a list of some of the best playgrounds across the North Shore region. 

If you’d like to suggest your favourite local playground to add to our list, feel free to send us an email at [email protected].

Berry Island Reserve

A pristine piece of harbourside bushland, along with a large grass field and playground including climbing equipment, slides and swings. 

Where: 10 Shirley Road, Waverton

Blackman Park Playground

Just down from the football fields, this playground is a favourite among Lane Cove locals, featuring climbing equipment, a merry-go-round and a flying fox. 

Where: End of Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove

North Sydney Playground & Recreational Area

In the middle of St Leonards Park, this playground has a large rope climbing area, a 360-degree swing, a climbing boulder and monkey bars. 

Where: Miller Street, North Sydney

Bobbin Head Playground

Looking onto Cowan Creek, this is the North Shore’s most remote playground. Includes swing sets, balance beams and a climbing spider, as well as BBQs, toilets, a cafe and nearby walking trails. 

It can be accessed from Mount Colah via Ku-ring-gai Chase Road or from North Turramurra via Bobbin Head Road.

Where: 1002 Bobbin Head Road, North Turramurra

Narremburn Park 

A quiet play area in Willoughby. Includes swings, flying-fox, sandpit with diggers, slides and a small bamboo forest. Many dog-walkers about. BBQs and toilets nearby.

Where: Station Street, Naremburn

Waitara Oval Playground

Includes sheltered picnic tables, toilets and a tall climbing tower with a long slide. More toddler friendly play equipment is also available.

Where: 22 Waitara Avenue, Waitara

Wahroonga Park

Fenced, sheltered playground with swings, slides, flying fox and miniature train play equipment. 

Where: 1 Coonanbarra Road, Wahroonga 

St Ives Village Green

Next door to St Ives Shopping Village, this playground’s standout feature is its massive, twirling green slide and accompanying climbing tower. 

Where: Memorial Avenue, St Ives

St Ives Showground Playground

Another large playground in the upper reaches of Ku-ring-gai. This agricultural themed playground has a large climbing area, including a suspended bridge, toy tractor and hoop swing.

Where: 452 Mona Vale Road, St Ives

Willoughby Park 

Opposite the Willoughby Park Community Centre. Includes swings, slides, monkey bars and those whirling spinning things that make you queasy but that kids seem to adore. 

Where: McClelland Street, Willoughby