About Us

We're two mums with kids between the ages of 2 & 11 who want to share their ideas on free and cheap fun around Sydney. On our blog you'll find places to visit like parks and attractions as well as family friendly places to eat. Have fun browsing and if you'd like to contact us you can reach us on goodcheapfun@gmail.com. Nat and Ally

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Wrights Rd Playground -Wrights Rd, Kellyville

This park is great for a morning out with the kids.  Its a new playground just down the road from the Kellyville shops on Wrights rd.  There are lots of things for the kids to do on some pretty cool equipment, like climbing, riding, spinning, sliding and of course swinging.  For more details check out below.

Toilets:
No toilets.
BBQs:
No BBQs
Bins:
Only one bin.
Seating:
A couple of bench chairs scattered around the playground.
Shade:
The playground is shaded by a couple of triangular shade cloths.
Bike/Walking Tracks:
As the park is only small there is no walking tracks.
Playground Equipment:
There is something here for kids between 1-12. There are 3 slides, a four seater spinner, there is a climbing obstacles, a funky ambulance, swings, climbing nets and see saws.
Open Spaces:
There is a small grassy area to the side of the equipment.
Carparking/Accessiblity:
Carparking is roadside on Wrights rd or Via Lavender Ave.  Accessibility isn't fantastic as you would need to contend with the curb
Water Bubblers:
One water bubbler.
Fenced:
No fencing. Wrights rd is quite a busy road, so watch the little ones that are easily distracted and like to run off.
Gated:
Not gated.
Entry fee:
No entry fee.
Unique Attractions:
The playground equipment here is the attraction as its so new and excitingly different.

Parramatta Park - Main Entrance Macquarie St, Parramatta


Where do you start with Parramatta park?? There is so much to see and do here you could easily spend the day.  There is a fantastic playground, excercise equipment, a duck pond, a fruit bat sanctuary, a cafe, the river, bike/walking tracks, and access to the Parramatta Stadium and Parramatta pools.  There is also an abundance of historical sites that you can view such as Old Government House and Govenor's Observatory remains to name a couple
Toilets:
A few different toilet blocks around the park.
BBQs:
Yes there are BBQs scattered throughout the park in picnic areas.
Bins:

Yes bins are in picnic areas.
Seating:
Lots of seating, including benches and picnic tables.
Shade: There is heaps of natural shading making it a perfect area to spread out the picnic blanket. 


Bike/Walking Tracks:
There are heaps of tracks weaving through the whole park.  There main circuit though that is used by cyclists and walkers/joggers alike is the main road that circles the entire park. 
Playground Equipment:
The playground equipment is great for a variety of ages from 2-12.  There is a small flying fox as seen in the picture, see saws, swings,  and climbing equipment. With the regard to the main playground watch the little ones that love to run off because the duck pond is situated right behind here. There is also another playground closer to the Old Government house site.
Open Spaces:
There is so much open space here for football games, kite flying, cricket you'll find it hard to pick a spot.
Carparking/Accessiblity:
There is ample carparking and accessibility isn't too bad but there aren't many concrete paths through the park itself only around main circuit.
Fenced:
The main body of the park is fenced but the playgrounds aren't.
Gated:

The park is gated, there are two entrances the main entrance in Parramatta is open daily from 6am-6pm (8pm in Daylight savings), the Westmead entrance is open 10am-3pm Mon-Fri.
Entry fee:

No entry fee
Unique Attractions:
There are so many attractions to bring you to this park that I think the best way for you to explore whats on and the facilities is to browse the parks website. In the website you'll find special events that being hosted at the park, a park map, historical features and hours of operation.Click here: http://www.ppt.nsw.gov.au/

Duck pond behind the playground

Exercise equipment along side the playground equipment

Views of the open spaces and a Grey Headed flying fox, that lives in the sanctuary that can be viewed from in the park just before the walkway out towards the stadium.

Walk way linking to the outside of the park.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Germanton Park - Hume Hwy, Holbrook




Are you heading of on a road trip to Melbourne...make sure you stop revive survive at this park.  Situated along side the Hume Hwy this little park combines all the things you and your kids need to have a great break.  Its most famous for its submarine the HMAS Ottway along with the Submarine Museum.  There is a great cafe there too for mum and dad to recharge with a coffee along with plenty of room for the kids to let loose and explore. Below is more about what you'll find at this park.

Toilets:
Plumbed toilet Block.
BBQs:
No BBQs
Bins:
There are bins in the picnic area.
Seating:
There is a variety of seating both park bench style and covered picnic tables.
Shade:
Not much in the way of natural shade only a few trees lining the outer edge of the park but there are covered picnic tables as well as seating under cover at the cafe.
Bike/Walking Tracks:
No walking tracks but there is a skate park behind the Submarine museum.
Playground Equipment:
There is a basic little park behind the toilet block near the carpark to the right of the submarine.  It would be suitable for toddlers as only has basic play equipment.  The park is semi fenced to prevent kids running off toward the Hwy.  If you have kids that are into skateboarding there is a great skate park just behind the Submarine Museum.
Open Spaces:
There is plenty of open space for the kids to run and play ball games.
Carparking/Accessiblity:
Plenty of on site parking as well as disabled parking. There is wheelchair access to most of the park via the concrete paths.
Water Bubblers:
No.
Fenced:
There is no fencing surrounding the park only a half fence around the small playground.
Gated:
The park isn't gated.
Entry fee:
No entry fee.
Unique Attractions:
The main unique attraction of this park would be the HMAS Ottway Submarine, you can climb up onto the top of the submarine and explore the top surface of it.  Little ones would struggle climbing up as the foot holes to climb up are quite high.  Also once standing on top hold your toddlers hand because the fencing is only two cable strung along.  Another attraction here for history buffs would be the Subamarine Museum, daily between 10-430pm along with the various Submarine memorial things throughout the park.  The cafe is open daily also between 830am-5pm.  There is lots in Holbrook itself, pubs, antique stores and craft shops. There is also an IGA opposite the park which is convenient to load up on snacks for your trip. 

Submarine Museum

View from top of Submarine to Cafe

Bernie Mullane Sports Complex - Liberty Playground Marella Ave Kellyville



If you have more than one child under 4 you will love this little playground,  its completey fenced with lots of exciting things to engaged little people.   It is also wheelchair friendly with ample disabled parking spaces (approx. 10) with a designated wheel chair swing.    This park would be a great to check out when there was some football games on to soak up the atmosphere, grab a snack and visit the playground.


Toilets:
Toilets available in the fitness centre.
BBQs:
No BBQs
Bins:
Only one or two in  the playground.
Seating:
A couple of bench chairs scattered around the playground.
Shade:
There is no shade in this playground which on a hot day can make the equipment a little hot.
Bike/Walking Tracks:
There is a bike/walking track that is approx 1.2 kms long that starts behind the playground that runs along side of the fitness centre.
Playground Equipment:
There is something here for kids between 1-12.  There are 5 slides, two merry go rounds, there is a climbing obstacle and tunnel, a funky bongo set, a basket swing, climbing nets and see saws.  There is also a wheelchair swing that can be accessed by carers/guardians with a key collected from the Fitness Centre.
Open Spaces:
There is a small , grassy area to the right of the playground perfect for little legs to play with a soccer ball or footy.   But in the whole complex there is numerous playing fields that would be accessible when there were no competitive sports playing. 

Carparking/Accessiblity:
There is a large onsite carpark, with ample disabled parking (approx 10 spaces).  There is also additional carparking behind the playground on sports days.
Water Bubblers:
No water bubblers in the playground itself.
Fenced:
The entire playground is fenced and has a really wide door to accomodate a wheelchair.
Gated:
The sports complex is gated hours are not known but its assumed it would be open late to accomodate the fitness club.
Entry fee:
No entry fee.
Unique Attractions:
There are so many positives about this playground.  The fencing, the wheelchair swing, the new playground equipment and the fact that its part of such a fantastic complex.  The sports complex has so many things available,  to explore the facilties visit their website  http://www.berniemullane.com.au/content.asp?pid=124097.


Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Heritage Park - Heritage Park Dr Castle Hill


This park is a historical listed site that provides everything that you need to have a nice Sunday picnic.  Its winding walking paths lead you to little pockets of nature waiting to be explored as well as keeping you in touch with its history by way of information signs. These signs follow the time of history from its use by the original inhabitants the Dharug people, to the establishment of the convict farm, church glebe, lunatic asylum, orchards and small farm holdings.   Its a really is a beautiful park with rolling grass hills, beautiful calling whip birds and little critters like water dragons. Read more info on this park below.


Toilets:

There is one toilet block one near the main playground and carpark.
BBQs:
There are one set of electric BBQs right at the top of the park which can be accessed via the walking path running along the playground.
Bins:

Yes there are bins.
Seating:
There is seating only in the pinic areas by way of picnic tables.
Shade:

There is plenty of natural shade and shaded pergolas in the pinic areas.
Bike/Walking Tracks:
There are walking tracks winding through the entire park. Its a very popular spot for power walkers and personal training sessions.
Playground Equipment:
The playground is made up of mainly rope climbing equipment, along with two spinners and a larger one.  The floor covering is tan bark and recylced rubber so the younger ones tend to get a little dirty.
Open Spaces:
Plenty of space for ball games, cricket, kite flying, frisbee etc.
Carparking/Accessiblity:
There is plenty of carparking available at the main entrance of Heritage Park Dr.  There are also other entry points via Balintore Rd and Banks Rd with on street parking. There is wheelchair access via the Heritage Park Dr carpark.
Water Bubblers:

Yes there is one bubbler near the playground.
Fenced:
There is no fencing.
Gated:

The main carpark is gated, but the park can be accessed at any time via the other entry points.
Entry fee:
No entry fee
Unique Attractions:
The history of the site would be the main attraction as well as its great walking paths. There is also a pond at the top of the park, near the top BBQ area, that is worth a look, you might even spot a water dragon or two.  Its not fenced so keep an eye on the little ones but there is a timber viewing platform.

The playground

Rouse Hill Regional Park


Rouse Hill regional park is a great park tucked away at the back of Rouse Hill.  It has wide open spaces, walking trails, terrific BBQ areas as well awesome play facilities catering for kids of all ages.  There are two seperate play areas, one which is great for toddlers and one set up the hill a little from the toddler park that is great for kids from about 7 to teens.  

Toilets:
There are toilet facilities available.  The main toilet block near the playgrounds tends to be shut midweek and open weekends but there are clean portaloos available for the times when these are closed.  These are in the carpark nearest to the walking track and toddler park.
BBQs:
There are numerous electric BBQs throughout the park. There are two timber constructed pergolas that come complete with seating and BBQs, you will find these to the right of main access road.  There are also BBQs near the playgrounds.  If you wish to reserve any of the areas contact the local council.

Bins:
There are NO BINS you must take you rubbish with you, so remember to take some bags to collect your rubbish.
Seating:
There is lots of seating available right throughout the park, both covered picnic tables and bench seating.
Shade:
This park is very leafy so there is plenty of natural shade and the toddler play equipment is covered by a shade cloth.  As mentioned previously the seating is also covered.
Bike/Walking Tracks:
There is a walking circuit at the bottom of the hill, which you can access via the main carpark at the bottom of the hill.  There are also bike and walking trails scattered throughout the entire park.
Playground Equipment:
The playground equipment suits kids of all ages.  Under the shadecover the toddlers can have fun on their tricylces and play house in the little cubby houses or go exploring up on the viewing platform, from here the kids can slide down a choice of two slides.  For kids 3-8 just outside this area there is some great climbing equipment.   There is also a wooden maze that younger kids love to venture into and play hide and seek.  The littlies also have their own flying fox, which is great but at present seems not to be working properly.  As for the older kids there is a fantastic adventure playground just up the hill a little from the toddler park.  This playground has a great flying fox, and a few other challenging rides.


Open Spaces:
There is open spaces although the grass can be long in some parts, so depending on when it was last mowed will depend on wether you can play ball games.
Carparking/Accessiblity:
There is a large carpark at the end of the main access road, with other carparking available around the other picnic sites.  The accessibility is good with wheelchair access nearly in all the areas.
Water Bubblers:
There are no bubblers.
Fenced:
The toddler area is partially fenced, but there is no other fencing around the park.
Gated:

The park is gate and the hourse are 8am till 8pm.
Entry fee:
No entry fee.
Unique Attractions:
The main attractions of this park would be the adventure play ground equipment including the flying foxes and the wooden maze.  Horseriding is also allowed in this park if you own a horse.

View from platform down to wooden maze

Balancing Equipment

Largest Flying Fox

Central Gardens - Cnr Merrylands Rd and Cumberland Hwy Merrylands

This is a great park for kids of all ages as it combines outdoor park fun with fauna encounters.  This park is one of the larger parks in the Holroyd city council which houses various Australian fauna for kids and adults alike to view and observe.   The types of animals include emus, kangaroos, wallabies and native birds like galahs and cockatoos.   Although the cages and enclosures are a little dated the animals themselves are very looked after and the kids don't even seem to notice. 


There are a variety of areas to picnic with bbq's available as well as plenty of seating and shaded pergolas.  There is also a two seperate picnic areas that can be reserved through the council for private parties and functions.   There are also two seperate playgrounds suitable for kids between the ages of 2-10.   Please see below for a more comprehensive listing of the facilities available.


Toilets:
There are two plumbed toilet blocks one near the Merrylands Rd entry and one near the Paton St entry.
BBQs:
There are electric BBQs scattered throughout the park in the picnic areas both near the Merrylands Rd entry and Paton St entry.
Bins:
Bins are located throughout the park.
Seating:
Plenty of seating, picnic tables and park bench seating.
Shade:
There is plenty of natural shade and shaded pergolas in the pinic areas.  The playground behind the animal enclosures is completely shaded.
Bike/Walking Tracks:
There is a couple of walking tracks linking the different areas of the park.
Playground Equipment:
There are two playgrounds in the park both would be suitable for kids of about 2-10.  Although some parts are a little challenging so adult supervision is neccessary.  The largest of the two is behind the animal enclosures and is completely shaded. The ground covering is tan bark so be prepared that the littlies will get dirty.  The other playground is closer to the Merrylands Rd entry, to the right of the carpark and like the other one is shaded too.  Its a little more basic in terms of the play equipment with only a ramp and two slides so would probably really only entertain kids between the ages of 3 & 5.  Again might be challenging for younger ones so adult supervision would be reccommended. 
Open Spaces:
Plenty of space for ball games, cricket, kite flying etc.
Carparking/Accessiblity:
There is plenty of carparking available at the Merrylands Rd entrance as well as on Paton Rd on the other side of the park.  There is disabled parking in the Merrylands Rd carpark and wheelchair access from here is good via the concrete paths etc.
Water Bubblers:
Yes there are a few bubblers scattered around.
Fenced:

The entire park is fenced but it is a very large park with a non-fenced body of water so keep this in mind with toddlers.
Gated:

The park opens weekdays from 7.30am til 5pm and 7pm during daylight savings. The weekend hours are 9am to 5pm &  8am to 7pm during daylight savings. The only days the park is closed is Good Friday and Christmas Day.

Entry fee:
No entry fee
Unique Attractions:
The biggest draw card for this park would be the animal enclosures.  Here kids can get a good look at kangaroos, emus, native birds, wallabies, ducks and ibis.  As mentioned before the enclosures are a little dated but little ones don't seem to notice, they just love to be able to see the animals.  There is also a large dam/pond with ducks so pack some stale bread to feed them.

The park also has 2 picnic areas that can be reserved for private functions, these being the Pinaroo picnic area (max guests100) and the Yarrabee picnic area (max guests 200).  For more information call Holroyd council on 9840 9840.  There are also tennis courts on the Paton st side of the park for booking through the council.

View of dam/pond

Largest playground behind animal enclosures

Grassy field right of large playground

View of the Kangaroo enclosure

Playground on Merrylands Rd side
Yarrabee Picnic area available for reservation.