Best Parks in the West Lakes Area

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Posted 2012-06-05 by Ben Murphy ⇒ follow

If you are visiting Lake Macquarie or are a local resident looking for a great way to entertain the children and maybe have a picnic, barbeque or even a quick coffee, there are several great little parks scattered around the shores of the lake. More importantly than the quantity, is the quality of the parks. The locations of some of these parks are on, as it would seem, some of the finest waterfront lots on the lake with views that many would pay millions for. They are always well maintained, most are modern style, well equipped playgrounds and some placed amongst great dining and café locations.

The biggest and newest is the Variety Playground in Speers Point Park which has its own WN review here . However there are many other hidden little treasures on the lake, some so well hidden you could drive right past them without even knowing they were there.

Looking at parks on the western side of the Lake, on the corner of Wharf Street and Brighton Avenue, Toronto you will find Edward Gain Park. This is a smaller playground set on a large foreshore area that has its own café (The Jetty Café & Takeaway), and Toronto's main jetty and boat ramp. It's also located just off the Boulevard which is a Lake Macquarie café and dining hot spot. If your kids love to climb they will love the rope pyramid in this playground.

A couple of minutes' drive from Toronto, quietly tucked away between some beautiful waterfront properties is Kilaben Park. Located on Kilaben Rd, Kilaben Bay this quiet little park has a good sized playground and an undercover barbeque area that would be great for hosting a kid's birthday party. There is also a jetty which makes a great little fishing spot.

Head a little further south to the suburb of Rathmines on Stilling Street and you will come across Rathmines Park. This is another top lakeside location with some significant World War 2 history about it. This huge area with a good size playground was originally used as an RAAF seaplane base in World War 2. It was home to the RAAF's Catalina flying boat and some of the original buildings built for the base are still being used there today.

Hidden behind the Wangi District Worker's Club and probably only known by the locals is a little playground on the waterfront just off David Street, Wangi Wangi. As stated, it is only a small playground but its picturesque location combined with being right on the doorstep of the family friendly Worker's Club make it well worth the visit.

Staying in Wangi the next park to visit is William Dobell Park. The park takes its name from local, world renowned artist Sir William Dobell who passed away in 1970. His gallery and former residence, Dobell House can be found just up the road from the park and the park itself is set on a large block and has an undercover barbeque area.

Myuna Bay Rest Area situated on Wangi Road Myuna Bay is another well-equipped playground on a great little swimming and fishing spot on the lake. It is also a popular rest and picnic area for travellers in the area.