Little Park - which isn't so little - is located by the water at Shellharbour,
25 minutes south of Wollongong city. This colourful tourist area is particularly popular with families for fish and chips by the water, ice-creams with a view and collecting shells from the sandy harbour beaches. Another attraction for families is the huge Little Park, located just metres from the sand at Shellharbour - just follow the kids to find it!
On a recent holiday to the area, our family just happened to stumble on this area and saw the green tower and slide in the far distance. Like moths to a flame, we followed the constant stream of kids to this colourful playground with a stunning view of the ocean. It was only after leaving this playground and researching it later, that we discovered that this new park was only
a month old, at the time of writing, and also designed by local kids. No wonder it was covered in happy kids and even happier parents also having a try!
The not-so-Little Park!
A scenic spot for kids and carers
The playground has a variety of different sections for kids to play on, so they can dash from one area to another for a different experience. On one end is the remnant of a large fig tree, which has a rope bridge to traverse to get to it, as well as a ramp up to its centre. Around the outside there are log stepping stones at various heights, musical instruments to bang, musical balls to step on over a bridge and nature play areas to explore on every side.
Nature play area, bridges and ropes around the fig tree
Next to the fig tree there is a tall green tower of fun, with a toddler activity area underneath, rope areas to climb, steps to climb up, views out the windows and a long winding slide all the way down to the bottom. This tower was packed with kids on our visit, but it was big enough for all of them to happily play side-by-side.
A rare moment with the tower empty!
On the other side of the green tower, there was a series of swings, including a net swing and an all-abilities swing. Behind this, there was an orange roundabout to spin on and a small, square trampoline embedded into the soft flooring. Ensure you give this a good jump - especially parents!
The highlight for older kids was the flying fox down the very end, which you hop on and speed down towards the water before hitting the end and flying up and coming back. Kids were cheering for the highest swing at the end and it was a jovial, happy crowd of families on our Sunday visit. Older kids were happily playing on the large fig tree behind, whilst smaller children were fascinated by the squawking flocks of cockatoos at the top of the tree. All ages were catered for, at this colourful new playground on the Shellharbour shores.
Flying fox fun, trampolining and swings, down by the water
After your playground visit, why not stay for awhile and enjoy the local Shellharbour area - all within a short walking distance from the playground. Take a walk around to the harbour, or walk in the opposite direction and check out the sea pool at the end of the walkway. Just near the playground are the Shellharbour shops, with takeaway fish and chips, ice-creams and lunch and dinner options. Also towering above the harbour is the Ocean Beach Hotel, which has a constant
Kids Eat Free Deal, 7 days a week!
Little Park and Shellharbour is an ideal spot to visit for local families and visitors all year around. Why don't you check it out this weekend? If you're anything like our family, you won't be in any hurry to leave. Our daughter raved about it so much, that we ended up going back again the next day - not that she had to twist our arms
too much, with views like these...
Stay and enjoy the beauty of the scenic, Shellharbour
