Stirgess Reserve (John Fisher Park)

Locals know this one’s a bit of a gem — and it doesn’t take long to see why. The lagoon pulls in herons and black swans regularly, so even if the kids are done with the swings and water feature, there’s usually something worth watching from the bank. Shade trees do the heavy lifting on hot days, and parking’s easy enough that you’re not circling the block like you would at some of the more popular northern beaches spots. The bike track connects through toward the beach, which makes it genuinely useful rather than just a pretty place to sit. Good for toddlers, good for older kids, good for the adults who just want a decent walk without it turning into a whole thing.