Barwon Park Playground

Tucked away in Matraville, this one’s better suited to kids who are past the toddler stage — the climbing structure really calls for kids aged 4 and up who can handle a bit of a challenge. The shade trees do a solid job of keeping things cool, which makes a real difference on a hot Sydney day. There’s also a park gym setup here, so it’s worth knowing if you’re after somewhere to squeeze in a workout while the kids play. Parking is easy enough, and the whole place has a relaxed, unhurried vibe that locals seem to appreciate.