Rushcutters Bay Park

Locals know this one’s more about the setting than the playground itself — the harbour views from here are genuinely hard to beat. The equipment is pretty basic (slides, swings, a climbing structure), so it’s best suited to toddlers and under-5s rather than kids chasing something more exciting. That said, the open grass is great for a run-around, and the benches mean parents can actually sit down for five minutes. Grab a coffee from one of the cafes nearby, let the dog off the lead, and you’ve got a solid afternoon sorted.