Bicentennial Park West Playspace

If you’re already heading to Sydney Olympic Park, this one’s worth factoring into your route. The slides are a solid hit with kids, and the mature shade trees make a real difference on those brutal Sydney summer days — you can actually sit and watch the kids play without melting. It’s kept in good nick, which isn’t something you can say about every council playground in the area. The whole spot has a relaxed, unhurried feel to it, with enough greenery around to make you forget you’re in the middle of an urban precinct.