Wahroonga Park

Wahroonga Park is one of the most picturesque parks I’ve ever seen, but it’s one kids will appreciate as much as adults. The park has a fenced off playground with a sandpit, seesaw, slide, train and other equipment, as well as a set of swings just outside.
Open grassy space provides plenty of places for families to have a picnic and play games, though the trees dotted everywhere do limit larger sports. The park is right next to Wahroonga Station. On the other side of the train line is a set of shops including bakeries, newsagents and more. However, you don’t have to walk that far to get something to eat, as opposite the park there is a small café which sells milkshakes and biscuits for the kids.

During my school days, I spent many hours in Wahroonga park eating chicken salted chips with friends and hanging out with boyfriends. The park was our hangout after school and has plenty of sun to bask in. In the centre of the park, there is a latticed walkway which is very romantic. Too many times I have seen couples sit in among the roses with flowers in hand. The park is quite beautiful. In the past (some 20 years ago) the park had a dreadful reputation. How much that has changed! With plenty of seating and a cabana too, the park attracts many locals for a picnic or simply a place to meet.

Sigh. I heart Wahroonga Park.
It’s the perfect place for picnics, for climbing trees, or for scribbling in your notebook and soaking up the sunshine. Strolling through just this afternoon I was delighted by the sweet aroma from the rose gardens and the dappled light streaming through the latticed walkway. There were families strewn about with balloons, eskies and blankets — there was even a teen strumming on a guitar.
Yes, it’s that idyllic. And with the stylish rotunda and stunningly manicured gardens, you can understand why couples would get married here.
For parents, Wahroonga Park has the added bonus of a fenced playground (though it could do with another bench or two for weary souls!), which is a mere stone’s throw from a caffeine fix at Coonanbarra Café across the road. I think that might just make this park worth its weight in gold!

Finding a good park is tough. So is finding one with a decent enclosed play area. Then, often more important, finding a good park close to a café is even harder. This one combines the lot.
I have been here for 4 or so kids birthday parties, and it served the purpose well. One of the best parts about this park is that you can call and book the pagoda which gives you an undercover spot to setup making the even more weather friendly. This space would also work very well for a wedding or reception, and the park itself makes a great background for wedding photos.
As for the café, the Coonanbarra Café (
), is right across the road, and is certainly worth checking out.