The Ultimate Guide to Wollongong's Stuart Park Playground and Lagoon

Welcome to Stuart Park, one of Wollongong’s best playgrounds and parks by the beach. It has incredible play equipment, is accessible for wheelchairs, is great for bikes and offers a lagoon to paddle and swim. Plus Stuart Park has toilets, cafe’s, shady spots and free bbqs. Here’s our comprehensive review of the award-winning / all abilities Stuart Park. This Wollongong playground is an awesome free, fun, and engaging place to take kids.

Written by a local mum from Parents Guide Illawarra, your local guide for What to Do with Kids in Wollongong, we help you find the best things and activities in the Illawarra. You and your kids may also enjoy;

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Location. Getting There and Parking

Stuart Park Playground is conveniently located on George Hanley Drive North Wollongong, making it easily accessible by car, bike, or public transport. There is ample parking on George Hanley Drive, or park and walk from Cliff Road to see the spectacular views of North Wollongong Beach. Parking is only tricky on hot weekends and public holidays, so arrive early on those days!

The Ultimate Guide to Wollongong’s Stuart Park Playground and Lagoon. Photo c/o Teresa Garcia

Playground Features, Equipment & Accessibility

This award-winning playground has recently seen an upgrade to include sensory garden, wheelchair accessible trampoline and Wollongong first human sized hamster wheel which my son absolutely adores. Includes a double flying fox (which is great for races) multiple swings and a hammock and slides to suit all abilities.

There is a carousel and a see saw, toddler play area, bike track with road signs, sandstone maze. This is one of our favourite Illawarra playgrounds with so much to see and do. If my kids get bored at the playground, the Lagoon right next door, offers paddling, sand play and swimming (sometimes the water can be little murky however)

The Ultimate Guide to Wollongong’s Stuart Park Playground and Lagoon. Photo c/o Teresa Garcia

What Age Kids is it Best for?

Kids of all ages will have fun at this playground, with so many areas to play even the adults have a ball. Nearby duck pond is a nice interaction for young kids. My kids are 6 and 3 and have a ball and we have taken older nieces and nephews here also who had a great time. The slides could be a little wider for the Mums and Dads though!

The Ultimate Guide to Wollongong’s Stuart Park Playground and Lagoon. Photo c/o Teresa Garcia

Does it have Shade, BBQ’s and Toilets? Facilities and Amenities Review

There are BBQ’s dotted all along the foreshore but get in early on a hot day to ensure availability. Toilets are recently updated and close by. There is lots of natural shade and also some shade cloth above some of the equipment, There is many shelters for lunch and picnics or just a sit down and rest for Mum and Dad, also available is a new water refill station.

The Ultimate Guide to Wollongong’s Stuart Park Playground and Lagoon. Photo c/o Teresa Garcia

Is there a cafe or food options near by?

Very close to The Lagoon Seafood Restaurant and cafe where you can grab a coffee and a snack for all. Being in the heart of Wollongong allows for many options for food and refreshments, even a sneaky ice cream!

Accessible, Inclusive? Is it good for Neurodiverse / ASD children?

Yes, on of our best Wollongong parks for children of all abilities! Wheelchair accessible, a sensory garden, plenty of open spaces to roam and immerse self in nature. My beautiful neurodiverse child absolutely loves this park, from the spinning hamster wheel that test his ability to the touch garden to evoke his senses, also just the amount of free space to run and roam.

More Kids Friendly Activities and Attractions close by

There is so many nice spots for a picnic or to play game of cricket, watch the skydivers jump or kick of your shoes and stroll on the beautiful sandy beach nearby, also a wonderful place for a swim with the lagoon and nearby seasonally patrolled north beach. Not far from this is the North Beach Pavilion for Italian & Pizza and Diggies Cafe. There is also a beautiful 30 minute or so walk through Puckeys Estate which will bring you out at Fairy Meadow playground. Read more Fun Places To Take Kids – Illawarra Page and our Best Parks in Wollongong article.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
- Variety of play equipment
- Safe and clean environment
- Accessible amenities
- Proximity to other attractions
Cons:
- Can be crowded on weekends
- Limited shade in some areas

In Summary. Why Stuart Park Playground is Ideal for Families

Engaging for All Ages

Stuart Park Playground is designed to be inclusive, offering something for children of all ages and abilities. It includes a liberty swing (MLAK key needed). There is so much fun for all and with the lagoon and beach right beside make for a sensational day out.

Educational and Fun

So much fun to be had here and even better since the upgrade inclusions, the touch and sensory additions are something no where seen before in the Illawarra. The playground includes artwork by young adults with disabilities and elders Aunty Lorraine Brown and Aunty Narelle Thomas.

Family Bonding Opportunities

Stuart Park Playground is not just for kids; it’s a place where families can bond and create lasting memories. Whether it’s a game of catch, a family picnic, or a stroll along the beach, the park offers numerous opportunities for quality family time.

Importance of Free Activities & Time in Nature

Outdoor activities play a crucial role in family life, child development, interaction and social skills providing opportunities for children to explore, learn. Free activities are great without the financial burden. In the Illawarra region, there are plenty of free places to take kids that offer fun and amazing lasting memories.

Finally, make the most of family life in our stunning Illawarra – Subscribe to the ultimate guide to family living weekly email by Parents Guide. Say NO to bored kids and get inspired! Click and sign up for our Parents Newsletter here. Get all the local inspo!

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Location. Getting There and Parking

Playground Features, Equipment & Accessibility

What Age Kids is it Best for?

Does it have Shade, BBQ’s and Toilets? Facilities and Amenities Review

Is there a cafe or food options near by?

Accessible, Inclusive? Is it good for Neurodiverse / ASD children?

More Kids Friendly Activities and Attractions close by

Pros and Cons

In Summary. Why Stuart Park Playground is Ideal for Families

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