Central Gardens in Merrylands
Tucked away in suburban Merrylands, Central Gardens is a hidden gem that’s perfect for a family day out. With two shaded playgrounds, BBQ areas, walking tracks, and even a mini wildlife experience, it’s a go-to spot for mums looking for fun, affordable things to do with the kids.
Central Gardens in Merrylands features two shaded playgrounds, the main playground located closest to Paton Street features an abilities playground with an inclusive ramp structure and slides, sand pit with water feature, swings, liberty swing a merry-go-round, in-ground trampolines, slides, swings, walking see-saw, rock climbing, talking tubes, jumping musical instruments and tunnel. The other playground is near Merrylands Road, it features a climbing play gym, bridge and slide.
Stroll through 12 hectares of parklands with wide open green spaces for kids to run around, take a walk on the bush trails, visit the ducks at the pond and discover the waterfall which is turned on daily from 11am. The stepping stones across the river is great fun for little kids too!
There’s a large selection of native animals exhibits and sanctuaries to explore with kangaroos, a range of birds, emus, wallabies, a koala sanctuary, a nocturnal house with possums, fruit bats and more.
With wide open spaces, free electric BBQs, shaded picnic areas, and grassy fields for sports or games, it’s the perfect place for birthday parties, playdates or relaxing family weekends. Walking trails make it easy to explore the whole park in about 90 minutes.
OPENING HOURS
During daylight saving time, Central Gardens Nature Reserve is open:
- 7:30am to 7pm, Monday to Friday
- 8am to 7pm, Saturday and Sunday
- Closed on Christmas Day
For the remainder of the year, Central Gardens Nature Reserve is open:
- 7:30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
- 9am to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday
The animal enclosure is open 9am to 4pm, everyday (Closed on Christmas Day).
Getting there
You can enter Central Gardens via Merrylands Road or Paton Street, there’s a range of free off-street parking available and on-site parking too.
