Want to try a new playground with the kids? Bridges Hill Playground located in Cessnock is a fantastic park for all ages. Completed in March 2021, this park is sure to be a crowd-pleaser due to the range of play equipment.
On arrival, you will find ample parking provided. You can access the Bridges Hill park through sandstone steps or wheelchair / stroller accessible ramps.
If you are entering via the right side of the car park, you will notice several sheltered picnic tables as well as barbeques.
One unique feature about this playground is the half-sized basketball court which includes fencing around the sides that ensures no balls roll away or get lost.
The half-court has a brick wall which features a beautiful Aboriginal Dreamtime mural.
Amongst the abundance of footpaths, you will find multiple different timber style play zones.
The smaller zone has a platform on either end with a woven rope beam connecting the platforms. Also in this area are “tree stump” stepping stones that the kids can use to test their balancing skills.
The second timber play zone is a larger one which includes an impressive play structure with rock climbing walls, “fireman poles”, stairs and slides.
An elevated platform connects these structures.
Another feature that is sure to impress is the enclosed metal slide that runs down on a slope from one level of the park to another. More sandstone blocks surround the slide which adds a fun and modern element.
If your kids love riding scooters or bikes, then they are sure to enjoy the children’s bike / scooting area which is designed to mimic real roads complete with traffic signs.
Our favourite feature in this part of the park was the adorable fuel pump where the little ones can stop, have a chat and fill up their “cars” before heading around the track again (and again!)
The centrepiece of equipment in this park is the massive blue and purple themed play structure.
This large structure includes around 10 metres of climbing netting which leads to a sizeable platform.
The next step after this platform is a sturdy tunnel that runs diagonally upwards towards an even larger and higher platform.
On this platform is a very impressive and enclosed metal slide.
As the only way to get down from this platform is the slide or back through the tunnel (which is not an easy option because of children coming through that way) make sure your kids are confident with climbing up onto that higher platform or you might find yourself making the climb yourself.
The wide footpaths, concrete pathways, Yarning Circle, sandstone retaining walls and vast green spaces surrounding the playground all combine to set Bridges Hill Park apart from your standard playground. The views across Cessnock to the Brokenback Ranges are really beautiful and provide a picturesque backdrop to the park.
This would be a lovely spot for a play date or family catch up with picnic tables, barbecue facilities, amenities block and shade sails all available to make for a relaxed gathering.
Good To Know
Address: Yango Street, Cessnock NSW
Parking: Ample free parking
Picnic Facilities: Covered picnic shelters
BBQ: Yes
Nearby Cafe/Restaurants: East Cessnock Bowling Club is right across the road and plenty of cafes are within 2-3 minute drive on Aberdare Road(B82).
Amenities: Toilets on site.
Accessibility: Wheelchair acessible ramps, accessible toilets.
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Want more ideas for family fun? Visit Maitland Park, Heddon Greta Drive In or Maitland Gaol.
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Janice is a proud mum to two energetic girls who love spending their time dancing, exploring and just plain having fun. She followed her heart and relocated from overseas to Australia thirteen years ago. After six years in Sydney, Janice and her family made the decision to return to her husband’s hometown of Newcastle and with the amazing lifestyle Newcastle has to offer, they feel grateful to call this place home. She is passionate about embracing lifelong learning and making lasting memories with loved ones.