Central Gardens Merrylands: Animals, Playgrounds, Walks + Picnics!

Central Gardens Nature Reserve is often better known simply as Central Gardens Merrylands, and is a much-loved local area of natural beauty.

Emus at Central Gardens Nature Reserve; the kids’ favourite

 
Central Gardens is one of the best of Sydney’s free entry wildlife parks.  Seeing the animal enclosures at the Gardens is a highlight for little kids.

There are also beautiful bush trails and two playgrounds. as well as lush grassy spaces, excellent areas for BBQs and picnics and lovely water features to relax beside.

NB  The larger playground is currently closed for an upgrade! Opening late in 2019, it is hoped.

A red kangaroo relaxing under the trees

Have you visited Central Gardens in Merrylands?

You haven’t?  How daft!  You need to get over there!

Cnr Merrylands Road and Cumberland Highway

Merrylands West 2160

Book picnic areas on the Cumberland Council website here.

Central Gardens Opening Hours:  7.30am – 5pm Monday – Friday and 9am – 5pm at weekends. Until 7pm during daylight savings.  Closed Good Friday and Christmas day.  

Water features operates from 11am – 2pm daily.

Central Gardens is a large park with great playgrounds close to both entrances and a massive open space in the centre.

Central Gardens Wildlife Exhibits: you’ll find the animals close to the Merryland Road entrance and car park.

Opening hours are:  Monday – Friday: 7.30am – 5pm or 7.30am – 7pm in daylight savings.  Weekends:  9am – 5pm pr 8am – 7pm in daylight savings.

All the nocturnal animals were asleep last time we went!! Not sure this emu thought much of me and my camera A grey kangaroo chillaxing in the shade

The smaller of the two playground is to the right of the Merrylands Road entrance, beside the Yarrabee picnic area.  It has long, wide ramps, two slides, a rope-grid bridge and spring rockers. The picnic area is shaded and has barbecues.

It is pretty close to the  huge pond full of ducks and other birdlife, plus two fountains and the long waterfall.

The second playground is larger and very good.

To the right of the Paton Street entrance is a third picnic area with barbecues, lots of picnic tables and plenty of tree shade. The larger playground is found here, currently being upgraded.  There are lovely areas to picnic by the river area here.

Picnics by the water are relaxing The waterfalls at Central Gardens Merrylands Love the stepping stones across the river, a treat for little kids!

Central Gardens also has bush trails to follow with interesting interpretative boards. So a visit here can stretch the legs and the mind too!

Nearest takeaway coffee: BYO

Toilets: Toilet blocks beside both playgrounds, the disabled toilet has a baby change table

Shade: Yes

Enclosed: The playgrounds are not enclosed but the gardens themselves are fenced

Dog friendly:  No, dogs are not allowed in the gardens.

Mum’s report: A great spot for a picnic and play, especially if you are meeting friends and family. A trip to see all the animals always goes down well with the children.

Parking: There are car parks near both playgrounds, entry from Merrylands Road and from Paton Street

Bus stop nearby: Yes, at Merrylands Road 

Hope you have enjoyed a look around the lovely playgrounds at Central Gardens Nature Reserve and around the lovely Merrylands animal park there. It is a fun place to visit!

You might like these other playground posts:

Seven Great Cafes Beside Playgrounds

Sydney’s Best Bike Tracks Part 1

Best Fenced Playgrounds – North

Emus at Central Gardens, clearly having a chat An ibis overlooks the animals, probably glad he or she can fly free!

Click the image to find all the best playgrounds in Sydney!