Parks in Huntlee
District Park
If you are in search of a family fun adventure, Huntlee’s new District Park certainly ticks all the boxes. The first major playground in the area, this outdoor play space features cube towers, believed to be the only cube tower in NSW. Kids who like climbing will immediately jump into action with the three cube towers and its connected slides and tubes. Another popular feature is the flying fox which older, more adventurous kids will enjoy. There are also mammoth swings and other inclusive play elements that will entertain the children to no end. Nearby, there’s a basketball court as well as an adjoining Huntlee dog park to ensure our furry friends do not miss out on playtime.
The Huntlee’s development team and landscape architects have gone to great lengths to ensure everyone is catered to, with all-ability access and public amenities. The park consists of shelters, multiple seating areas, a BBQ area and a beautifully landscaped park and picnic grounds worthy of an extended stay. There is also a multi-purpose community hub with space allocated for food trucks, market stands and a mini-amphitheatre.
District Park is a fantastic gathering spot. Kids get to play outside and meet other children rather than being indoors, and adults get to come together and bond as a community.
Peachy Park, Playground and Bike Track
An urban Huntlee playground designed for kids of all ages, Peachy Park features a small dirt pump track that will keep the kids entertained and active. Riders can perfect their skills and master the art of cornering on berms in a safe environment. Play equipment, walking paths, shelter and seating areas are included as part of the set-up.
Ridgetop Park
Katherine’s Landing Park is filled with landscaping paths ideal for a casual stroll. A beautiful sandstone seating area makes it just the place to catch-up with neighbours and friends over homemade cocoa.
Ridgetop Playground
Ridgetop Park offers a peaceful, nature-inspired space for play and relaxation. Tall timber equipment echoes the upright forms of trees, while carved patterns and colours in the sandstone and timber blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Hidden fossils within the sandstone add a touch of discovery to the experience.
The park’s accessible paths wind around the play area, connecting to the expansive recreation path and the future district park. Key features include inclusive play equipment, two shelters, and a drinking fountain with a dog water bowl.
Riparian Park and Playground
This park has something for all ages, with both a play and exercise area! The kids' play area features a large climbing structure, saucer swing, and various nature play, including climbing logs, weaving poles, and stepping logs. The exercise area includes a chin-up bar, sit-up boards, and push-up bars, and it even has a stretch station.
Parks near Huntlee
Miller Park
Located in the heart of Branxton, Miller Park is a 5-min drive from Huntlee and a favourite amongst locals. It has a great playground for kids to swing and climb to their heart’s content. The surface material of the playground is a soft rubber structure to ensure the safety of the little ones.
The gym equipment keeps the adults occupied while the kids play. The park also features a designated BBQ & picnic area plus a fenced area for dogs to run freely. The basketball and handball courts are rather popular as well. Overall, an excellent park for the whole family. Accessible restrooms and parking facilities available.
Norman Brown Park
Norman Brown Park is situated nearby Greta and Illalong and often frequented by local families. Nice walking trails and plenty of open space for kids to play ball and run freely. Comes complete with shaded areas and park furniture for a picnic lunch. There’s a public restroom nearby and parking is always available.
Whitburn Park-Playground
The local playground is an essential outdoor play space where children of all ages can enjoy being outside. Kids get to expend their energy, be active and meet up with friends. The humble Whitburn Park-Playground offers just that, and is located a short 6 minute drive from Huntlee estate. This local park has a shaded playground, picnic furniture and shared pathways for walking and cycling.
Ayrfield Miners Memorial
Located in North Rothbury, Ayrfield Miners Memorial is a quiet, peaceful park catered for the local community. It has nice shaded trees, a small playground for kids and sheltered recreational space. The tennis and basketball courts help encourage healthier, more active lifestyles amongst surrounding residents. Additional facilities include restrooms and parking.
Brunner Park
Located in East Branxton, Brunner Park was recently refurbished in 2021 and features a new playground for locals to enjoy. The new facility includes modern play equipment such as the 3-seater combo swing, sensory and sound zone, rope balance unit and a geoclimber. Softfall surfaces were installed to ensure softer landing for the little ones. Pathways have also been upgraded to ensure better accessibility along with park furniture and additional seating.
Hunter River Reserve
Less than 10 minutes drive from Huntlee, you’ll find an adventure destination for bushwalkers, bird watchers and photographers alike. This secluded spot provides stunning views over Luskintyre and Lambs Valley, cradled between Lambs Mountain and the Moonabung Range. For the uninitiated, the walk contains steep pathways and historic sandstone steps, so wearing the right footwear is essential. One of the last standing sites with environmental and heritage features, the Reserve is home to endangered vegetation communities and native wildlife. Lush vegetation runs along the Lower Hunter River providing a picturesque setting. The views are spectacular from both the escarpment and the river flats. Admission is free but do note there are limited facilities provided.
Hunter Valley Gardens Playground
If shopping for trinkets, souvenirs and knick-knacks is your cup of tea, the surrounding Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village will have you browsing for hours. Adjacent to the village is a small, fully-fenced playground that will keep your kids entertained. Recently refurbished, there is new play equipment installed along with park furniture, sun shade spaces and BBQ facilities. A concrete bike path keeps kids active and moving, and the nearby cafe ensures everyone’s tummies are full and caffeinated.
Pokolbin Park
Located at the corner of McDonalds and Debeyers Road, this park overlooks scenic vineyard views. There is no playground equipment here but plenty of open spaces for one to walk, run and play. Equipped with BBQ grills and shaded seating areas, this park is a great reason to spend more time outside and soak up the nice weather. Restrooms and parking facilities available.
Jeffries Park Abermain Playground
Jeffries Park Abermain was recently revamped to create a place where everyone can play, learn and grow together under the joint initiative of Cessnock City Council and the new NSW Government. Catering to all ages and abilities, the playground includes the Adventure Multiplay unit, swings, balancing equipment, spring rockers and more. There are also new pathways for better connectivity, additional seating, a new bubbler, designated car parks and more shaded rest areas. Great spot for kids to blow off steam and a nice gathering locale for neighbours and friends. While this park is a little further afield from Huntlee (approximately 25 minutes drive) it’s well worth the journey for a fun family day out.
Bridges Hill Park
Located in Cessnock, Bridges Hill Park has an inclusive playground with different levels of play experiences for kids of all ages. Designed to encourage the little ones to explore and use their imagination, highlights include the huge sky tower with thrilling spiral slides, a rock climbing wall and a natural play area with balance beams. Older kids can shoot hoops in the half-sized basketball court or ride on a designated scooter area. Walking about is easy with improved pathways and there’s a viewing platform to take in the spectacular sights of the area. Equipped with picnic tables, BBQ pit, shaded areas and parking facilities. This venue is a popular spot with locals and visitors with its variety of activities.
Rose Point Park
A comprehensive playground with state-of-the-art play equipment, Singleton’s Rose Point Park is a must-visit. Built to ensure kids have a great time, the park features plenty of swings to accommodate a large group of kids. A large climbing structure with rope nets, inground trampolines, slides & crawling tunnels, spinners and balancing equipment are all part of the space that makes this park memorable for kids. Another feature offered is the innovative NEOS 360 – an interactive, electronic playground that combines the thrill of video games with aerobic exercise in an outdoor environment.
For the little ones, a colourful play complex with mini ramps, climbing nets and small slides is available near the front entrance of the park. With safety as a priority, there is a mixture of soft flooring and bark chips throughout the playground.
The sports field adjacent to the park is great for kicking a ball around. There’s a beautiful, scenic walking track near the river and cycling along Ryan Avenue is also a great way to take in the sights. With so much to do, you’d probably spend a few hours here. Pack a picnic and enjoy your lunch in the covered shelters. BBQ facilities are also provided here. Woolworths and Coles are across the street if you need to pick up food, snacks or drinks. Restrooms and ample parking bays available.
Rose Point Park is located in parkland near the Hunter River. Stop for a visit if you are driving past on New England Highway or Golden Highway.
Maybury Peace Park – Chinaman’s Hollow
Located in Weston, this regional recreational park is divided by 2 sections. The north being Chinaman’s Hollow and the south known as Maybury Peace Park. The two sites are connected via a 2.5km shared pathway, each with its own qualities and appeal.
Maybury Peace Park is popular with families with its open, versatile space. A beautiful pond takes centre stage and gives the park a picturesque landscape whilst the large playground is bound to have kids squealing in delight.
Chinaman’s Hollow, on the other end, is great for runners and walkers. Comprising a 1.4km loop trail, this is a nice easy route, taking approximately 17 minutes to complete. Dogs are allowed as well but must be on leash at all times.
Both parks offer picnic shelters, BBQs, restrooms and car parking facilities.
Poppethead Park
Located a few minutes south of Cessnock, Poppethead Park is an amazing playground and a picnic venue with a mining history. The playground features a cool zip line, swings, slides and a climbing wall. This site holds the historic Poppet Head of the Aberdare Central Colliery at Kitchener. The dam nearby is an essential habitat for a rich variety of wildlife including mallards, black swans, native wood ducks and red bills.