Best playgrounds in Cronulla
Shelly Park is the top pick in Cronulla for toddlers: its playground is fully fenced, sits among shade trees and has eight swings plus a sandpit with water play. The others each suit a different visit. Dunningham Park is built around a lifeguard tower by the surf, Oak Park has a swing set by the free ocean pool, and Gunnamatta Park is a short walk from the station.
Quick picks
- Shelly Park: a fully fenced playground with eight swings and a liberty swing.
- Dunningham Park: a climbing playground built around a lifeguard tower by the surf.
- Oak Park: swings close to the free ocean pool.
- Gunnamatta Park: a playground within walking distance of Cronulla station.
Shelly Park: fully fenced play for the youngest kids
- Fully fenced
- Shade
- Toilets
- BBQ
- Parking
- Accessible play
- Water play
Shelly Park's playground is fully enclosed, with a fence secured by a locked gate, so toddlers can play without wandering off. Eight swings, climbing equipment for toddlers and older children, and a sandpit with water play share the space under shade trees, and shaded seats let parents keep an eye on things. The swing built for kids with disabilities sits on sand and soft rubber, so this play area is open to more children. Dunningham Park's play area is only partly fenced, and the other Cronulla playgrounds don't say whether theirs is fenced.
Best for: Parents of toddlers after a locked, enclosed play area
Dunningham Park: a lifeguard tower play area by the surf
- Partly fenced
- Toilets
- Parking
- Accessible play
Dunningham Park's play area is built around a central lifeguard tower, with climbing equipment and slides for older children who like to climb. A fence runs along the Elouera Road side, so the play area is partly fenced rather than enclosed. Play designed for children with a range of abilities is part of the setup. The park sits beside North Cronulla Beach and the surf club, so a beach trip and a play session can be combined.
Best for: Kids who like to climb, with a beach nearby
Oak Park: swings beside the ocean pool
- Toilets
- BBQ
- Parking
Oak Park's playground has a set of swings, and seating across the grounds lets parents sit close by while the children play. The park also holds the free ocean pool, so the swings suit a day that includes a swim as well. One of the toilets in the pavilion is accessible, and the pavilion sits in the same park as the play area. Oak Park is a good stop when the kids want something simple and close to the water.
Best for: A quick swing stop with seating for parents
Gunnamatta Park: a playground near the station
- Toilets
- BBQ
- Parking
Gunnamatta Park's play area sits a short stroll from the station, and the ferry wharf is about 300 metres off. The park's toilets are in the Gunnamatta Pavilion, and there is an accessible (MLAK) toilet in the park itself. Netted tidal baths and a beach adjoin the park, so the children can have a paddle close to the play area. Parking runs along Nicholson Parade, with two accessible spaces on Waratah Street.
Best for: Families arriving by train
How the playgrounds compare
By area
Every playground in and near Cronulla
The table sets out fencing, shade, toilets, barbecues, parking, accessible play and water play for each playground.
| Park | Fenced | Shade | Toilets | BBQ | Parking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.Shelly Park | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 2.Dunningham Park | Partly† | – | ✓ | – | ✓ |
| 3.Oak Park | – | – | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 4.Gunnamatta Park | – | – | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 5.Cronulla Park | – | – | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| 6.Don Lucas Reserve | – | – | – | – | ✓ |
| Nearby, outside Cronulla | |||||
| Hagger Park · Woolooware | – | – | ✓ | – | ✓ |
| Woolooware Oval · Woolooware | – | – | ✓ | – | ✓ |
| Bonnie View Street Reserve · Burraneer | – | – | – | – | – |
| Binaville Avenue Reserve · Burraneer | – | – | – | – | – |
† Fenced on some sides only; the park's section explains where.
How we picked
Scoring used fencing, shade, toilets, barbecues, accessible play and size. Shelly Park and Dunningham Park are the ones with fencing details, so they lead on that measure, and Shelly Park also has shade and accessible equipment. A blank in the table means the detail isn't known, not that the playground lacks it.
FAQ
Is there a fenced playground in Cronulla?
Yes, Shelly Park has a fully enclosed playground with a locked gate. Dunningham Park's play area is only partly fenced, along one side.
Which Cronulla playground has accessible play?
Shelly Park's liberty swing is made for disabled children and stands on soft rubber. Dunningham Park also has play for a range of abilities, so both are worth a look.
Does Oak Park in Cronulla have a playground?
Yes, Oak Park has a set of swings on its grounds, with seating across the park for parents. The free ocean pool is in the same park.
Is there a playground near Cronulla station?
The station is a short walk from Gunnamatta Park's playground, and the ferry wharf is nearby. The park's toilets are in the Gunnamatta Pavilion.