Popplewell Park
📍 South Coogee, NSW 2034 · Managed by Randwick City Council
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Popplewell Park is a small neighbourhood park in South Coogee NSW 2034, located at 226-228R Malabar Road and bounded by Gregory Street. Its standout feature is a sport climbing cliff with 11 routes, set among trees and reached from Malabar Road, alongside a small playground with a swing.
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About Popplewell Park
Sport Climbing Cliff at Popplewell Park
Popplewell Park has a sport climbing cliff tucked behind the trees, between two unit blocks on Malabar Road in South Coogee. The cliff line offers 11 sport climbing routes with 38 ascents, and the rock is tagged as sandy sandstone. Popplewell Park's crag seeps quite a bit, but its protection is in good condition. The climbing area is less exposed than the eastern suburbs sea cliffs, so it suits climbers who find those cliffs off-putting. Climbers reach the crag by heading past the trees from the road, an approach listed as under five minutes.
Playground and Seating at Popplewell Park
Popplewell Park has a small playground in its lower section at 226-228R Malabar Road. The playground includes a swing for kids, making Popplewell Park a simple stop for families with young children. Popplewell Park also has seating near the play area, so parents can sit while children play. The park is a small, narrow grassy area with a neighbourhood feel, tucked away from the main road. Randwick City Council manages the lower park, which is bounded by Gregory Street and Malabar Road.
Walking and Running Paths at Popplewell Park
Popplewell Park covers 1.7 acres and has walking and running paths. Popplewell Park suits a short walk or jog, with paths running through its grassy space between the surrounding unit blocks. Popplewell Park is compact, so a loop around the grounds is quick and close to Malabar Road. Popplewell Park's paths are used for walking, jogging, and running. Visitors who want a short workout can combine a jog on the paths with a stop at the playground and seating area.
Dog, Smoking and Alcohol Rules at Popplewell Park
Dogs are prohibited within 10 metres of the playground at Popplewell Park. Smoking and vaping are prohibited within 10 metres of the playground at Popplewell Park. Popplewell Park also has alcohol restrictions set by Randwick City Council. These rules apply to the lower park at 226-228R Malabar Road, bounded by Gregory Street and Malabar Road. Visitors with a small dog or a drink should check the council's rules before arriving, and keep dogs and smoking well clear of the playground.
Activities at Popplewell Park
Facilities at Popplewell Park
Visitor tips for Popplewell Park
- ✓Approach Popplewell Park from Malabar Road, where the park sits between two unit blocks; head past the trees to reach the crag.
- ✓The climbing approach from the road is listed as under five minutes on foot.
- ✓Expect the climbing crag to seep quite a bit, so check the rock before climbing.
- ✓Keep dogs and smoking or vaping at least 10 metres from the playground.
- ✓Alcohol restrictions apply at Popplewell Park, so check Randwick City Council's rules before bringing drinks.
- ✓The crag is more sheltered than the eastern suburbs sea cliffs, which suits climbers who prefer a tucked-away spot.
Getting to Popplewell Park
Drive along Malabar Road in South Coogee and find the park between two unit blocks, then head past the trees. The lower park is at 226-228R Malabar Road, South Coogee NSW 2034, bounded by Gregory Street and Malabar Road. Coordinates: -33.934726, 151.257135.
Open in Google Maps →Nearby South Coogee
- 📍Malabar Road
- 📍Gregory Street
- 📍Eastern suburbs sea cliffs
Frequently asked questions about Popplewell Park
Is Popplewell Park in South Coogee good for dogs, and is it off-leash?
Dogs are prohibited within 10 metres of the playground at Popplewell Park. The lower park sits at 226-228R Malabar Road, bounded by Gregory Street and Malabar Road, and is managed by Randwick City Council. Visitors should check the council's rules for dog access beyond the playground zone.
Can I take a small dog to Popplewell Park?
Dogs are prohibited within 10 metres of the playground at Popplewell Park. The playground zone applies regardless of dog size. Keep a small dog well clear of the play area at all times.
Does Popplewell Park have a playground for young kids?
Popplewell Park has a small playground in its lower section at 226-228R Malabar Road. The playground includes a swing for kids. Seating is also available near the play area.
Where is the parking at Popplewell Park and is it free?
Popplewell Park is reached by driving along Malabar Road in South Coogee. The park sits between two unit blocks, and you head past the trees to reach it. The lower park's address is 226-228R Malabar Road, South Coogee NSW 2034.
Are there walking paths or tracks through Popplewell Park?
Popplewell Park has walking and running paths across its 1.7 acre site. The paths suit a short walk or jog through the grassy space. The park is compact, so a loop of the grounds is quick.
What makes Popplewell Park in South Coogee different from other parks in the area?
Popplewell Park has a sport climbing cliff with 11 routes and 38 ascents, tucked behind trees between two unit blocks. The rock is sandy sandstone, and the cliff is less exposed than the eastern suburbs sea cliffs. This makes it a distinctive spot for climbers who prefer sheltered crags.