Parsley Bay Reserve
An inclusive playground for children aged 2 to 12 is the standout feature of Parsley Bay Reserve, a harbourside reserve in Vaucluse NSW that also has a netted swimming enclosure, about a dozen picnic tables and benches, toilets, a kiosk and a bushland walking circuit.
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About Parsley Bay Reserve
Inclusive Playground at Parsley Bay Reserve
Parsley Bay Reserve has an inclusive playground built in 2019 for children aged 2 to 12, replacing an older play area. Funding came from the NSW Government's Everyone Can Play Grant Program. The playground sits among the reserve's trees and includes a Diabolo Multiplay unit for ages 2 to 8, an Adventure Trawler themed on the Kainan Maru, an inclusive roundabout, a Double Bay swing set with a Pod Swing, and an Ixo Multiplay for climbing and sliding for older children and pre-teens. Accessible pathways, safety surfacing and sandstone sculptures complete the design.
Netted Harbour Swimming Enclosure at Parsley Bay Reserve
Parsley Bay Reserve has a harbour swimming enclosure with a netted swimming area, and a shark net runs across the swimming area. The beach sits on the harbour rather than open ocean, and the water is calm and gentle, which suits children and cautious swimmers. The netted swimming area has no lifeguards, so supervision rests with the people in the water and on the sand. Visitors can reach the water on foot from the reserve's pedestrian entrances.
Bushland Walking Circuit at Parsley Bay Reserve
Parsley Bay Reserve has a bushland walking circuit that takes 15 to 20 minutes return and reaches a waterfall at the head of the gully. A footbridge crosses the bay overhead, giving walkers views over the water. In summer, Eastern Water Dragons can be seen along the watercourse. The circuit is a short loop on natural bushland paths, so it suits anyone wanting a brief walk before or after time on the beach.
Facilities at Parsley Bay Reserve
Visitor tips for Parsley Bay Reserve
- ✓Confirm the Horler Avenue car park status with the council or Sydney Water before driving, since the closure timing may have changed since it was published.
Getting to Parsley Bay Reserve
Horler Avenue, Vaucluse NSW 2030. Pedestrians can reach the reserve and swimming area from Fitzwilliam Road, The Crescent and Hopetoun Avenue. The reserve car park and vehicle access from Horler Avenue were closed from 29 May 2024 to late 2026 for Sydney Water pump station works. When open, the small car park opens at dawn and closes around 6pm, or 8pm during daylight saving, and it fills on weekends.
Open in Google Maps →Frequently asked questions about Parsley Bay Reserve
Can I bring my dog to Parsley Bay Reserve in Vaucluse?
No. Dogs are prohibited at Parsley Bay Reserve at all times.
Is Parsley Bay a good place to take young children?
Yes. The reserve has an inclusive playground for children aged 2 to 12, with a netted swimming enclosure and shaded picnic areas nearby.
Does Parsley Bay Reserve have a playground for kids?
Yes, the playground was rebuilt in 2019 as an inclusive design for ages 2 to 12, with swings, a roundabout and climbing equipment.
Is Parsley Bay Reserve wheelchair accessible?
Disabled facilities and accessible parking are listed, along with an ambulant toilet and accessible pathways that run through the playground.
Are there lifeguards at Parsley Bay during summer?
No. The netted swimming area has no lifeguards on duty.