John Roche Park in Northbridge

John Roche Playground Northbridge Park 1

Myself and the kids played for years and years at this Northbridge Park playground, known as John Roche playground after a local resident and community activist.

northbridge park playground
John Roche playground at Northbridge Park. Photo Credit: Willoughby Council

A lovely lady saved my sanity when the twins were born. She lives and works near this playground so it’s the ideal place to visit with her.  She brings her current charges and all the kids run, swing and scoot around.

How can I persuade her to come back to work with us??!!

John Roche Playground

Roche Lane, off Woonona Road, Northbridge  2063

This fully enclosed playground feels open and bushy and has lovely views over Northbridge Golf Course and over to Cammeray and Middle Harbour.   It is tucked behind Northbridge Public School and is a popular spot for local families to get together.

There is a bike track all the way round, ideal for learner cyclists and scooter enthusiasts.  The equipment suits younger children, preschoolers will especially love the new set of play equipment that was put in in 2017.

The theme is mediaeval armies, there’s a fort and a merry go round and swings and a climbing net.  The big sandpit with wooden bridge and decking is gorgeous.  There are swings and spicas and a nice grassy space for running races.  There are benches and a picnic table.

This feels a very relaxing spot, with the twitter of birds and chatter of mums and dads and no other noises to be heard.  You can sit in a sunny spot in winter and shady in summer.  Lovely.

Nearest takeaway coffee: There are cafes on Sailors Bay Road, short walk away.

Toilets/ Baby change: No (shockers!) and the cafes on Sailors Bay are too far for emergency dashes…. there are plenty useful bushes though.

Shade: no shade cloth, but shade from trees.

Enclosed: Yes, with a super-high fence alongside the golf course side to protect kids from errant golf balls.

Mum’s report: I’d love to see a toilet here, but honestly that’s my only mini-gripe.  The kids love whizzing around with their friends.  I love the sense we’re surrounded by nature, the trees, the grasses and bushes for them to play in.  If I remember the sand toys and scooters it’s a big bonus!

Parking: Street parking on Woonona Road.

Bus stop nearby: Yes

Northbridhe park sydney playground
Happy memories at John Roche playground

Our favourite place in Northbridge is the sublime Northbridge Baths, of course!  Read all about Northbridge Baths here.

Find our list of the very best playgrounds in Sydney here, plus a big map showing where they all are.

Another terrific playground that is close to Northbridge is the delightful Willoughby Park playground click here, terrific for school aged kids plus there’s an enclosed area for little kids too.

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