Fagan Park in Galston makes a wonderful day out for Sydney families. There’s heaps to see and do here plus great playgrounds too.
If you asked me, what is the most beautiful place in or around the Hills District, I would say Fagan Park. Why? Because of the location and its gorgeous gardens.
If you asked me to suggest me a place to take lovely family photos, Fagan Park would be the answer. You have plenty of park gardens to choose for the perfect setting.
Fagan Park
38-48 Arcadia Road, Galston 2159 NSW
Open: 7am until sunset (6:30pm during daylight savings)
by Mireia Garriga Seguranyes
Tucked far away from the bustling Sydney CBD, Fagan Park is one of those places that you could photograph again and again. In spring and autumn, the park is like a mosaic of bright colours. As soon as you reach Dural, it makes you feel like you’re in the countryside without having to drive lots of kilometers. By the way, lots of people search for ‘Fagan Park Dural’, or ‘Fagan Park Hornsby’ but Fagan Park is in Galston.
On the way, the children may spot some horses. And on the way back, you may like to stop to buy some fruit; there are some stalls along the road.
Fagan Park has so much to offer! Also, there are two playgrounds at opposite ends of the park. This is why is always a good choice for a Sunday day trip or for spending a day with the children during school holidays.
For an ACTIVE day:
- Let the children burn some energy. The park has two playgrounds. The biggest one is near the Arcadia Road car park. It has amazing equipment for all ages, including a flying fox and a rope structure. Furthermore, there is a sandpit area that the little ones will love. The second playground is next to a spacious grassy picnic area, not far away from Carrs Road entrance and car park. This playground was upgraded recently and features nature based wooden play equipment, which is more suitable for pre-school children, although school aged children will have fun too. There is also a big shelter that is ideal for reunions or birthday parties.
- Get your kids exercising with the scooters or the bikes. There are plenty of bicycle paths.
- Bring a kite or a ball, toss a frisbee, have a game of cricket. Enjoy the open spaces!
- Go for a short bush walk.
For a RELAXING day:
- Explore the Gardens of Many Nations. The Northern America garden transports you directly to “Vermont, USA” with the little cottage and the beautiful flowers. And the Mediterranean one is like a little piece of “Florence” in the middle of Australia. The Japanese Garden is also beautiful. Other gardens that are worth mentioning are the Dutch and the Chinese ones.
- Go for a walk with your dog. Fagan Park is dog-friendly, however, they must remain on a leash.
- Set up a mat and unwind.
- Or simply, take some photos. When you have the chance to look at the photographs back home, you will realise that they actually could be postcards of a souvenir shop.
For an EDUCATIONAL day:
- Visit Netherby Cottage, the original Fagan family homestead, and the adjoining museum. They are open each Tuesday from 10am to 4pm and the second Sunday of every month from 1.30pm to 4pm.
- Netherby Cottage is like a trip back to the past. My daughters learnt that there was not always hot water, so they had to heat it in order to have a bath. And they also saw a pretty basic washing machine! Their faces were showing surprise, trying to figure out if the bathroom and laundry room of the Netherby Cottage were real. Outside, there is an old water pump. It was lovely to see my daughters working so well together.
- The adjoining rural museum is full of old machinery, engines and vehicles from the last century. We saw some of the old tractors in action! They were very noisy and smelly, according to my daughters…So, I tried to explain to them the reason why now cars are not as noisy as the ones in the past. Certainly, they learnt something. I am not quite sure if they understood everything, but at least, my daughters realised that life was different a long time ago.
- Go to the Eco Garden and learn about sustainable gardening.
Fagan Park – Practical Info
The park has several fountains and toilets. Also, there is a swing for children with disabilities.
Toilets: Nearby both playgrounds
Fagan Park Cafe: There isn’t a proper cafe but a coffee cart is open at the weekends and everyday during school holidays. If the cart of Fagan Park is closed and you are hungry there are some good options in Galston: The Local Collective, Sugar Salt, Steam Yard Cafe and Vintage Pantry, which its kids fenced playground is a bonus.
Mum’s report: Fagan Park is one of the best parks of Sydney. It is definitively worth the visit. It has everything you need for a fantastic day out with children.
Bus stop nearby: Yes, local bus (number 638). First, you will need to take one of the buses that go to the Hills District.
Keep up to date on changes at Fagan Park by checking the Hornsby Council website here.
NB: The best way to go to Fagan Park is driving. Parking costs $5 per vehicle for all day. There are two car parks, one off Arcadia Rd at the main park entrance, and another off Carrs Rd. This car park is closer to the Nations Gardens and the new nature based playground, which has wooden equipment and a water pump with a small sandpit.
Check the Council page for updates and bookings here.
Extra
You’ll find all the best playgrounds in Sydney on this post here.
Nancy’s Freedom Farm Arcadia is close by, check out all the info here.
More Photos of Fagan Park
My daughters always have a great time at Fagan Park. Have you ever been there? What is your favourite garden? I think that I cannot choose, I like them all.
