Oatley Park

Oatley Park is a 45-hectare bushland reserve in southern Sydney, bordered by the Georges River, Lime Kiln Bay and Jewfish Bay. Gazetted for recreation in 1887 and renamed in 1922, the park is rich in history and natural beauty. Depression-era works created many of its roads, walking tracks, and the iconic castellated kiosk known as “The Castle.”

The park offers bushwalking trails, lookouts with sweeping water views, sports fields, picnic areas, and an inclusive adventure playground. Families can enjoy the Oatley Baths — an enclosed swimming area at Jewfish Bay — or explore Steamroller Park, featuring a historic steamroller. Birdlife and native flora thrive here, making it popular with walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers.

Transport & Access:
The nearest train station is Oatley (T4 Illawarra line), about a 10–15 minute walk to the park entrance. Local buses also service the area. For drivers, free parking is available within the park (main lot on Dame Mary Gilmore Road) and in surrounding residential streets, though spaces fill quickly on weekends. Walking and cycling access is also possible from nearby suburbs.

Accessibility:
Main picnic and playground areas are relatively level and pram-friendly, but some bush tracks and lookouts involve steep or uneven paths. The park is unlit after dark, so visits are recommended during daylight hours.