🌿 A ripper spot for the young ones and a beaut arvo stroll with fairy lights, mate!

MacCabe Park Wollongong - Family Playground & Evening Lights Spot - Main park image showing the beautiful facilities and surroundings

MacCabe Park in Wollongong offers a spacious green area with a playground and a skating/basketball zone, making it a solid choice for families and active kids. The park is well-loved for its evening charm when fairy lights twinkle in the gardens, creating a relaxing atmosphere for an arvo or evening visit. While some reviews mention the playground feels outdated and the park has a rough reputation at night, the daytime vibe is generally peaceful and family-friendly. Multiple entrances and parking options nearby add to its convenience for locals and visitors alike.

📍 Park Information

📍 Address	Wollongong NSW 2500, Australia
📞 Phone	+61 42277111
⭐ Rating	4/5 (320 reviews)
🏙️ City	Australia
🗺️ Coordinates	Google Map Link
🏗️ Facilities	playground skate basketball court parking

🕐 Opening Hours

Day	Hours
Wednesday	Open 24 hours
Thursday	Open 24 hours
Friday	Open 24 hours
Saturday	Open 24 hours
Sunday	Open 24 hours
Monday	Open 24 hours
Tuesday	Open 24 hours

⭐ What Makes This Park Special

Family Playground Fun ✅

MacCabe Park has a playground that’s a hit with the kiddos, though some reckon it’s a bit outdated and could use a refresh. The big round swing replaced the old individual wings, giving the little ones a new way to have a go. Besides the playground, there’s a skating and basketball area that older kids will enjoy, making it a versatile spot for families with a range of ages. It’s a solid place for after-school playdates or a weekend arvo with the young ones, even if some say it’s seen better days.

Beautiful Views That'll Take Your Breath Away 🌅

One of the standout features of MacCabe Park is its evening atmosphere. The fairy lights strung through the gardens create a beaut setting, especially on cool winter nights, making it a lovely spot for a relaxing stroll or a quiet arvo. The park’s multiple entrances and open green spaces add to its charm, offering plenty of room to wander and enjoy the greenery. While it’s not a flashy botanical garden, the peaceful vibe and twinkling lights give it a unique character that locals appreciate.

Active Fun with Skating & Basketball 🏃‍♀️

For the older kids and teens, MacCabe Park offers a skating area and a basketball court, which are popular spots for getting active and having a bit of fun. These facilities add a sporty edge to the park, giving families more options beyond just the playground. Whether it’s shooting hoops or skating around, the park caters well to those who want to burn off some energy or practice their skills in a casual setting.

Easy Access & Parking Options 🚗

MacCabe Park has multiple entrances, making it easy to get in and out depending on where you’re coming from. There’s parking available nearby, including a 3 to 4-hour parking zone on one side, which is handy for families planning a longer visit or a quick stop. While some reviews mention parking can be limited, the presence of designated parking areas is a definite plus for those driving in from around Wollongong.

Things to Keep in Mind When Visiting ⚠️

Several reviews mention that the park has a bit of a rough reputation at night, with concerns about alcohol use, drug users, and homeless people in the gardens. The playground is described as outdated by some, and there’s a feeling it could use some upgrades. If you’re visiting with kids, it’s best to stick to daytime hours when the park is more family-friendly and relaxed. Also, parking can be tricky at times, so arriving early or planning your visit during off-peak hours might save some hassle.

💬 What Visitors Are Saying

Beautifully decorated park, its worth visiting in the evening time when the lights on tree are switched on.
Has a skating/baskeball area on one end of the park.
It is a very nice park. It has a good playground for children.
They've taken away the individual wings and added a big round swing.
Multiple entrances and has a 4 hour car park on one side.
Large open green space.
Quite affordable. Lots of spaces.
Just a park in Wollongong which has a notorious past attached to it at night time.
The park is outdated with its playground and feels disconnected from the surrounding cbd.
Only there as I parked my car but it is a 3 hour parking area.