It’s fair to say that Salmon Haul Reserve has never been one of Cronulla’s more frequented playgrounds.
The location is less convenient and more hidden away than a lot of the beach suburbs other offerings.
Maybe it’s recent upgrade will be enough to draw some crowds? They hadn’t surfaced on my visit (but to be fair it was both wet and early when I went down to check out the reserve).
The reserve is set down from the road among big beautiful trees and with views of Port Hacking and the Royal National Park. If you’re driving to get there, you can either park in Glaisher Parade and walk down the stairs, or park on Gowrie St for a pram-friendly walk down from Bass and Flinders Point to the playground.
Set upon artificial grass you’ll find a large play gym that looks like a pirate ship. Little ones can pretend they’re captaining the ship and steer it as they look out toward the ocean, or play with the sensory activity walls around the walls of the ship. It’s kitted out with rope ladders and climbing nets and a mid-sized slide.
Alongside it, they can play the musical pipes or have a chat via the talking tubes.
While there are no traditional swings, there’s one large round netted swing that would fit multiple kids and an accessible merry-go-round that you can ride while sitting or standing.
Kids can also jump across the timber balance beam and stumps and ride around the equipment on their scooters (however bikes and scooters are not allowed to be ridden on the Esplanade).
When they get tired from all that playing, you can take a seat at the picnic table or few benches within the area.
A toilet block (not new, but usable), stretching pole, water station, a bin and a shower are all conveniently located beside the play equipment, however, you should note that the nearest swimming spot advised is Oak Park, but if your kids are a bit older it’s only an eight-minute (and very lovely) walk up the Esplanade.
Looking for another playground in the Sutherland Shire? Check out more playground reviews.
