BiCentennial Park

Bicentennial Park is located right within the Sydney Olympic Park. Although a lot of people find it an inconvenience to go there, I’d say it is worth the trip. If you’ve got a car, know how to get to the rail or bus station, can pedal a bike or would love a stroll, you can definitely find your way there. Entrance is absolutely free. 

The park sits in 40 hectares of land.  An ideal place for picnics (whether you’re two or two hundred). There are electric barbecues, park tables and benches around.

There’s just so much green space, too. There’s place for a game of tag, soccer or badminton. You can even rent a bike and follow the trail. They even have the kind where you can tag your baby in a wheeled trolley attached to your bike.

That or you bring your own bike.  That is how family friendly this park is.

Are you planning a party on a tight budget? Consider this place. I’ve seen a lot of kids' birthday parties held at the park. You just have to come in early to find the perfect spot. You can choose a place near the playground, on top of the hill  or amidst the conclave of pine trees facing Lake Belvedere.

If you want a more formal party, the Waterview pavilion is the place for you. It’s great for wedding receptions, debuts and school formals. Catering is also provided.

What if you are alone in the park? No worries mate, you’ll still feel safe. Rangers rove around the park regularly. You can grab a magazine to browse, lay down a mat and enjoy the shade under the trees. Or you can  enjoy a bite of sandwich and a cup of coffee on one of the benches strategically situated around the park. By that I mean, at a distance from where you can keep your privacy. Coffee and tea by the way is available at Lilies Cafe and Restaurant at the top of the hill. They also serve lunch.

Nature tripping. It is also a living museum of birds. It’s ponds, swamps and lake boasts of a number of bird species from the Silver Gull, Pacific Black Duck, Black Swan, Australian Pelican, Purple Swamphen, Australian White Ibis and more.  

Bird watching is encouraged but bird feeding is restricted. If you are into photography, there are various board walks and platforms provided for your convenience if you want to set up your tripod and snap some shots.

Another thing you should enjoy is the fountain area. It's so much fun weaving in and out of them and keep yourself cool especially on summer days.

So who says it's expensive to have fun in Sydney? Not the Sydney Insider. I hope you'll join me again on my next journey. Cheers!