Castle Hill Heritage Park Playground 22Z Heritage Park Drive, Castle Hill, New South Wales 2154

Welcome to Castle Hill Heritage Park Playground, a nationally significant site located in Castle Hill, Australia. Situated on Heritage Park Drive, this establishment is a popular point of interest and tourist attraction that offers a unique glimpse into the area's rich history.

Dating back to 1801, Castle Hill Heritage Park is one of the earliest and potentially least known Government Farms in the country. It holds great historical significance as it was the staging point for the first-ever convict rebellion on Australian soil in 1804. As you explore the park, you will encounter excellent interpretative signage that vividly tells the story of the convicts and the early settlers of the district.

Recently refurbished at a cost of over $3.4 million, the new-look park was officially opened by Her Excellency Prof Marie Bashir, Governor of New South Wales, in March 2004. The park features concrete walking tracks, picnic areas, a playground, and public toilets, all set within a heritage-listed site surrounded by bushland. It is worth noting that the majority of the reserve is accessible for individuals with disabilities.

Spread across 20 hectares of rolling landscaped hills and remnant Blue Gum forest, Heritage Park provides an ideal location for family picnicking, leisurely walks, and nature exploration. It is also the birthplace of Castle Hill, making it a significant landmark for the local community.

As you embark on the main walking track, you will come across educational signs that follow a timeline history of the land, from its use by the Dharug people to the establishment of the convict farm, church glebe, lunatic asylum, orchards, and small farm holdings. This immersive experience allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the area's past.

Not only does Castle Hill Heritage Park offer a glimpse into the region's history, but it is also home to the critically endangered ecological community, Blue Gum High Forest. This park boasts one of the largest remaining stands of this forest in the world, making it a vital conservation area. Additionally, the threatened species Powerful Owl is known to use the park for hunting.

However, the park faces several challenges, including fragmentation, invasion by weeds and feral animals, and bell minor associated dieback. In response, the Hills Shire Council, in collaboration with bushcare groups and volunteers, is actively working towards restoring this endangered ecological community through various techniques, such as bush regeneration activities and ecological burns.

Plan your visit to Castle Hill Heritage Park Playground today and immerse yourself in the fascinating history and natural beauty that this unique destination has to offer. We are open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays). For any inquiries, please contact us at 61 2 9843 0555 or visit our website for more information.