The Hills District has a reputation for being suburban and car-dependent, but it also has some genuinely excellent free family spaces. Here's the guide.
Castle Hill Bicentennial Park
The main event. Castle Hill Bicentennial Park is a large multi-use reserve with an excellent adventure playground, BMX track, cycling paths, open ovals, and BBQ areas. The playground caters to a wide age range — there's equipment for toddlers through to primary school kids.
The surrounding park has enough space to make a full afternoon of it, and the facilities are well-maintained.
Address: Victoria Avenue, Castle Hill Entry: Free Facilities: Toilets, BBQs, BMX track, multiple playgrounds, cycling paths
Bella Vista Farm Park
A heritage farm preserved as public open space in the Norwest area. Bella Vista Farm Park is free to enter and has open lawns, heritage farm buildings, a kitchen garden, and occasional animals. The grounds are lovely and it feels quite different from a standard council park.
In spring (usually September–October), the farm sometimes opens for strawberry picking events — a small fee applies for picking, but the park itself is always free to enter and walk around.
Address: Celebration Drive, Bella Vista Entry: Free Facilities: Open lawns, heritage buildings, walking paths
Norwest Lake
Part of the Norwest Business Park, the lake is a public space with a walking path around the water, benches, and good bird life. It's calm and pleasant — more of a relaxed stroll than a destination, but very convenient if you're in the Norwest area.
Address: Circa Promenade, Norwest Entry: Free
Rouse Hill Regional Park
A large open reserve centred around the Rouse Hill Estate (a National Trust heritage homestead). The estate grounds — including gardens, farmland, and walking paths — are free to explore. Heritage homestead tours cost a fee, but the surrounding parkland is always accessible.
The park has wide open spaces and a creek running through it. Good for older kids who enjoy history and open space over structured play equipment.
Address: Windsor Road, Rouse Hill Entry: Free (parking available on site)
Hills Shire Libraries
The Hills Shire has several well-resourced library branches: Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills, Rouse Hill, and Vinegar Hill Memorial Library (Riverstone). All run free story time sessions and school holiday programs.
Find current sessions by searching "Hills" on Discover.
Free council events
The Hills Shire Council runs family events throughout the year, especially in school holidays. Past events have included free outdoor cinema at Castle Hill Bicentennial Park and holiday activity programs across different venues.
Browse upcoming events at Little Rascal.
Old Government House, Parramatta (nearby)
Worth the short drive to Parramatta — the grounds of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Government House are free to walk, even though the house itself is ticketed. See the Parramatta guide for the full rundown.
On a rainy day
- Hills Shire Library branches — free and well-equipped
- Castle Hill RSL — has a children's play area
- Rouse Hill Town Centre — large covered shopping centre with food court
Getting there
The Metro North West Line stops at Castle Hill, Kellyville, Rouse Hill, and Hills Showground. Castle Hill Bicentennial Park is about a 20-minute walk from Castle Hill Metro station, or a short drive. Bella Vista Farm and Norwest Lake are closest to Norwest and Bella Vista Metro stations.
Updated May 2026. Know a great free spot in the Hills District we've missed? Let us know.