In very hard to contain, exciting, thrilling news: Campbelltown has a brand-new, state-of-the-art, nature inspired, water park facility. The design of Campbelltown Billabong Parklands connects you with Dharawal Country and is based on the natural rock pools, waterways and landscape of the Georges & Nepean Rivers that weaves it’s way throughout this part of South West Sydney. Billabong Parklands is a broad, green open space filled with great big mature native palms, shade trees and shade structures, rockpools, waterplay areas, swimming pools and glorious public art. It is a great place to spend a day out and WEST had the privilege of doing a tour of recently.
The 4 Ha Billabong Parklands is part of a project supported by local, state and federal government under the Western Sydney Liveability Program which aims to build the necessary infrastructure for Western Sydney’s expanding population. Additional funding for gateway areas around the site were provided via the NSW Government Public Spaces Legacy Fund. Naturally, this includes major recreational sites which is where the Billabong Parklands falls into. Campbelltown Billabong Parklands is set to attract an estimated 500000 visitors each year to the hugely exciting facility and unlock the discovery of this part of Western Sydney.
As the project was in progress, WEST has enjoyed seeing some of the key elements being built along the way. Â This included 2 billabong pools, approximately 1600m2, with more than 300,000 individually laid Sukabumi stone tiles between the two pools. These tiles create a beautiful vibrant green tone under the water and mimic the natural water features of the Dharawal National Park. The Billabong style pools are truly a highlight for the local Campbelltown area and are the first of it's kind in Australia.
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Campbelltown Billabong Parklands also has rapids, waterfalls and rockpools inspired by the natural landscape of the Dharawal National Park that are accessible for all ages and abilities, making it super user friendly and easy day out for young and old alike. Importantly, the design layout is incredibly family friendly, and it creates access to water for all ages. From the tiny trickle of zero depth interactive water play to the stunning Billabong pool up to 1.8 meters deep. This is a place for everyone to come together, share and enjoy. There’s also a commitment to creating native environments, with plenty of open spaces and native tree plantings to connect you to the local flora of the bush.
When it comes to creating amazing public spaces, WEST sees time and time again that statement architecture and public art must be included to create a high quality, dynamic and beautiful space for everyone to enjoy, and the Billabong Parklands delivers. The stunning amenities building, nestled into the site, along with the entry gates and arrival structures exude contemporary Australian Architecture that are once again inspired by nature and local natural elements.
Visitors to the Parklands are greeted by special welcome artwork at the entrance, developed with public artists Milne and Stonehouse, the local Aboriginal community and renowned Indigenous artist Danielle Mate.
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Standing between the children’s pool and main billabong pool is a spectacular bridge featuring a series of rings and metal mesh structure featuring an artwork that symbolises the Parklands’ theme of a land between two rivers, representing Campbelltown’s place between the Georges River and Nepean River and weaving items such as dilly bags or a carrying vessel.
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The bridge was designed with public artists Milne & Stonehouse, along with Aunty Phyllis Stewart, Aunty Annette Houston and Clarinda Vinter from the Yirran Miigaydhu Weavers Group at Campbelltown Arts Centre.
The cultural connections that are being made, through sensitive public artworks are beautiful in and of themselves. The entire experience elevates the sense of place and celebrates a well-known landscape to locals and visitors alike in a way not seen before. This project really does celebrate one of the defining qualities of the Campbelltown LGA, the Dharawal National Park and is a spectacular one-of-a-kind recreation space for South-West Sydney.
Campbelltown Billabong Parklands has been a significant investment in the future of Campbelltown and is aimed to be a meeting place in the heart of the city for friends and families to enjoy over many generations to come. The culturally sensitive way this has been created is such a fitting tribute to the local First Nations People.
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The project was funded by Campbelltown City Council, the Australian Government and NSW Government under the Western Parkland City Liveability Program. The program is part of the Western Sydney City Deal (the Deal). The Deal is a 20 year-agreement between Australian and NSW governments, and the eight local Councils of the Western Parkland City. A further $3.6 million has been funded by the NSW Government to support the development of gateway areas around the site.
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Campbelltown City Councils Billabong Parkland’s main pool and children’s pool is  open to the public in the warmer months between September and May, see Council’s website for more information. The surrounding green space of the parklands are open all year-round for people to gather for picnics with family and friends, enjoy a walk through the serene open spaces or take part in the diverse events and activities program that will take place throughout the year.
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Campbelltown Billabong Parklands is located at the corner of The Parkway and Moore-Oxley Bypass, Bradbury. The Regional Art Gallery of Campbelltown is just across the road and can be accessed by the underpass featuring more amazing artwork. This is one of those special places well worth the visit, bring your sense of fun and adventure and explore the Billabong Parklands for yourself.
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