Ashley Chapman Reserve

Peaceful picnic area on the lake edge but only 1 picnic table near the toilet block (in full sun). No BBQs are available. A short walk over a little bridge leads to a table in the shade. Walk a little further, and there are seats with lovely veiws. Paperbark trees offer lots of shade with lots of parrots and birds in the trees. Lake is very shallow with lots of weed from time to time, but water is clean. The council has been maintaining the area, and the toilet block is cleaned regularly. NO CAMPING is allowed, and dogs must be on a leash. # Council has inspections of this location, and whilst there have been "bogun camps," they are quickly cleaned up.

The bogans and nutcases of Budgewoi can make this place hard to feel relaxed in, but most days you will be left alone. Entitled fishermen will crab and fish here despite the sign stating that the creatures of the lake must be protected. The public book exchange box routinely gets vandalised and subsequently replaced every few months. A group of belligerents have set up a makeshift camp a bit more northwest of the main reserve area, complete with chairs and a tarp. This hangout spot is littered with used nangs (dozens upon dozens of them) and the trees have been spray painted with cryptic bogan messages. It’s been there for months now. People let their dogs run off the leash and roam free, putting other dogs in danger. It seems to always be the staffy owners. I wonder why. There’s the occasional random object littered around the reserve - but that’s to be expected. Ignoring Ashley Chapman Reserve’s many downfalls caused by the top minds of Budgewoi, it is a beautiful place with a gorgeous view of Lake Munmorah. Abundant with swans, geese, pelicans, magpies, rainbow lorikeets, noisy miners and more, birdwatchers will have a great time. Visit the lake in the early hours of the morning to catch the beautiful sunrise. Always beware the Budgewoi bogan.

Relaxing place to sit and have a bite to eat.

Peaceful reserve to stop with a little forest and lake views. I saw black swans in the lake.

This local park is a beautiful and well-maintained green space in the heart of the community. It offers a peaceful and tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, and is a perfect place to relax and unwind.