Northern Sydney – ParentRooms

Reviewed by C

Overall: Horrible!! Complete total last resort – and even then I’d think twice. Nappy change (if you’re brave).

Good Points: It has two change tables, two sinks and nappy bins. That’s all I can say that’s ‘good’.

Bad points: Difficult to find. Graffiti covered front door. Smelly. Dirty. Very poor condition.

Follow the signs

Manly is such a lovely spot. Even on a cool day like this one, there’s still loads to do. We walked by the beach all the way around to Shelley Beach and back again. Had the required fish n chips for lunch, followed by Ben n Jerry’s ice cream (so good!). Bubba had the pleasure of playing on the sand for the first time (loved it, of course). Just a really lovely place to go. Although the same cannot be said for the Parent Room in Rialto Lane.

Keep walking past all the stores and cafes

Finally! Hidden on the left as you get to the Square

The photos of this Parent Room actually make it look better than it is, which is scary. Wandering down The Corso, we were keeping our eyes open for any indication of a Parent Room. The hard-to-miss signs directing you to the beach and everything else, also pointed us down Rialto Lane to find the Parent Room. So off we went in search of it. We walked, and walked, looking up every little corner and alleyway for some sign of the Parent Room. It wasn’t as clearly sign posted as we’d hoped! Not good for any parent who needs the facilities asap. Eventually we found it, right at the end of Rialto lane where the cafes are….just to the left in a dark covered area. Doesn’t feel very safe either, not even during the day.

Not very encouraging front door

The front door was not very encouraging. Worn, scratched and covered in graffiti….little hope was left for what would be found inside. Well we weren’t disappointed, sadly. The Parent Room stinks!!! Literally, it smells awful! Thankfully bubs didn’t need changing, because there is no way I would use this place.

Change table number one

Change table number two

The photos actually make it look a whole lot better than it is. There’s two wall mounted fold out change tables in the room. Both looked clean enough, but based on how badly this place smells and how dirty it is……I’d be wiping the whole change table with anti-bacterial solution before putting my little one on there.

Massive nappy bins

There’s two sinks, a bench, nappy bins, soap dispenser and a dodgy hand dryer. Really there’s nothing more to say about this Parent Room. If you’re going to use it, just be prepared to clean down every surface you and bubs will be coming into contact with then make sure you really clean your skin afterwards….just to make sure. There has to be a better facility in The Corso somewhere! Will have to check out the other end of The Corso next visit……this can’t be all there is in the way of Parent Rooms.

Reviewed by C

Overall: Basic. Good for a fast food restaurant. Nappy change, play area.

Good Points: Clean baby change area in the disabled bathroom. Sanitary bin away from the nappy change area. Nappy bins underneath the change unit. Indoor play area.

Bad Points: No extras like paper towel. Narrow hallway leading to toilets could make it difficult with a pram.

Wall mounted fold out change unit – clean and easy to use

This is the Paris end of McDonald’s in Sydney. One of the cleanest, nicest well laid out fast food restaurants I’ve found. Not that I go here all the time, but from the one’s visited this is definitely one of the better maintained.

This visit was on a rainy Sunday. The plan was to go have a picnic at Clontarf, but when we got there some people didn’t bring food, others did, the ground was wet, some brought picnic rugs and others didn’t. So the decision was made to pack and head to the nearest Maccas. A few minutes later, McDonald’s Cremorne had another 10 or so customers, plus kids.

The first thing I noticed was the indoor playground. Most of the ones I have seen to date have been outdoors but undercover. However when it’s cold or raining, or people are smoking nearby the playground and the little ones in it usually cop the lot. Finding an enclosed playground was just lovely. Kids can play safely without getting wet or cold, or copping a lung full of smoke, and parents can still enjoy their food while keeping an eye on the little ones through the glass windows and doors.

The toilets and baby change area are easy to find. And the best part is they are right next to the playground. Perfect spot for anyone with children. As you head to the end of the restaurant towards the playground, the door to the toilets is on your right. I’d suggest not taking a pram in if you can help it, only because the main door is one of those pressure swing doors and also the hallway is a little narrow. But if you have to take it with you, you will end up getting inside…..just be prepared for a three point turn or two.

Once through the main door the toilets, the door to the disabled toilet and baby change area is on the left. It has a big disabled and baby sticker on the front of the door so you cannot miss it. Once inside you can lock the door, which is something I am a big fan of.

Two nappy bins underneath the change table

There is a single wall mounted fold out nappy change unit on the far left wall. It’s clean, at a decent height, and the nappy bins are just underneath it. Very handy.

Hand dryer, sink and soap dispenser

The sink is on the opposite wall, to the right as you walk in. Nothing much to report here. Little ones who are washing their hands will probably need help to reach the taps and soap unit. Bit of a bummer not having paper towel to dry hands, but there is a hand dryer next to the sink.

Toilet with assistance railings

For little ones who are using the toilet, they may need some help. It’s not a little kids size toilet, but the assistance railings will come in handy. The toilet paper is probably a bit out of hands reach so just be ready to give little ones some help. There is a sharps unit just above the toilet cistern, in case you were wondering what the orange box is. Unless little ones are going to stand on top of the toilet to get to it, I don’t think it’s within easy reach. I guess you just need to think about what to say to your little ones if they ask what the orange box is for.

As far as fast food outlets go, this is pretty good. The toilet and change area is clean and well maintained. The playground is indoors and also quite clean. If you are breastfeeding and looking for a quieter area, just before you get to the toilets, to the right is a little alcove with tables, booths and chairs. It’s part of the dining area, but a little more separated from the main part of the hustle and bustle of the restaurant.

Let me know what you think of this Maccas if you go visit. And if you’ve seen any others that are better/worse, tell me about it so we can let all the other parents know too. This one gets the thumbs up from me.