About Rat Park
Rat Park is the nickname for Pittwater Rugby Park, a multi-purpose sports facility in Warriewood on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Home to the Warringah Rugby Club (the “Rats”) since the 1970s (www.warringahrugby.com.au ), it is also used by the local Pittwater Baseball Club (www.pittwaterbaseball.com.au ). The ground opened in 1971 (www.austadiums.com ) and has a covered grandstand and open terraces, with room for several thousand fans (officially around 4,000) (www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au ). Locals call it Rat Park because of the club’s association with the WWII “Rats of Tobruk” – a memorial to the Desert Rats stands on a grass hill at the southern end of the field (www.warringahrugby.com.au ). Set just 500 metres from North Narrabeen Beach, Rat Park is exposed to strong easterly sea breezes, which makes it a famously blustery venue (www.austadiums.com ). In short, it’s a casual, family-friendly community arena built for club sport – a focal point for rugby and baseball on the Northern Beaches (www.warringahrugby.com.au ) (www.warringahrugby.com.au ).
Events and Programming
Most weekends from March through September, Rat Park is buzzing with live rugby action. It hosts Shute Shield competition games for the Warringah Rats (men’s First Grade through colts) and the Warringah Ratettes (women’s teams) (www.warringahrugby.com.au ). Matches include two of each of several grades, plus junior and women’s fixture days. The park’s scoreboard and broadcast tower ensure even airing of scores and commentary during matches (www.warringahrugby.com.au ). In summer, the grounds are used for local baseball leagues (Pittwater Baseball Club’s home games) and other community sports. Beyond games, the venue often doubles as a community event space. For example, the Northern Beaches Prostate Cancer Support Group regularly holds fundraising BBQs and car shows there (www.pittwateronlinenews.com ). Every Friday morning, the “Beaches Farmers Market” takes over the oval (8am–1pm) with fresh-produce stalls, live music and coffee for parents and kids (northernbeachesmums.com.au ). The Warringah Club itself also stages special events—Ladies’ Days, sponsor breakfasts and junior-club celebrations are captured on the official event calendar (www.warringahrugby.com.au ). In short, Rat Park’s program is dominated by grassroots sport and community gatherings. (On rare occasions it has even hosted intimate concerts by Australian bands, as noted in local news, but sports and markets are the main draw.)
Tickets and Booking
Most Rat Park events do not require advance booking for casual fans. For Warringah Rugby home games, the club sells “Game Day” tickets through its website (www.warringahrugby.com.au ), and generally you can also buy them at the gate on match day. The club’s official site encourages supporters to pre-purchase tickets online (www.warringahrugby.com.au ) (often via a Ticketing link), but tickets are usually affordable – typically in line with other Sydney club rugby (for example, around a few tens of dollars for adults, with concessions). Junior club events and regular season games are often free or low-cost. For big rivalry matches or finals, it’s wise to arrive early or get tickets in advance through the club’s channels, as standing areas can fill up. Note that The Beaches Farmers Market and most community events at Rat Park do not charge entry – you can just show up. In summary: rugby and baseball match tickets are handled by the Warringah Rugby Club (check their website or box office on game day (www.warringahrugby.com.au )), while casual events like markets are open to the public at no charge.
Seating and Layout
Rat Park consists of a single main oval and a covered grandstand along one sideline. The grandstand holds roughly 1,000 people under cover (www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au ). Behind the opposite goal and off both sidelines there are open grass mounds and “viewing hills” where fans can sit or stand. According to Council info, these uncovered terraces hold about 3,000 more, putting total capacity around 4,000 (though some sources estimate an absolute maximum around 10,000) (www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au ) (www.austadiums.com ). In practice, the best seats are in the mid-to-upper rows of the stand (good view of all the action), or on the grassy hill behind one goal for a panoramic perspective. The stand offers shelter from the weather, while the lawns have room to spread out blankets or bring a camp chair – kids often sit on the grass to watch. Behind the main pitch are additional training fields (used for warm-ups or other sports) (www.warringahrugby.com.au ). As a facility, there are no indoor screens or jumbotrons – only a small media booth atop a TV tower for announcements and score updates (www.warringahrugby.com.au ). The entire stadium is uncovered from above (no roof over the playing field) (www.austadiums.com ), so rain or sun will be felt in the stands.
Getting There and Parking
Rat Park’s address is 1472 Pittwater Road, Warriewood (North Narrabeen Reserve) (www.warringahrugby.com.au ). You can enter from Pittwater Road (the main route through Warriewood) or from nearby Walsh Street at the south end (www.warringahrugby.com.au ). By car it’s quick to reach via the Wakehurst Parkway/A8: take the Warriewood Rd/Pittwater Rd exit and drive east 2 km. There is an on-site parking lot (including disabled spots) right next to the field (www.warringahrugby.com.au ). Parking is managed by Northern Beaches Council and typically free, though spaces can fill up on busy match days (if the carpark is full, nearby parking at Warriewood Square shops or local side streets is another option). For public transport, buses connect directly to Rat Park. Routes 199 and the B1 (the Northern Beaches B-Line) run along Pittwater Rd and stop just outside the ground (moovitapp.com ) (www.warringahrugby.com.au ). (Merely board any of these toward Warriewood/Narrabeen and alight at the stop by Walsh Street.) Plan your trip using Transport NSW or local timetables — hey off-peak services run frequently on weekends and there are some late-night buses for big events. Rideshare or taxis can drop off at the park entrance on Pittwater Road. Overall, Rat Park is very accessible by road or bus – just make sure to arrive with time to spare, as the main parking and bus stops are right at the venue (www.warringahrugby.com.au ) (www.warringahrugby.com.au ).
Inside the Venue
Once inside Rat Park, you’ll find a casual, sporty atmosphere. Entry to home games is typically through a simple gate – either flashing your pre-purchased e-ticket for scanning or paying cash at the turnstile. Security is minimal but the club does enforce basic conduct rules (intoxicated or abusive behaviour is not tolerated (www.warringahrugby.com.au )). Expect local families, kids in team colours and plenty of green-clad fans cheering each play. Because it’s open-air, there’s no climate control – on sunny days it feels bright and breezy, on rainy days be prepared for the elements (the stand is partially sheltered, but the goals and lawns are fully exposed). Mobile phone reception is normally fine on the field, as the ground is not in a valley – you may get a signal boost from the TV tower and radio gear present for match coverage (www.warringahrugby.com.au ).
Food and drink are available on-site. Near the stand there’s a canteen serving classic stadium fare (sausage sandwiches, pies, ice coffees, etc.), and a licensed bar selling beer and cider (www.warringahrugby.com.au ). Hot drinks and snacks are often sold from a coffee cart on game days (www.warringahrugby.com.au ). After a few rounds or bites, many fans wander over to the brick BBQ pit and picnic tables in the courtyard for a social congregating spot. There are public restrooms and accessible toilets right by the clubhouse (www.warringahrugby.com.au ), and a medical room for emergencies if needed. You’ll also see the “Rats shop” merchandise stand (especially on big match days) for team jerseys and hats. In short: the amenities are exactly what a friend at the club would provide – basic but comfortable. Bring cash and card (the bar accepts both), and note that outside food/drink is generally discouraged – it’s better to support the local canteen. (www.warringahrugby.com.au )
Nearby Amenities
The area around Rat Park has plenty to round out a game-day. Just up Pittwater Road (roughly 3 km south) is Warriewood Square, a small shopping centre. Here you’ll find cafes and eateries for pre- or post-match meals. Notably, Cicco Bar (Italian eats), Fresko Café (coffee and brunch) and the Three Beans Coffee Bar are open most mornings and serve backpacker-friendly fare (www.warriewoodsquare.com.au ). There’s also a Coles supermarket, newsagent and bottle shop if you need supplies. For a sit-down dinner before an evening game, Warriewood Square dining can suffice, but if you want a larger pub atmosphere, nearby Narrabeen has a few hotels (The Harbord Hotel, North’s, etc.) and Manly Beach (10 km south) offers many more restaurants and bars. Accommodations are sparse right in Warriewood, so visitors often stay in Manly or Brookvale if coming from out of town. The main point: you won’t go hungry. Coffee and healthy snacks are easy to grab, and after dark there are buses back toward Manly or taxi options. When planning your trip, check the time – weekday evening buses finish around midnight, though on weekends some late-night services cover Pittwater Rd (www.warringahrugby.com.au ). If you’re driving, there’s usually plenty of lit street parking around Warriewood Square for a late departure. In summary: arrive early enough to grab a coffee at a local café, and leave knowing a burger or pizza is just minutes away once the game ends.
What Makes This Venue Special
Rat Park may look like any suburban sports field at first glance, but it has a lot of character. Chief among its unique traits is location: tucked in bushland near Narrabeen Beach, you’ll play rugby with seabreezes whipping across the pitch (www.austadiums.com ). The winds can be intense, giving the field a quirky home-ground advantage. Architecturally, the site feels old-school. There’s no luxury roof or giant scoreboard (www.austadiums.com ) – just a classic brick club lounge and a stand where devoted local fans cram in for every play. Those fans (the so-called “Rat Army”) create a vibrant all-weather atmosphere. As the club’s own history notes, on any rainy Saturday the sideline is packed with families, coaches and die-hards cheering “Rat footy” (www.warringahrugby.com.au ). It’s the sort of place where neighbors wave and after-match barbecues break out among strangers – a tight-knit community vibe you don’t get at big city stadiums.
Culturally, Rat Park is the beating heart of Warringah Rugby. It has seen State-wide champions, Wallabies and even Olympic gold medalists emerge from its junior programs (www.warringahrugby.com.au ). The ‘Rats of Tobruk’ connection gives it historical depth uncommon in sports grounds; the cenotaph memorial on the northern hill reminds everyone of its wartime legacy (www.warringahrugby.com.au ). In recent news, the park is even getting upgraded: in 2025 Northern Beaches Council awarded a contract for brand-new change-room facilities there (www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au ). So it’s not frozen in time – it’s living history being refreshed for future generations. Finally, a few legendary games have etched the turf into local lore: classic Shute Shield finals in front of standing-room crowds, and even a surprise rock concert by an iconic Aussie band. All told, visitors often note that Rat Park feels like the kind of place “you have to see if you’re a local”. The combination of seaside winds, passionate spectators, and that Green Rats identity makes it unmistakably “Northern Beaches”.
Visitor Tips and Information
If you’re heading to Rat Park, keep in mind it’s an outdoor club ground — so dress for the weather. In summer wear a hat and sunscreen; in winter grab a jacket (the wind can be chilly). Most fans wear casual gear or team colors (greens and whites for Warringah). Footwear should handle grass and dirt – the open lawn can get muddy after rain. Young kids are welcome everywhere, but must stay off the playing field. Gates open about 30–60 minutes before kick-off; arriving early lets you find parking and settle in without stress. Re-entry is usually allowed if you want to grab snacks, but always hold onto your ticket. You’ll need ID for beer purchases (no alcohol for under-18s by law (www.warringahrugby.com.au )). Bag checks are rare, but glass containers are definitely not allowed (league rules typically forbid glass in all-sports venues). Pets (except service dogs) and smoking are prohibited within the fenced field area. Photography for personal use is fine, and some media photo ops happen from the stands; however, drone or broadcast filming requires permission from club management.
Accessibility is decent: there are ramps and disabled parking (www.warringahrugby.com.au ) (the council lets wheelchairs reach most areas), and toilets marked for public and wheelchair use (www.warringahrugby.com.au ). If you have mobility needs, use the paved path from the carpark. Mothers and families will find change facilities in the clubrooms. If you or a companion have special requirements or questions on arrival (such as medical assistance or seating), flag down a club volunteer wearing a “Warringah Rugby” polo and they’ll help. The ambulance vehicle or first aid station is on site at senior games.
Lastly, plan your exit: if it’s late, check the bus times or book a rideshare a little in advance. Northern Beaches night buses (like the N90 or after-midnight B-lines on weekends) pass down Pittwater Rd, but schedules change for public holidays. On a Saturday night, you might find a handful of late buses, but otherwise cars or taxis may be easier. Also, after big matches, nearby Warriewood Square can be crowded with home fans, so a patient walk to find your car can pay off. In short: bring weather-appropriate clothes, cash/ID for concessions, your team spirit – and you’re set for a unique local sporting experience at Rat Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the seating capacity at Rat Park?
Which teams play at Rat Park?
The main tenant is Warringah Rugby Club (the “Rats”), which plays Shute Shield union matches there most weekends (www.austadiums.com ). In summer the Pittwater Baseball Club also uses Rat Park as its home field (www.pittwaterbaseball.com.au ). Occasionally schools or other local sports clubs book the field, but you’ll mostly see rugby on winter weekends and baseball on summer days.
How do I buy tickets for games at Rat Park?
For Warringah Rugby home games, tickets are sold through the club. You can purchase online ahead of time via the official Warringah Rugby website (they have a “Game Day Tickets” link) (www.warringahrugby.com.au ) or simply buy at the gate when you arrive. Membership passes and junior club memberships often cover entry as well. Special standalone events (like finals day matches) may also offer online sales. In general, arriving early at Rat Park means you can usually get a ticket on site for most club matches.
Is parking available at Rat Park? How much does it cost?
Yes – there’s a dedicated parking area next to the field with plenty of spaces (including disabled spots) (www.warringahrugby.com.au ). Northern Beaches Council generally offers this parking free of charge, though during large events it can fill up quickly. If that lot is full, additional public parking is available around Warriewood Square or nearby residential streets. Always check the signage, but for the most part you won’t need to pay for short-term parking.
Are there public transport options to get to Rat Park?
Absolutely. Rat Park sits right on Pittwater Road in Warriewood, and buses stop right outside the venue (www.warringahrugby.com.au ). The main routes serving it are the B1 Northern Beaches service and route 199, which run between Manly and Mona Vale and stop near Pittwater Rd at Walsh St (moovitapp.com ). So you can catch the B1 or 199 and jump off at the Warriewood/Rat Park bus stop. (No train line directly serves Warriewood; bus is the easiest public transit.)
Is Rat Park an indoor stadium?
No – Rat Park is entirely outdoors. There is no roof covering the playing field (www.austadiums.com ). The only shelter is the roofed grandstand on one side. Floodlights do allow for night games, but otherwise it’s an open-air field, so dress for the weather.
Is Rat Park wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Rat Park has wheelchair access. There is disabled parking and ramps into the venue (www.warringahrugby.com.au ). The covered grandstand can be reached by accessible paths. There are also accessible (disabled) toilets on site (www.warringahrugby.com.au ). The managers aim to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility aids in seating areas, but everyone is advised to use the marked facilities and let staff know if assistance is needed.
Where exactly is Rat Park located (address)?
Rat Park’s full address is 1472 Pittwater Road, Warriewood NSW 2102 (www.warringahrugby.com.au ). It sits just north of Warriewood Beach, bounded by Pittwater Road to the west and Walsh Street to the south. If you plug that address into your GPS or map app (or follow signs to North Narrabeen Reserve), you’ll arrive right at the sports fields parking lot.
What is the origin of the name “Rat Park”?
“Rat Park” comes from the nickname of the Warringah Rugby Club (“the Rats”) and a historical link to the WWII “Rats of Tobruk”. After early struggles on the field, the club took inspiration from the famous Tobruk soldiers and called themselves the Green Rats. The ground earned the moniker “Rat Park” in their honor, and there’s even a memorial on the hill to the Rats of Tobruk (www.warringahrugby.com.au ). In short, it’s named after the club’s identity and their wartime tradition.
What does Rat Park’s layout and seating look like?
The layout is simple. There’s one main oval playing field and a covered grandstand on one side (with about 1,000 roofed seats) (www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au ). The rest is open grass banking – fans can sit or stand around the other sides, including a grassy hill behind one goal. Behind the main pitch are auxiliary training fields. In facilities the park has floodlights for night games and a media tower, but no large video screen (www.austadiums.com ). Essentially it’s a classic suburban rugby field: stand on one side, everything else on turf. (www.warringahrugby.com.au ) (www.austadiums.com )
Are there restrooms and food stands available inside Rat Park?
Yes – Rat Park has public restrooms (including accessible toilets) near the clubhouse (www.warringahrugby.com.au ). For food and drink, there is a club canteen selling snacks (sausages, pies, coffee, etc.) and a licensed bar serving beer and cider (note under-18s cannot consume alcohol by law (www.warringahrugby.com.au )). On busy game days you’ll also find a coffee cart and even a BBQ area in the courtyard (www.warringahrugby.com.au ). In short, you can buy hot food and beverages on-site, though some fans bring their own picnic items for the grassed areas.
Can I bring outside food or drink into Rat Park?
Typically outside alcohol and glass containers are not permitted. The club encourages patrons to use the on-site canteen and bar instead (www.warringahrugby.com.au ). Small personal snacks (like candy or water) are usually fine, but big coolers or full meals might be restricted. We recommend arriving with an empty stomach and picking up food inside. This also helps support the club’s facilities.
Are there any rules or dress codes at Rat Park?
Rat Park is very casual – there’s no formal dress code. Fans wear whatever they like (often team jerseys or green apparel to support Warringah). The only behavior rules are common courtesy: be respectful, follow staff instructions, and don’t enter the field during games. Smoking is allowed only in designated outdoor areas (check signage) and all litter should go in the bins. Important: minors and alcohol are strictly enforced – anyone under 18 won’t be served drinks (www.warringahrugby.com.au ). Aside from that, come comfortable and ready to have fun!
What happens if it rains? Are games cancelled?
Since Rat Park is natural grass, very heavy rain can make the field unplayable. The council monitors conditions (you can check field status online on stormy days) (www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au ). If the ground is deemed too waterlogged, matches may be postponed. Short-term showers won’t stop a game – the grandstand and grassy hill seating drain quickly. Waterproof gear is a good idea if rain is forecast. In fair weather, the lights allow evening games regardless of twilight, but no games will be played on a soaked-out pitch.
What are the dimension and lighting details of the main field?
Exact field dimensions aren’t public, but as a rugby ground it’s roughly 100×70 metres of grass. The main field is fully floodlit for night play, as noted on facility guides. You won’t find a jumbotron or big screen – only a simple scoreboard and PA. Think of it as a classic community pitch: wide and open to the sky, with standard rugby markings. Pointer: if you’re playing, check the club’s own announcements or local fixtures for any special surface details.
What should I bring and not bring to Rat Park?
Bring a hat, sunscreen or rain jacket depending on weather (it’s open-air). Wear shoes suitable for grass (if venturing onto the berm). A small folding chair or cushion is nice for the grassy areas. You can bring a light daypack for essentials. Do not bring alcohol (only buy inside) or glass bottles. Check the weather – one fan tip is to bring a poncho if rain is possible. Also bring ID if you plan to drink, and cash/card for the canteen. Lastly, come ready to cheer and maybe a local team flag – your voice and energy complete the experience!
