Epic outdoor adventures in Parramatta
There are some epic outdoor adventure activities in Parramatta that are waiting to be discovered.
Outdoor adventure activities in Parramatta
Parramatta has so much to offer in the way of the great outdoors so if you're feeling cooped up, why not get outside into nature and start exploring. Throughout the city, you'll find generous green space and effort to preserve nature as well as history. Here are a few favourites for you to enjoy.
Boating at Lake Parramatta Reserve
Want to spend the day out on the water but don't want to drive to the beaches? We have the perfect solution for you: Lake Parramatta Reserve! You can hire different types of equipment based on what kind of outdoor adventure you want to have.
If you're looking for a leisure activity, you can hire a pedalboat. If you want some exercise, you can pick a kayak or rowboat. Parramatta Rowboats is open on the weekends, public holidays, and school holidays. Visit the Parramatta Rowboats website for more details.
Cycling the River Valley Cycleway
Pedal bikes are one of the best ways to explore Parramatta. The city has many bike paths and trails for you to use and is continuously improving them for your enjoyment. The River Valley Cycleway is more than 15-kilometres long. It is relatively flat and follows the Parramatta River.
Starting at Morrison Bay Park in Ryde, it goes all the way to Parramatta CBD. If you want to keep going, you can connect to other cycling paths that take you to the Sydney Olympic Park. You can hire bikes or jump on a tour from Parramatta Bike Tours.
Run the Parramatta Park loop
The Parramatta Park loop is a popular route for cycling and pedestrians. Just over three kilometres, it's the perfect spot for a run. You're surrounded by nature and run past historical monuments like the Old Government House.
If you're looking for a longer route but don't want to run laps around the loop, you can connect to more pedestrian-friendly cycleways. Some paths head along the Parramatta River all the way to Sydney Olympic Park.
Brickpit Ring Walk Sydney Olympic Park
For nature and animal lovers, we recommend visiting the Brickpit pond. The location used to be a brickyard, but now it's a protected habitat for green and golden bell frogs. An elevated walkway (18.5 metres high) was built so you can view the pond beneath without disturbing any of the wildlife.
The 550-metre ring walk gives you a unique view of the area. You can listen to the frogs and birds as well as learn more about the historical site. The panels along the ring teach you about the area's history and what it was like to make millions of clay bricks used to build Sydney.
Northmead Dam
The Northmead Dam (sometimes referred to as the North Rocks Dam) is tucked away in the Bidjigal Reserve. This is a great spot to visit if you're looking for an outdoor adventure and activity that many locals don't even know about. Keep in mind that the water levels will vary based on recent rainfall.
There are a few different tracks you can take to get to the Dam. They all will take you through beautiful bush and make you forget how close you are to the city.
Blaxland Riverside Park
Blaxland Riverside Park is home to the largest and most popular playground around Parramatta. Located in the Sydney Olympic Park near the Parramatta River, it has activities to keep kids of all ages entertained for hours.
The large park holds more than just the playground. There are great walking and cycling tracks as well as picnic areas for everyone to enjoy. It's also located near Newington Armory.
Badu Mangroves
The Badu Mangroves are part of Bicentennial Park. They contain the largest Mangrove Forest and Coast Saltmarsh remaining on the Parramatta River. It's also part of the largest intertidal wetland in the area. The Badu Mangroves are home to a wide array of flora and fauna, including many colourful waterbirds.
There is a boardwalk that lets you move through the wetlands. It is accessible all year round, making it an outdoor activity you can return to often.
Darug Culture Camp & Bush Tucka Walk tour
Parramatta has a rich history reaching back tens of thousands of years to the Darug people, the traditional custodians of the Darug nation. With a community focus on honouring and remembering, there are many ways you can learn more about the area's history.
The Darug Culture Camp and Bush Tucks walk tours teach you about plant uses, tools and local culture. They are a chance to spend time in nature with an Aboriginal guide. Make sure to book your ticket ahead of time, as these events often sell out early (especially during school holidays).
Monster skatepark
Monster skatepark is one of the best places to go for an outdoor adventure. Activities and facilities are available for skateboards, scooters, and bikers of all levels.
This skate park is located in Sydney Olympic Park with the only international standard indoor/outdoor ramp set up in Australia. It includes an indoor street course, an outdoor vert, and a mini ramp.
RiverCat ferry from Parramatta to Circular Quay
The RiverCat ferry is a 50-minute cruise up the Parramatta River to Circular Quay. It gives you a unique view of the area that most Sydneysiders don't even know exists. Starting in Parramatta with the mangroves, you head past waterside suburbs into the city. You'll end your journey with a spectacular view of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
