10 Things to Do in Sydney Olympic Park

Explore one of Parramatta’s most iconic destinations for nature, play, history and culture – all in one day. 

5 mins read

Located within the Parramatta area, Sydney Olympic Park is a vibrant area that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re planning a family day out, a weekend adventure or a spontaneous solo escape, this Western Sydney favourite is packed with things to see and do.

Here’s your guide to the top things to do in Sydney Olympic Park. 

1. Play Big at Blaxland Riverside Park

Location: Jamieson Street, Sydney Olympic Park 
Best for: Families with kids of all ages

Start your day at one of Sydney’s most exciting playgrounds.  

Blaxland Riverside Park is a three-acre adventure space featuring giant slides, climbing towers, scramble walls, a double flying fox and a splash pad. It’s designed for active play and imaginative fun, with plenty of room for picnics and riverside walks. The park connects to cycle paths and nearby cafés, making it a great launch point for your day out in Parramatta. 

A modern playground with curved swings on a green lawn is shown under a cloudy blue sky. People play and relax, creating a joyful and lively atmosphere.

2. Discover Nature and Heritage at Newington Armory 

Location: Jamieson Street, beside the Parramatta River 
Best for: Nature lovers, history buffs and cyclists

Once a naval armament depot, Newington Armory is now a peaceful cultural and ecological hub. Explore over 100 heritage-listed buildings, hire a bike, or take the heritage train on weekends. The surrounding Newington Nature Reserve is home to wallabies, frogs and native birds, offering a quiet escape into bushland and wetlands. 

It’s a great spot to slow down and connect with nature amongst the hustle and bustle of Sydney. 

A man and woman stand in a narrow brick alley, gazing upward. The scene conveys curiosity and interest, with warm sunlight filtering through.

3. Walk the Brickpit Ring Walk

Location: Marjorie Jackson Parkway 
Best for: Scenic views and environmental education

Suspended 18.5 metres above ground, the Brickpit Ring Walk is a 550-metre circular walkway with panoramic views of a former clay quarry turned conservation site. It’s now a protected habitat for the endangered Green and Golden Bell Frog.

Interpretive signage along the walk shares stories of the site’s industrial past and its transformation into a thriving ecological zone. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in sustainability and urban renewal in Western Sydney. 

A serene wooden boardwalk curves over a calm lake, surrounded by lush green trees under a clear blue sky, conveying a peaceful, natural setting.

4. Picnic and Explore at Bicentennial Park

Location: Australia Avenue or Bicentennial Drive 
Best for: Families, walkers and birdwatchers

Bicentennial Park is a 40-hectare green space filled with playgrounds, BBQ areas, wetlands and walking trails.  

The Badu Mangroves boardwalk offers a peaceful route through native vegetation, while the Treillage Tower provides sweeping views of the park and surrounding landscapes. It’s ideal for a relaxed lunch, a gentle cycle or a quiet moment in nature.  

Don’t forget your binoculars, the birdlife here is worth watching. 

A young boy kneels, proposing playfully to a girl in a park with a monument and trees in the background. Both are smiling, creating a joyful scene.

5. Celebrate the Olympic Legacy at Accor Stadium Forecourt

Location: Edwin Flack Avenue 
Best for: Sports fans and event-goers

The Accor Stadium Forecourt is a powerful reminder of Sydney’s Olympic history. Home to the iconic Olympic Cauldron and commemorative installations, it celebrates the achievements of the Sydney 2000 Games and Australia’s sporting legacy.  

The stadium continues to host major events, from concerts to NRL matches, so there’s always something happening. Even on quieter days, the forecourt offers a sense of scale and significance that’s worth experiencing. 

A modern fountain with a circular canopy and tall, thin metal supports, framed by leafy trees and a white bridge under a blue sky, conveys a serene urban scene.

6. Ride the Waves at Haslams Pump Track

Location: Located adjacent to the BMX track at P5c car park
Best for: BMX riders, skaters and scooter enthusiasts

Haslams Pump Track is a purpose-built circuit designed for riders of all ages and skill levels. With smooth curves, rolling bumps and a continuous loop, it’s ideal for building confidence and having fun. Bring your own bike, scooter or skateboard and don’t forget your helmet. It’s a great stop for active families and thrill-seekers looking to add some movement to their day. 

7. Spot the SS Ayrfield Shipwreck

Location: Shipwreck Viewing Platform, Parklands Circuit off Bennelong Parkway 
Best for: Photographers, history lovers and sunset seekers

Hidden in the mangroves of Homebush Bay lies the SS Ayrfield, a rusted World War II-era shipwreck now transformed into a floating forest. Covered in wild mangroves, the ship is a striking blend of industrial history and natural regeneration. Decommissioned in 1972, it’s one of seven wrecks in the bay and a favourite among photographers. Visit the Shipwreck Viewing Platform at sunset to see the hull glow in golden light – it’s a truly unique sight. 

Calm river scene with lush green islands in the foreground, set against a backdrop of modern skyscrapers under a clear blue sky, evoking tranquility.

8. Take in the Views from Lookouts and Boardwalks

Location: Across the parklands 
Best for: Scenic walks and quiet reflection

Sydney Olympic Park is full of elevated walkways and scenic lookouts. From the Treillage Tower in Bicentennial Park to the mangrove boardwalks near Haslams Creek, there are plenty of places to pause and take in the landscape. These spots are perfect for photography, birdwatching or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings. 

A tree-lined walkway leads to a city skyline with tall, modern buildings under a bright blue sky dotted with clouds, conveying a vibrant urban feel.

9. Dine and Unwind

After a full day of exploring, you’ll find plenty of dining options nearby. From riverside cafés like Armory Wharf Café to family-friendly restaurants near the stadium, there’s something to suit every taste. Many venues offer outdoor seating, making it easy to relax and soak up the atmosphere.

 

10. Catch a Major Event

Best for: Sports fans, music lovers and lovers of family friendly events

Sydney Olympic Park is one of Australia's premier destination for major events. Across three world-class venues - Accor Stadium, Qudos Bank Arena, and Sydney Showground - the precinct hosts everything from international concerts and sporting blockbusters to cultural festivals and family favourites. 

To see what’s coming up, visit the AT Parramatta Events Calendar

A lively fairground scene during the day with a Ferris wheel, tall swing ride, colorful signage, and crowds of people enjoying the festivities under a clear blue sky.