Lake Parramatta, located in Sydney’s west, was formed in 1856 following the damming of Hunts Creek.
Today, the lake is a popular recreational area with picnic spots, a café, a designated swimming area, boat hire facilities, and a scenic walking track.
This article outlines all the things to do in Lake Parramatta Reserve for an enjoyable day out in this beautiful part of Sydney.
Getting There
Lake Parramatta Reserve has three car parks near the entrance, offering more than 60 parking spaces. If these are full, you can find additional parking nearby on Bourke Street.
To reach the reserve by car, turn into Lackey Street from Bourke Street in North Parramatta (see map).
Public transport is also a convenient option, with regular buses running along Bourke Street and connecting well with Parramatta Station.
About the Reserve
Lake Parramatta Reserve is a man-made reservoir and bushland area located just north of Parramatta, about 30 kilometres west of the Sydney CBD.
To help protect the native flora, fauna, and their habitats, the area was declared a Wildlife Refuge in 2012 under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974.
The reserve is open year-round, with the main gate opening at 6:30 am and closing at 5:30 pm (7:30 pm during daylight saving time).
In addition to hiking, the reserve offers excellent picnic and BBQ facilities, a designated swimming area, playgrounds, boat hire, a café, and free parking.
The 15-metre-high Lake Parramatta Dam was completed in 1856 and was the first large dam built in Australia. Its arch design was considered quite advanced at the time.
The dam was originally built to supply water to the local area, but it ceased operation in 1909. Since then, the lake has become a popular spot for recreation.
Although the dam wall is relatively small and not accessible to walk across (unlike Manly Dam), the circuit trail loops around it and offers great views of both the dam and the lake.
Top Things to Do
Lake Parramatta Reserve is a family-friendly destination with excellent facilities and a wide range of activities for all ages.
Here are some of the top things to do at the reserve:
1. Have a Picnic
Lake Parramatta Reserve offers great picnic facilities, including sheltered tables, electric BBQs, toilet facilities, and plenty of grassy space to spread out.
The covered tables and BBQs are located behind the café, near the P3 car park.
2. Visit the Café
If picnics or BBQs aren’t your thing, or you simply don’t have the time, the Lake Parramatta Café is a convenient alternative.
Enjoy a coffee or a bite to eat, either indoors or out on the deck, while soaking up the peaceful atmosphere and views.
3. Hire a Boat
Hiring a boat is a fun way to experience the lake from a different perspective.
No booking is required. Just visit Parramatta Rowboats at the wharf, choose your preferred boat (kayak, rowboat, pedal boat, or swan boat), and head out on the water.
4. Visit the Playground
The reserve features a well-maintained playground with a slide, swings, stone sculptures, and more.
It’s located near the P3 car park at the top of the reserve, opposite the toilet block. A fence separates the playground from the road.
5. Go Swimming
Swimming was officially reintroduced to Lake Parramatta in early 2015, after more than 70 years of closure due to water quality concerns.
The enclosed swimming area is located just north of the visitor hub and is easily accessible via a walking path.
6. Go Hiking
Bushwalking is perhaps the most popular activity at Lake Parramatta Reserve.
The Lake Parramatta Walk is one of the best bushwalking tracks in Sydney, with great views to enjoy from start to finish. It’s a 4 km circuit walk that consists of four shorter walking tracks, suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Read more about the Lake Parramatta Walk in our guide.
What’s BBQ opening hours in November?
Hello Rabina, not sure about the BBQs, but the opening hours to the reserve is from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM in November.
Which if any of the tracks at Lake Parramatta Reserve might be suitable for smaller humans (3 years old)?
I’ve noted that these tracks have uneven ground. We usually bring our bicycle trailer/jogger for the times the little ones legs can’t keep up, these things are a different sort of a beast to normal prams as they have large 50cm rear wheels as well as suspension. We’re hoping to join an organised hike this weekend so doing a recce is unfortunately not an option.
Any advice?
Hello David, for smaller humans at that age the Heritage Path is lovely. It’s a very easy trail and the kids will probably enjoy the path along the water. You can then take them a bit further to the dam if they feel like it.
Can I take my dog kayaking on the lake?
Hi Cameron, dogs are welcome on-leash in Lake Parramatta Reserve, but I’m not sure if you can take them in a kayak.
I take my dog and kayak there on a regular basis. Never had an issue. Suggest you get there early.
Hello there,
I would like to take my family to Parramatta Lake for lunch on a Sunday using the BBQ facilities. Am I able to reserve an area of the undercover tables and a BBQ for the day, or do I have to get there as early as possible to reserve a spot? If so, what time do the gates open on a Sunday?
Regards Greg Elliott, Merrylands
Hi Greg, the park is open from 6:30 AM. On a sunny day, especially weekends, it can get a bit busy, but if you arrive early you should be fine. As far as we know you can’t make a reservation. Have fun!
Hello, is there any areas where my dog can swim but not (or no) people are there? I want to take him to swim as he hasn’t done so in such a long time. Is there any off leash dog places? Thank you.
Hello Elyse,
To my knowledge, dogs are not permitted to swim at Lake Parramatta as they must be on leash at all times. They can do the walking tracks though.
Have a look at our resources for dogs, maybe there’s a beach or a dog friendly park close to where you live.
I have a small radio controlled sailing boat under 1 metre. Can I sail this on Lake Parramatta on week days? I would be using it on week days only, not on weekends, school holidays or public holidays as the lake is too congested at these times.
Hi Graeme, I personally think that would be fine, but it’s probably best to confirm with the City of Parramatta council.
Hi, would love to kayak at the Lake, is it ok to bring your own or is it hire kayaks only.
Hey Michael, I don’t think that’s an issue at all, but if you want to be sure it’s best to contact the council.
Hi Michael, I kayak on the lake often it’s a great spot. I have never had any issues putting my kayak in the water.