Parramatta Lake Walk North Parramatta, New South Wales 2151

Welcome to Parramatta Lake Walk, located in the beautiful City of Parramatta Council in New South Wales, Australia. This establishment is not just a park or a tourist attraction, but also a significant point of interest that holds great cultural and historical value.

Parramatta Lake Walk is situated on Country that has been traditionally cared for by the Aboriginal people of the Dharug language group. As you explore the reserve, we kindly ask that you acknowledge and respect the indigenous cultural values, particularly having respect for Country. You may even come across relics of Aboriginal occupation on site, such as remnant shelters, hand-stencils, flaking scars, and midden deposits, which serve as a testament to the rich history of this land.

One of the main highlights of this institution is the Lake Parramatta reservoir, which was completed in 1856. It holds the distinction of being the first large dam ever built in Australia. The reservoir was constructed using sandstone blocks that were quarried onsite, and you can still witness this remarkable feat of engineering today from the Dam Wall Lookout. In 1898, a concrete rim was added, increasing the dam's height by 3.3 meters. For many years, the dam played a crucial role in providing water to Parramatta until the city was connected to Sydney's water system in 1909, following the construction of the Cataract Dam.

The dam's legacy lives on through the creation of a water reserve in the 1880s, which aimed to protect the catchment area. Over time, this reserve expanded to encompass the natural area that is now preserved within Lake Parramatta Reserve. Today, the reserve is an integral part of a connected network of natural areas, providing vital habitats for a diverse range of native wildlife across the Parramatta River Catchment. We kindly ask that you help in preserving these natural values by adhering to the reserve's user regulations.

As you embark on your journey at Parramatta Lake Walk, you have various paths to choose from. You can follow the Heritage Path, a wheelchair-accessible path that takes you to the Dam Wall Lookout, offering stunning views along the way. For a more adventurous outing, you can take the Arrunga Bardo Walk, which includes steep steps, a creek crossing, and rocky track surfaces, leading to a magnificent viewpoint.

Please note that during and after rain events, the Upper and Lower Hunts Creek Crossings may be impassable. It is also important to keep your dogs on leads at all times and refrain from bringing cats into the reserve. Bicycles are not allowed on the walking tracks, but you can ride them on Illawong Drive and sections of the Management Trail in the eastern parts of the reserve. While swimming is possible in designated areas, we advise caution and recommend staying within the visitor hub area.

The City of Parramatta Council acknowledges the Dharug people as the traditional custodians of this land. We pay our respects to the elders, both past and present, of the Dharug nation and extend this respect to other Aboriginal people visiting this site.

Come and immerse yourself in the natural beauty, cultural significance, and historical importance of Parramatta Lake Walk. Explore the trails, witness the remnants of the past, and connect with the rich heritage of this extraordinary place.