When most people think about Parramatta, they picture buildings, businesses, train stations and maybe a restaurant or two. But, if you know where to look, there’s actually a beautiful bushwalking track about 5km north of the train station.
Length of Lake Parramatta loop walk
Mapped out at 4.2km for the loop, the walk can be a bit longer or shorter depending on the exact route you take. There are a few sections where you can choose your own adventure between a wider-and-flatter management trail or a rougher bush track.
When we finished our walk, we recorded 4.42km.
If you’re only after a short stroll, Parramatta Council lists a few shorter, one-way routes from the car park that all join together to create the loop.
- Heritage Path: 300m each way and wheelchair and pram accessible
- Arrunga Bargo Walk: 900m each way along a pretty even bush track
- Reservoir Track: 600m each way along a rougher track with more steps and a creek crossing (it was dry to cross on both of our visits)
Difficulty
Overall, we’d rate it a 3/5 for the whole loop, due to the sections that are a bit rougher and involve climbing stairs. The council rates it Grades 1-3, depending on the section. All Trails rates it Moderate.
The beauty of Lake Parramatta is that it’s got a great mix of terrain, offering parts that are easy for small kids or those with mobility devices like wheelchairs. Then, there are rougher parts of the track where you’ll burn a few more calories on climbs.
If you are up for the whole loop, there are plenty of spots to sit and enjoy the views along the way. (Perfect for catching your breath if you’re new to bushwalking!)
Terrain type
The Lake Parramatta loop is a classic inland bush track through forest. Expect to be surrounded by trees, listening to the birds and following a track that’s a mix between dirt, larger rocks and a bit of surface sand (but not difficult to walk on like a beach).
The Heritage Path section, which runs from the Dam Wall Lookout to the end of the parking area is completely paved and accessible to prams, wheelchairs and is very kid-friendly.
If heading counter clockwise from the parking area, once you’re off the pavement, there are two options you can take: Arrunga Bardo Walk and the management trail. If you’re walking, we recommend the Arrunga Bardo Walk. It’s right along the water and offers lovely views of the river. We did see mountain bikers on the management trail, so if you’re bringing one along, it’s probably easiest to stick to that track. (The bush tracks can get a bit narrow and, with steps, aren’t ideal for bikes.)
The two tracks meet again at the beginning of the Upper Lake Track. This is the most challenging of the four sections. There were more steps, narrower tracks and ups-and-downs compared to the rest of the walk.
From here, you can either continue on the management trail, or opt again for the bush track. The management trail does end about a third of the way along the Upper Lake Track, so if you’re on a bike, you will need to turn around here rather than complete the whole loop.
Continuing around the lake, you’ll cross two creeks (without getting shoes wet on both of our visits!) before connecting to the final section, the Reservoir Track.
Wildlife and nature
Throughout the walk we heard plenty of birds, which is a nice break from the surrounding Parramatta area. Once you’re on the walk, we truly felt a lot further away from the city than you are.
Aside from that… we didn’t actually see much in terms of wildlife in the area. Brochures for the reserve don’t mention animal sightings at all. Given the type of landscape, we’d imagine small creatures like lizards and snakes would call the area home. If you’re hoping for larger creatures like kangaroos, you’re probably better heading further afield to national parks or parklands further from the city.
Facilities and amenities
The area is actually really well equipped. There’s a free parking area, toilet block, plenty of picnic tables, public barbecues and a cafe/kiosk with views overlooking the lake.
If you’re visiting in summer, you may even be tempted to jump into the water after finishing the loop and it’s totally safe to do so. There is a large, netted off swimming area that looked rather inviting… if only we didn’t visit during cooler weather.
Getting there
Like many of the best bushwalks in the area, public transport is a bit trick, but is possible! You’ve got two options:
- From Parramatta Station: Take but 549 to North Rocks Road at Whitbread Place. There will be a track from here that connects you to the Upper Lake Track section of the walk
- From Benaud Oval or Ngara Light Rail stop: Walk to the bus stop at O’Connell Street and Dunlop Street and take the same 549 bus.
You can also drive to Lake Parramatta from central Parramatta in about 10 minutes, or from Sydney CBD in about 29 minutes. There is free parking available at the lake
What else do you need to know about the Lake Parramatta walk?
Yes! Lake Parramatta Reserve isn’t a national park so it’s a dog-friendly space. We saw a few people walking with furry friends and they seemed to be loving it.
If you’re looking to make a day of it, Lake Parramatta also has a swimming area, plenty of picnic areas with barbecues and a cafe that serves breakfast and lunch.
Spring or autumn, in our view, is the best time to do the loop walk. The weather should be warm, but not hot. It is popular with families, so going mid-week will mean fewer people on the tracks. It does get narrow in parts and it can be tricky getting around slower families with young kids.
