Lake Parramatta in Sydney’s west was created as a result of the damming of Hunts Creek in 1856.
The lake is now a recreational area with picnic areas, a cafe, a swimming precinct, boat hire facilities, and a great walking track.
This article shares a complete list of things to do in Lake Parramatta Reserve for a great day out in this beautiful part of Sydney.
Getting There
Lake Parramatta Reserve has three car parking areas close to the entrance to the reserve, with a capacity of more than 60 parking spots. If the reserve is full, you can park nearby on Bourke St.
To drive to the reserve, turn into Lackey Street from Bourke Street in North Parramatta (see map location).
Public transport is also an option, with regular buses stopping along Bourke Street with a good connection to Parramatta station.
About Lake Parramatta Reserve
The Lake Parramatta Reserve is a man-made water reservoir and parkland just north of Parramatta and 30 kilometres west of the Sydney CBD.
To protect the diversity of native flora and fauna and their habitats in this large area of native bushland, Lake Parramatta Reserve was proclaimed as a Wildlife Refuge in 2012 under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974.
The Reserve is open all year round, with the main gate opening at 6:30 am and closing at 5:30 pm (7:30 pm during the daylight savings months).
Besides hiking, the area also offers excellent picnicking and BBQ facilities, a designated swimming area, playgrounds, boat hire, a cafe, and free parking.
Lake Parramatta Dam
The 15-metre high Lake Parramatta Dam, completed in 1856, was the first large dam built in Australia. The dam has an arch design, which at the time was quite advanced.
The purpose of the dam was to provide the local area with water. The dam closed in 1909, and the lake has since been transformed into a popular recreational area.
The dam wall is relatively small and, unlike the Manly Dam, you can’t walk on top of it.
However, the circuit trail loops around it and offers great views of the dam and the lake it has created.
Top Things to Do
Lake Parramatta Reserve is a family-friendly destination, with excellent facilities and lots of activities for young and old.
Here are some of the top things to do at the reserve.
1. Have a Picnic
Lake Parramatta Reserve has excellent picnic facilities, with covered tables, electric BBQs, toilet facilities, and lots of space on the grass.
You can find the sheltered tables and BBQ facilities behind the cafe, close to the P3 car parking area.
2. Visit the Cafe
If picnics or BBQs aren’t your thing or you simply don’t have the time for it, then the Lake Parramatta Cafe is there to help you.
Sit down for a coffee and a bite, either inside or outside on the deck, while enjoying the serene atmosphere of the reserve and taking in the views.
3. Hire a Boat
Another fun thing to do at the lake is to hire a boat so you can explore this beautiful area from the water.
There is no need to make a booking. Simple visit Parramatta Rowboats at the wharf, pick your favourite boat (kayak, rowboat, pedalboat, swan boat), and off you go!
4. Visit the Playground
The well-maintained and well-presented playground at the reserve is home to a slide, a couple of swings, stone sculptures, and so much more.
The playground is located at the P3 parking area at the top of the reserve, opposite the toilet block. There is a fence between the playground and the road.
5. Go Swimming
Lake Parramatta was officially opened for swimming at the beginning of 2015 after more than 70 years of closure due to unclean water.
The enclosed approved swimming precinct is located just north of the visitor hub and is easy to access via a path.
6. Go Hiking
Perhaps the most popular activity at Lake Parramatta Reserve is bushwalking!
The Lake Parramatta Walk is one of the best bushwalking trails 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.
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.