Lake Parramatta Reserve — Attraction in Sydney

Parramatta Lake is a hidden gem if you're after peace and quiet not far from the city. The atmosphere is calm and relaxing, perfect for unwinding on a weekend. It's very child-friendly too, with safe walking trails, a playground, and plenty of open space for the little ones to run around.

The bushwalk around the lake is a definite highlight—it's an easy to moderate loop with beautiful views and lots of shade. Ideal for families or anyone wanting a nature escape without venturing too far.

There are designated picnic and barbecue areas that are well maintained, so it's great for a family day out. You’ll also find free car parking which is always a bonus in Sydney.

Boating is also available on the lake that adds to the charm. You’ll often spot friendly ducks and the occasional water dragon, which kids love. Keep an eye out for other native wildlife too—it's like a mini bushland retreat.

All in all, it's a perfect spot for a relaxed outdoor day with nature, especially for families or anyone looking to slow down...

Great picnic spot with lots to do. There’s enough parking for about 100 cars. Otherwise you have to park outside the grounds and walk in. You find a cafe inside the grounds that do I okay meal but no bacon with eggs. The restaurant has a wonderful view over the lake. You can walk around the lake. It’ll take a while you walk through the old dam built by convicts and some other convict walls around. There’s plenty of wildlife like Goanna’s monitors water lizards, water wren, bluetongue, ducks, catfish, snakes. It’s an amazing place considering it’s in the middle of Parramatta city. Lots of people have parties here so you’ll have to book tables or get in early on weekends. BBQ’s available. Through the week that’s not so bad. You can swim in the lake most times and there are lifeguards through summer. Hire paddle boats or a kayak and paddle your way around the lake,...

My favourite new place is Parramatta Lakes 💚 Lake Parramatta reservoir was build in 1856 and it's the first large dam in Australia. I took the Lake circuit Grade 3 walk, long 4,2 km and it takes about two hours to finish, normal pace walk. Lake Parramatta is located in Parramatta Park which is situated on the boundary between Hornsby Plateau, a formation of sandstone and the Cumberland Lowlands with morphology of shale lithology. Lake Parramatta Reserve is a designated Wildlife Refuge under the National Parks and Wildlife Act and provides habitat for various native flora and fauna, specialy birdlife. Fairy wrath was one of them and I was so lucky to spot one male specimen capturing me with his wonderful song. It's a mating season for the Maluridae...