About Lake Parramatta Reserve
Lake Parramatta Reserve is a 73-hectare bushland reserve surrounding Lake Parramatta, a heritage-listed reservoir in North Parramatta, New South Wales. Located about 2 km north of Parramatta CBD, it features remnant Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest, walking tracks, picnic areas and a designated swimming area. Created in 1856 to supply water to Parramatta, it is now a popular recreational and nature destination managed by City of Parramatta.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a bushland setting around a large reservoir lake with eucalypt forest, walking tracks of varying difficulty, a designated netted swimming area, picnic grounds with shelters and barbecues, a playground, and opportunities for birdwatching and nature photography. The reserve has a car park, toilets and marked trails including the Lake Circuit and surrounding bush walks. The environment is natural and relatively quiet, close to suburban Parramatta.
Key highlights
- 01
Heritage-listed Lake Parramatta Dam, completed in 1856 as Australia's first large arch dam
- 02
Designated netted swimming area within the reservoir
- 03
Lake Circuit walking track around the lake foreshore
- 04
Remnant Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest and native wildlife and birdlife
- 05
Picnic areas with shelters, barbecues and playground