Are you an outdoorsy mum looking for things to do with your energetic kid(s)? How about a day trip to Parramatta? Ever since we moved to Sydney and my son fell for the ferry rides around Sydney Harbour, I knew that we should take the ferry all the way to Parramatta one day.
We did, and it’s not only a pretty ferry trip, but we spent a wonderful day in Parramatta, as well. In this post I’m sharing the best things to do in Parramatta with kids. Home to a lovely (and quite new) riverside walk, several above-the-average playgrounds, huge parks and some significant historical buildings, Parramatta turned out to be much more exciting than I expected.
Ferry trip to Parramatta
First thing first: getting to Parramatta is half the fun. The Parramatta Rivercat travels between Parramatta Quay and Circular Quay, and it’s a 1.5 hours long ferry ride with amazing views and many interesting stops along the way. So many that we haven’t done the whole route in one day, but we took several day trips to cover different portions. Like the one from Meadowbank Wharf to Parramatta Quay. It’s a half an hour trip on the Parramatta River, with mangrove forests, riverside parks, new residential parks and industrial areas on the riverbank.
Practical tips:
- Don’t forget to check the timetables beforehand though, because the ferry from Parramatta Wharf leaves only hourly, and the last stop (between Parramatta and Rydalmere) is replaced by bus at low tide.
- Use an Opal card or simply your bank card to pay. Tap before boarding and after getting off the ferry. Whichever card you choose to use, keep using the same one during your daily and weekly travels, so that the caps can be applied correctly.
Parramatta River Walk
So there’s actually a riverside walkway from Meadowbank to Parramatta Wharf and further. But we start the Parramatta River Walk from the Parramatta Wharf, and usually cover smaller distances at once. Since it’s a paved walkway, it’s pram-friendly, but it has much more that makes it great for families. Well, it’s on the riverbank as a start. Then you find tempting outdoor spaces – picnic benches, parks and play spaces – along the way.
I love the new boardwalk along the escarpment, opposite Parramatta Wharf, which links up the River Walk on the north side of Parramatta River. You can walk (or bike) over the water, and Albert Street Bridge, a new bridge for pedestrians and cyclists, loops you back on the other side of the river.
River Foreshore Playground
The River Foreshore Playground is also not far from the Parramatta Wharf, and it’s an excellent playground for older kids (4+). It’s built into the steep slopes along the riverside walk, and the climbing wall, the rope and the steep rope net is quite challenging (just what my almost-5-year-old needs, but it’s definitely not suitable for toddlers).
There’s a long, steep slide, and there’s a smaller, gentler one, too. The rope bridge is fun even for adults, and the sand and water play area is suitable for kids of any age. However, the playground is not fenced, and the river is close, so keep a watchful eye on little ones.
You can see beautiful artworks along the riverside walk before and after the playground area. Walking further you reach Parramatta Park.
Parramatta Park
Parramatta Park is a giant green space on both banks of the river, full of (mostly) pram-friendly walkways, huge lawns, picnic shelters and BBQs. Some of the loveliest picnic areas are along Domain Creek. And there are two fabulous playgrounds and quite some historical monuments in the park!
A rich heritage
Parramatta Park is one of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Australian Convict Sites and is home to over 100 archaeological sites relating to Aboriginal history. You find the Old Government House in the park, along with The Dairy Precinct and The Crescent. There are six gatehouses at the park entrances, each one built in a different style and dating back to the 1870s.
George Street Gatehouse
Beautiful Tudor-style George Street Gatehouse became my favorite monument in the park. I wouldn’t say my son was overly excited about it (maybe the nearby Paperbark playground was too distracting), but it’s a good opportunity to talk about history, and hey, mum’s enjoyment matters, too.
George Street Gatehouse is an iconic Parramatta landmark, and it was built in 1885, on the site of Governor Macquarie’s small stone lodge. Cross O’Connell Street to have the best view of the front facade.
Old Government House
Another unforgettable monument that’s impossible not to notice as you walk around the park: the Old Government House, the oldest public building left standing in Australia. The elegant Georgian house was the “country residence” of the first ten governors and had a significant administrative role in the convict era. You can visit it on guided tours.
Domain Creek playground
Rich heritage or not, the biggest hit for my son in this park were the playgrounds. Not only one, but two – and such cool ones!
Domain Creek playground is along Domain Creek. It’s a nature themed, spacious playground, with several well-separated areas. The two flying foxes, the giant saucer swing and the climbing tower with the slide are great for older kids, but younger ones have a variety of equipment to choose from, too: small slide, seesaw, three trampolines, swings and a huge sandy area with diggers. There’s another sandy area for water play, and it’s just how toddlers and preschoolers like it: small pumps and channels of water flowing. They can build a dam or just play in the muddy puddles. (Prepare spare clothes.)
Paperbark playground
Once we left Domain Creek playground, I thought that the other one indicated on the map would surely be a small one, not very significant, but we passed it on our way out of the park, anyway. Well, Paperbark playground is wonderful!
It has a huge climbing rope dome and a huge sandy water play area, with lots of built-in equipment that make it exciting. And the water play area is fully shaded!
There’s a slide, swings, music features, and I liked all the wooden materials they used and the natural feel of the playground.
Lake Parramatta
Lake Parramatta is a short drive away from the Parramatta City Center. It’s home to one of the best local beaches, a lakeside sandy beach, roped off and with a gentle water entry. You can rent pedal boats or kayaks to explore the lake. There are free barbecues and a playground by the main parking lot.
The ~4 km Lake Parramatta circuit walk is a great family-friendly (but definitely not pram-friendly!) path. It runs around the lakeshore, and the banks are quite steep. The uneven path takes you up and down as you loop around it, crossing a creek twice on the way. But there are elevated natural viewpoints with stunning views.
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