Parramatta Ferry With Kids: Playgrounds, Parks & Scenic Views

If there’s one Sydney adventure my son and I keep coming back to, it’s the ferry trip up the Parramatta River. Forget just getting from A to B; this journey is an experience in itself! Think of a long, scenic boat ride that unfolds like a story, revealing cool parks, awesome playgrounds, tempting cafes, and even some surprising little beaches along the way.

We’ve been hopping on and off these ferries since he was a tiny, super-energetic three-year-old (the time we moved to Sydney), right through to his current ‘expert’ six-year-old status. And you know what? It still doesn’t get old! This post is basically our family scrapbook of all the best bits we’ve discovered over the last couple of years, because there truly is something for kids of all ages (and let’s be honest, it’s a pretty fantastic day out for us grown-ups too!).

The ferry from the Sydney CBD to Parramatta: the Parramatta Rivercat

The Parramatta Rivercat is quite a special ferry ride. It takes you upstream from the deep blue waters of Sydney Harbour to the Parramatta River, with lovely mangrove forest on its banks. The line is the F3 ferry line, and it has stops at Circular Quay and Barangaroo in the CBD area. Check the F3 timetable and the stops here. It takes about 1.5 hours to get from Circular Quay Wharf to Parramatta Wharf.

You go past the Harbour Bridge, then pass the lovely waterside suburbs of Balmain, Birchgrove, Greenwich and Woolwich. A popular stop is Cockatoo Island, an excellent day trip on its own. Then you’ll go past three more bridges: Gladesville Bridge, Concord Road bridge and a railway bridge.

The ferry passes Sydney Olympic Park and by then you’ll be on a river ferry, leaving the harbor behind and continuing on the narrower Parramatta River. Parramatta Wharf is the last stop, just before the dam and right by the city center of Parramatta.

The ferry runs hourly from Parramatta and Rydalmere, and every 30 minutes from Sydney Olympic Park. But services between Parramatta and Rydalmere can’t operate at low tide (yes, you don’t want your ferry to get stuck in the mud). Since tide times are different from day to day, you can check the replacement bus schedule here.

If I were you, I’d time our trip so that we could take the ferry all the way, because that’s the point of this day trip. It’s a very pretty ferry ride, really.

Best stops on a Parramatta ferry trip with kids

Ready to map out your Parramatta ferry adventure? Let’s talk about the best pit stops for families! Now, we’ll give Circular Quay and Barangaroo a wave as we pass by – they’re amazing, no doubt, and probably familiar territory if you’re a Sydneysider. (The Rocks always has cool events, and if you’re after Darling Harbour ideas, I’ve got you covered in another post!). But for this trip, we’re focusing on the awesome discoveries waiting for you and the kids as you journey upriver.

Milsons Point

Well, Milsons Point is hard to beat, because the entrance of the Luna Park is a few steps away from the ferry wharf. Luna Park is open to the public, so you can look around without buying an entrance ticket. Of course, you need a ticket to actually try out the rides and other attractions. Enjoy views of Sydney Harbour, North Sydney and the Harbour Bridge from the Ferris Wheel, or get an unlimited rides pass to try out several rides.

I know, it’s unlikely you’ll continue this ferry trip to Parramatta if you enter Luna Park, but the point of this article is not to show you what to do in one day, it’s to show you everything you can do with kids along this route. So ride the ferry from Circular Quay to Milsons Point – a short ride with beautiful views and passing under Sydney Harbour Bridge! -, then spend the rest of the day in Luna Park.

For a short stop at Milsons Point, walk to the scenic lookouts. The Milsons Point Wharf itself is a nice lookout, but you can stroll to Olympic Park and Broughton Street Lookout. These viewpoints are my favorites day and night, because you marvel at the stunning Sydney skyline, the Opera House, the busy Harbour and the Harbour Bridge at the same time. It’s a Sydney postcard you’re looking at.

McMahons Point

McMahons Point can’t compete with Luna Park, but its panoramic views can compete with Milsons Point. Stroll through Henry Lawson Reserve and Blues Point Reserve to enjoy views of the Sydney business district, the Harbour Bridge and the Harbour from a different angle.

Blues Point Reserve also has an adorable water themed playground. There’s a boat, a spinner, climbing nets, swings and a metal whale structure to climb on. In the meantime mums and dads can enjoy the views and rest assured that little ones can’t jump into the water, because the playground is fenced.

If you’re looking for a longer adventure, walk to Sawmillers Reserve, then further to the Berrys Bay Lookout. These parks are much less busy than the two right by the McMahons Point Wharf.

Uncovering the secrets of Sawmillers Reserve

For a real adventure within McMahons Point, don’t miss Sawmillers Reserve. While information boards tucked away amongst the lush, almost jungle-like foliage hint at its interesting past, the real treasure here, especially for little explorers, is the sight of the old shipwreck and the charming little sandy beach. My son was instantly captivated! (Just a couple of important notes: this tiny beach often vanishes completely at high tide, and while the shipwreck is temptingly within reach at low tide, it’s not safe to climb on or enter.)

I have to admit, I was just as fascinated by the rusting hulk, and the way it contrasts with the modern Barangaroo skyline in the distance creates a wonderfully unique, almost surreal photo opportunity.

Sawmillers Reserve itself is nestled right on the water’s edge. Lush trees and dense shrubs cling to the sloping embankments leading down to an inviting open grassy area along the foreshore – making it an ideal spot for a relaxed picnic or even a small, nature-themed birthday gathering. It’s a little pocket of history and natural charm waiting to be discovered.

Enjoy the views from Berrys Bay Lookout

Reaching Berrys Bay Lookout adds a bit more walking in this lovely harbourside residential neighborhood. There’s no harbourfront walkway between Sawmillers Reserve and Waverton Park, but the streets are quiet, and it’s not a long walk.

Berrys Bay Lookout is in Waverton Park, where you also find a small playground, sport fields, water access area (I wouldn’t really call it a beach, given how many beautiful beaches Sydney has, it’s nothing like them), picnic benches and easy walking paths. One of these paths (and one with lots of stairs!) takes you up to the well-established lookout platform over Berrys Bay. The downtown of Sydney, the Harbour Bridge and the Harbour can be seen in the distance.

Balmain East Wharf

Hopping off at Balmain East gives you immediate access to Illoura Reserve and Peacock Point Reserve. These are lovely, interconnected parks with a flat, accessible harbourfront walkway, plenty of shady benches perfect for a rest, and a small but absolutely adorable playground with amazing views.

The playground is best suited for younger kids, and they’ll love the two cute climbing towers connected by a wobbly hanging bridge. There’s also a spinner, a bench for parents, and a water tap. It’s really quite small, yes, but it’s a delightful addition to a stroll all the way to Peacock Point Reserve. Oh, and those amazing views? They follow you everywhere here, as this area looks directly across to the impressive Barangaroo skyline.

Cockatoo Island Wharf

Cockatoo Island is another one of those stops that could easily turn into a full-day adventure, and rightly so! It’s not just for families, by the way; it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site brimming with fascinating history. But because this heritage area is filled with lots of wide-open outdoor spaces, intriguing old buildings, and even tunnels to explore, it’s definitely the kind of “museum” kids will genuinely enjoy.

Yes, it’s essentially a museum on an island. But don’t expect a postcard-perfect tropical paradise; Cockatoo Island is all industrial concrete and sits right in the midst of busy Sydney Harbour. That’s precisely the point. It served as a convict prison (for those who re-offended in the penal colony), and later became one of Australia’s largest shipyards, operating between 1857 and 1991. Its unique location dictated its functions, and today, the island aims to preserve this rich heritage while operating as a vibrant cultural centre.

It’s free to enter the island, and most of the exhibitions are also free to visit. The remaining buildings house some original industrial artefacts, there’s a massive crane, a historic dock, and other heritage objects scattered all over the island, alongside the atmospheric remains of the convict site. You can learn about the island’s layered history from the informative display boards dotted around.

There’s a few lovely houses and glamping tents if you’d like to stay overnight. Otherwise, it’s an uninhabited island, with no permanent residents.

You can easily do a self-guided tour for free, or you can join one of the official tours. For families, this interactive quest experience is a particularly fun way to explore Cockatoo Island and uncover its secrets.

Huntleys Point Wharf

This is a smaller, more residential stop, and it provides access to Gladesville Reserve. This lovely local park offers open grassy areas perfect for running around, a playground, a skate park, picnic spots, and pleasant waterside views.

It’s a good option if you’re looking for a quieter break from the more bustling stops, a chance to stretch little legs, and enjoy a simple picnic by the Parramatta River. It’s less about specific attractions and more about enjoying a peaceful local park environment.

Cabarita Wharf

Cabarita Wharf is one of our favorite stops. You land right at the edge of Cabarita Park, which is a fantastic spot for families. There’s a small, sheltered beach, a large, brand new and engaging playground, and plenty of green space for picnics and games.

Cabarita Beach, right on the Parramatta River, has gentle waves, making it suitable for younger children, and you’ll find shady picnic benches conveniently located just behind the sand. The sand itself is a mix of pebbles and shells, and while it might not rival Sydney’s famous ocean beaches, it’s a lovely addition to a warm day spent in the area and a fun spot for a paddle.

If you prefer pools to open water, there’s also a swimming centre in Cabarita Park. Its toddler pool is shaded and has a consistent shallow depth. The whole pool area offers gorgeous views over the river and grass to spread out on.

Read my detailed guide to Cabarita!

Stroll to Breakfast Point

From Cabarita Park, a paved walkway runs along the water, leading you towards Breakfast Point and further to Wangal Reserve, offering more opportunities for scenic strolls if you have the time and energy. Breakfast Point offers a distant view of the Sydney skyline, and there’s plenty of blooming shrubs there during spring.

Wangal Reserve is a tempting destination. It has serene water views and an awesome nature themed playground, with water features (small dams and waterways), a large tunnel slide with climbing structures and a hanging bridge, wooden balancing structures, a spinner, swings and a wooden ship. The zipline and a climbing giant shell are further from the main playground, at the northern end of Wangal Reserve. You also find free barbecues, picnic tables, drinking fountains and a toilet in the park.

Kissing Point Wharf

Kissing Point Park is another lovely riverside park with a playground, picnic facilities, and open spaces, with views across the river. You can also take a walk along the shoreline (as long as Parramatta Park if you fancy), or enjoy a sunset BBQ.

Putney Park is a short walk away from the wharf, with more lovely river views, two fun playgrounds, a water splash area and a beach! Putney Beach is the newest netted swimming beach along the Parramatta River, opened in January 2025.

Meadowbank Wharf

One of our favorite playground stops. While Meadowbank Wharf is situated in a residential area, it offers access to Memorial Park and Meadowbank Park. Their riverside walking and cycling paths, excellent playgrounds and sports fields are ideal for active families.

The Meadowbank Park Regional Playground (this one) is a big hit for our family. It’s brightly colored and brand new, with exciting climbing structures and slides, and also a water park. But there’s another awesome, nature themed playground in Memorial Park, too, surrounded by picnic shelters and BBQs. Oh, and there’s Meadowbank Park playground (here) – see, you end up at a playground, no matter what.

The walking paths connect further along the river, and you can also join the Parramatta River Walk.

Sydney Olympic Park Wharf

This is another stop that could easily be a full-day destination! The wharf provides access to the vast Sydney Olympic Park, home to world-class sporting venues, extensive parklands, playgrounds, and cycling tracks.

The Bicentennial Park is a highlight for families, with several adventure playgrounds (including the amazing water play area at the Village Green), picnic spots, bike paths, and birdwatching from the Badu Mangroves boardwalk.

But the most adventurous playground in all of Sydney is in Blaxland Riverside Park. This incredible, award-winning playground has giant slides and swings, a system of tunnels, water features, ziplines and climbing structures (including a huge tower!) that will keep kids entertained for hours. You can walk or bike to Blaxland Riverside Park on a riverside pathway from Sydney Olympic Park Wharf.

The Marina Square shopping centre is only a short walk away from the ferry wharf, with lots of cafes (including a kid’s cafe) and a new community hub.

Rydalmere Wharf

The last stop before Parramatta. It’s a residential and industrial area, but it could be a functional stop along the Parramatta River Walk. The local parks (Eric Primrose Reserve, Rydalmere Park, Hannibal Macarthur Park) offer green spaces and playgrounds. Blacksheep Espresso is a lovely spot for a coffee break.

Parramatta Wharf: exploring Parramatta

You’ve made it to the end of the line! Stepping off at Parramatta Wharf places you right in the heart of Parramatta’s revitalised river foreshore.

Church Street, just a short walk from the wharf, is the best place to grab a coffee or delicious ice cream.

Escarpment Boardwalk

The new Escarpment Boardwalk is opposite Parramatta Wharf, and it connects to the River Walk on the north side of Parramatta River. This means you can now ride a bike or walk from Parramatta Park all the way down to Melrose Park or Sydney Olympic Park on an off-road path.

The Parramatta River Foreshore Playground is immediately near the wharf. Its modern, interesting equipment and the lovely river views make it a perfect first stop for kids to burn off some energy after the long ferry ride.

Parramatta Park

Parramatta Park is a 15-20 minute walk from the wharf. Domain Creek Playground and Paperbark Playground (at Pavilion Flat) are both awesome nature themed playgrounds, with varied climbing structures, spinners and sandy play areas.

Paperbank Playground is quite close to the George Street Gatehouse on O’Connell Street, and its unique features are the wooden play hut for sand and water play and the giant rope climbing dome.

Domain Creek Playground suits kids of any age as you walk from left to right to explore the equipment in the different circles: in-ground trampolines, merry-go-round, spinning chair, diggers, water pumps and sandy play area, horizontal climbing net, musical instruments and swings, and a zipline.

But Parramatta Park is also home to beautiful gardens (like Wisteria Gardens or the Rumsey Rose Garden) and historic sites, like the Old Government House, the Dairy Precinct, the Bath House, the Boer War Memorial or Tudor-style George Street Gatehouse.

Parramatta ferry trip sample itineraries

So we’ve made this trip quite a few times already – and I suspect we will repeat in the coming years. We usually chose a few stops (or only one!) at a time, and the below sample itineraries are some of the best routes I could come up with:

Route 1: The Playground Hopper

• Balmain East Wharf: playground in Illoura Reserve
• Parramatta Wharf: Parramatta River Foreshore Playground, one of the playgrounds in Parramatta Park (Paperbank or Domain Creek playground)

Route 2: The History Buffs’ Journey

• Milsons Point Wharf: Luna Park and Lavender Bay walk
• Cockatoo Island Wharf: Cockatoo Island
• Parramatta Wharf: Parramatta Park’s historic sites

If you’re with younger kids, it’s a good idea to choose either Cockatoo Island or Parramatta Park, because both could easily fill half a day.

Route 3: The Nature Explorer

• McMahons Point Wharf: Sawmillers Reserve
• Cabarita Wharf: Cabarita Park & Wangal Reserve
• Parramatta Wharf: Escarpment Boardwalk

Route 4: The Active Family

• Kissing Point Wharf: Putney Park & Beach
• Sydney Olympic Park: Blaxland Riverside Park adventure playground

Route 5: The “Quick Hits” Trip

• Milsons Point Wharf: Ferris Wheel in Luna Park
• McMahons Point Wharf: Blues Point Reserve Playground
• Balmain East Wharf: playground in Illoura Reserve

Do you have a favorite route?