Governor Phillip Walk Parramatta River

This short walk stretching between Parramatta Park and the Head of Parramatta River provides a picturesque and tranquil escape from the bustle of Western Sydney's CBD. The walk is named after Governor Arthur Phillip who established the Parramatta Settlement in 1788.



For this article, I shall be describing the Governor Phillip Walk contained on the hospital grounds adjoining Parramatta Park, and not the 7km Governor Phillip bushwalk following Governor Arthur Phillip's expedition to find agricultural land. The two are easily confused due to their shared names. Please note that while on the hospital land, visitors must remain on the riverbank track.

My sister and I found this walk while exploring Parramatta Park. Around ten minutes after passing through the Queens Road entrance, we came across a small and inconspicuous gate.



As soon as I entered the gardens, I found myself thoroughly enchanted by the quiet serenity of the area. The Governor Phillip Walk seemed very far removed from the bustle and activity contained within Parramatta Park and the nearby CBD. In contrast, these gardens seemed quite peaceful.



As you follow the path around the area, you may find ducks, beautiful trees, tidy gardens and several park benches on which to rest. From certain points of the path, you are also likely to have a view of the head of Parramatta River. Dogs are allowed within these gardens, though they must be kept on a lead at all times.





As I continued along my walk, I realised that I had actually visited here before when younger. Some friends and I had found a secluded hillside very close to the riverbank path on which to have a picnic. Following that, we had engaged in cardboard sledding on large squares of cardboard we had brought along on our visit. As I remember it, sliding down the hills before the river had been a fun experience. I also recall that even then, we had all understood that this place was one for quietness, and so we had taken care through our entire visit to avoid holding loud conversations or shouting.



This Governor Phillip Walk is perfect for a short stroll; a quiet picnic by the river, or a tranquil reading session. Located as it is so closely to Parramatta Park, you may also find this walk to be an enjoyable detour. Outside of these options, you may always visit this walk for the purpose of practising photography, or even practising some yoga moves, as I saw one lady doing during my last visit. And I think she had the right idea. The gardens found along this walk are nothing if not tranquil and serene.





If you are interested, please read my article on [LINK http://sydneyfun.com.au/parramatta-park/ Parramatta Park.

Rating: 8/10

Where: Between Parramatta Park and the Head of the Parramatta River.
Why: For a relaxing short stroll, picnic, reading by the river, photography practise, or yoga exercises.
Cost: Free
When: The gates are open between 6am and 6pm

Good for kids: Yes, if they do not mind a quiet, tranquil walk amongst the beautiful gardens and waterways. They may also like to sit and watch the ducks while enjoying a picnic.

Categories:

#_parramatta
#_western_sydney
#_parks
#_walks
#_nature
#_photography

%sydneyfun