Parramatta Park

Posted 2014-05-04 by Jess ⇒ follow

If you are a fan of fitness, history or beautiful scenery, you are sure to enjoy a visit to .

Parramatta River

With over 1.7 million visitors a year, is undoubtedly one of the more popular parks to visit in Sydney. This 85 hectare space was opened as a public park in 1858, and was one of the earliest of its kind worldwide. With its playgrounds, barbeque facilities, picnic areas and its road circuits; its historical significance may sometimes be overlooked, but stop to read the signs and you will discover a whole new side to the park. As a national heritage listed park, it holds a rich a vibrant history.

The Old Government House is only one example of the historical sites that can be found in

This stone obelisk is engraved with the outline of a transit telescope, and was placed in to mark the position of the transit telescope in the Parramatta Observatory.

Sites of historical interest aside, the 2.9km circuit road has proved immensely popular with cyclists and runners. There are three lanes on this bitumen road, one being for pedestrians, the next for cyclists and the last for drivers. The maximum speed for cars in this park is 30km/h.

Part of the circuit runs along the Parramatta River, offering joggers and cyclists leafy cover and a great view as they exercise.

The café is located around halfway between the two entrances. Patrons are able to enjoy a coffee or tasty meal with a view of the river.

This teahouse can be found near the Macquarie Road entrance to the park. Nearby is a stunning rose garden that can be visited afterwards.

This park is also a popular meeting ground for families and friends. With a large number of barbeque and picnic facilities available, I have often seen groups holding picnics and playing a casual game of sports or flying a kite on a nearby grassy area.

Ample barbecue and picnic facilities are available at this park.

is also the home to several animals, including the birdlife and flying foxes that live mainly by the river. Visitors may bring their dogs to the park, provided that their pets are kept on a lead.

An abundance of flying foxes can be found in

The flying foxes sleep upside down during the day

With such a variety of facilities and interesting sites to visit, this park offers fun for everyone.

[NOTE: Free events are held at throughout the year. Further information can be found on the website below.
http://www.ppt.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/whatson

Also note that history and wildlife tours are sometimes held in . Visit the official website to book a tour.
http://www.ppt.nsw.gov.au/

Another historical site the bathhouse at

Rating: 9/10

Where: Macquarie Street, Parramatta NSW 2150.
Why: For a picnic, barbeque, kite flying, jogging, bike riding, walking, seeing the flying foxes, a event, or for visiting the historic buildings in the park.

is a wonderful place to visit if you are interested in local history

Cost: Free

When: The Macquarie Street gate is open from 6am-6pm (8pm during daylight savings)

The Queens Road gate at Westmead is open from 10am-3pm on weekdays, and 6am-6pm on weekends/public holidays (8pm during daylight savings).

The Macquarie Street gate

Take care not to leave vehicles parked inside the grounds outside of these hours, or you may be charged a release fee or fined.

Pedestrians are able to enter the park grounds outside of the above hours.