Looking for the perfect bushwalk right in the heart of Western Sydney? The Lake Parramatta Lake Circuit is a fantastic loop trail that offers a complete escape into nature without leaving the suburbs. Hugging the scenic foreshore of Lake Parramatta Reserve, this easy-to-moderate walking track winds through vibrant eucalyptus forests, crosses historic sandstone gullies, and showcases spectacular water views at every turn. Whether you are keen for a morning trail run, a family weekend bushwalk, or a spot of birdwatching, this hidden oasis is one of Sydney’s best-kept secrets.
The Lake Circuit - Lake Parramatta
📍 SYDNEY AND SURROUNDS
Distance4.0 km
Duration00:20 hrs
Elev Gain+90 m
Elev Lost-81 m
Date
08 February 2025
Starting Point
Lake Parramatta Visitor Hub
Difficulty
Easy
Pace / Gear
3.3 km/h — Light day pack
Highlights
Lake Parramatta Dam, Lake Parramatta
🗺️ Interactive Route MapPinch or use wheel to zoom
Completed in 1856, the Lake Parramatta reservoir was the first large dam built in Australia, forming a crucial part of Parramatta’s water supply until 1909. After the city was connected to Sydney’s water system (following the construction of the Cataract Dam), the need to supply water from Lake Parramatta waned.
The enduring legacy of the dam was the creation of a water reserve protecting its catchment. This was later expanded to cover the natural area now protected in Lake Parramatta Reserve.
The reserve is best explored on foot. There are four walking tracks that, once combined, create the 4.2 km Lake Circuit. These are the Heritage Path, Reservoir Track, Upper Lake Track and Arrunga Bardo Walk. The tracks aim to cater for most abilities and are also dog friendly.
The Heritage Path starts at the café next to the main car park. It is a short 300m hike along a paved path to the Dam Wall Lookout along the lake’s southern shoreline, passing the swimming and boat hire areas. The lookout has views of the dam wall and the lake. The Heritage Path is suitable for assisted wheelchairs.
On the Heritage Path
Lookout along the Heritage Path
Lake Parramatta
Lake Parramatta
From the Dam Wall Lookout, the trail continues behind the Lake Parramatta Dam wall, crossing Hunts Creek via stepping stones. From the other side of the creek, the views of the dam are impressive, with the lake and the visitor hub in the background.
Dam Wall Lookout
Starting the Reservoir Track
The 600m long Reservoir Track starts from the dam and leads to the Reservoir Lookout, a great viewing point with some of the best views of the lake. It crosses Hunts Creek below the dam before climbing the opposite side of the valley.
Crossing Hunts Creek below the dam
Lake Parramatta Dam
Lake Parramatta
Lake Parramatta
Lake Parramatta
Lake Parramatta from Reservoir Lookout
From the Reservoir Lookout, the Lake Parramatta Walk continues as the 2.1 km long Upper Lake Track. As the name suggests, this walking track explores the northern (or upper) part of the reservoir. This section is the authentic bushland part of the circuit walk but is still relatively easy to do.
Heading along the Upper Lake Track
One happy hound
Lake Parramatta
Upper Lake Track
Upper Lake Track
At the northernmost part of the lake, the trail crosses Hunts Creek once again, to turn back south via the eastern side of Lake Parramatta.
Hunts Creek
Hunts Creek
Hunts Creek
Upper Hunts Creek Crossing
From the Arrunga Bardo Lookout, the circuit walk continues as the Arrunga Bardo (“Calm Waters”) Walk, which is the last section before arriving back at the visitor hub.
The are plenty of sign posts along the trails
Upper Lake Track management trail
Lake Parramatta
Lake Parramatta
Arrunga Bardo Lookout
Lake Parramatta
Beyond the dam, a paved path will take you back to where you began. There is a small café here, a toilet block and plenty of picnic spots, seating, and BBQ facilities. There is also a designated swimming area, marked out by buoys. Patrolled from late October to the end of March, it can get very busy in the summer.
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