The Lake Circuit - Lake Parramatta

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Route: Visitor Hub, Heritage Path, Dam Wall Lookout, Reservoir Track, Lower Hunts Creek Crossing, Reservoir Lookout, Upper Lake Track, Upper Hunts Creek Crossing, Arrunga Bardo Lookout, Arrunga Bardo Walk

Date: 01/01/2026
From: Lake Parramatta

Parking: Lake Parramatta Visitor Hub
Start Point: Lake Parramatta Visitor Hub
Finish Point: Lake Parramatta Visitor Hub
Region: Sydney

Route length: 4.3 km
Time taken: 01:20
Average speed: 3.8 km/h
Ascent: 111m
Descent: 112m

Points of Interest: Lake Parramatta

Completed in 1856, the Lake Parramatta reservoir was the first large dam built in Australia and formed 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 draw water from Lake Parramatta gradually declined.

One lasting legacy of the dam was the protection of its catchment as a water reserve. Over time, this protected area was expanded, eventually becoming the natural landscape now preserved within Lake Parramatta Reserve.

The reserve is best explored on foot. Four walking tracks combine to form the 4.2 km Lake Circuit: the Heritage Path, Reservoir Track, Upper Lake Track and Arrunga Bardo Walk. Together, they cater for a wide range of abilities and are also dog friendly.

The circuit begins on the Heritage Path, which starts beside the café near the main car park. This short 300-metre stroll follows a paved path along the southern shoreline, passing the swimming area and boat hire facilities before reaching the Dam Wall Lookout. From here, there are clear views across the lake and down onto the historic dam wall. This section is suitable for assisted wheelchairs.

On the Heritage Path

Lookout along the Heritage Path

Lake Parramatta

Lake Parramatta

From the lookout, the trail continues behind the dam wall and crosses Hunts Creek via stepping stones. From the far bank, the view back towards the dam is particularly impressive, with the lake and visitor hub framed in the background.

Dam Wall Lookout

Starting the Reservoir Track

The Reservoir Track begins at the dam and climbs for 600 metres to the Reservoir Lookout, one of the best vantage points in the reserve. The track crosses Hunts Creek below the dam before climbing the opposite side of the valley, gradually opening up views across the water.

Crossing Hunts Creek below the dam

Lake Parramatta Dam

Lake Parramatta

Lake Parramatta

Lake Parramatta

Lake Parramatta from Reservoir Lookout

Beyond the Reservoir Lookout, the circuit continues as the 2.1 km Upper Lake Track, which explores the northern end of the reservoir. This is the most bushland-feeling section of the walk, winding through native forest and offering frequent glimpses of the lake, yet it remains a relatively easy and well-formed track.

Heading along the Upper Lake Track

One happy hound

Lake Parramatta

Upper Lake Track

Upper Lake Track

At the northern end of the lake, the trail crosses Hunts Creek once more before turning south along the eastern shoreline. From Arrunga Bardo Lookout, the walk becomes the Arrunga Bardo (“Calm Waters”) Walk, the final leg of the circuit that leads back towards the visitor hub.

Hunts Creek

A paddle in Hunts Creek

Hunts Creek

Upper Hunts Creek Crossing

Clear signage is provided throughout, making navigation straightforward. Once back near the dam, a paved path returns you to the starting point.

The are plenty of sign posts along the trails

Upper Lake Track management trail

Lake Parramatta

Lake Parramatta

Arrunga Bardo Lookout

Lake Parramatta

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.

Whether you're visiting for the historic dam or just to get the dog out for some fresh air, the Lake Circuit is a fantastic way to escape into nature without leaving the city. It’s an easy, scenic loop that offers a little bit of everything—from quiet bushland to great swimming spots. Next time you have a spare hour or two, grab your walking shoes and head down to the water,