Lake Parramatta is a hidden natural oasis located just two kilometres from the bustling Parramatta CBD. This historic reservoir is surrounded by 85 hectares of pristine bushland, making it a hotspot for swimming, kayaking, and bushwalking. You can explore the scenic Lake Circuit walk to spot native wildlife or relax with a picnic by the water's edge. It is the perfect escape for city dwellers looking to immerse themselves in nature without leaving Greater Sydney.
The Lake Circuit - Lake Parramatta
📍 SYDNEY AND SURROUNDS
Distance4.3 km
Duration01:20 hrs
Elev Gain+111 m
Elev Lost-112 m
Date
01 January 2026
Starting Point
Lake Parramatta Visitor Hub
Difficulty
Easy
Pace / Gear
3.8 km/h — Water bottle
Highlights
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 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 to 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.
Looking for a fantastic dog-friendly walk in the Blue Mountains? The Birdwood Gully and Gooch’s Track loop in Springwood is a beautiful 4.9 km hike perfect for a morning or afternoon adventure with your pup. This easy-to-moderate trail dives deep into a lush rainforest valley filled with cool creek crossings, unique sandstone rock formations, and even a hidden glowworm cave. It is an ideal escape to beat the heat, stretch your legs, and let your dog splash around in Springwood Creek.
Birdwood Gully & Gooch's Track
📍 LOWER BLUE MOUNTAINS
Distance4.8 km
Duration02:02 hrs
Elev Gain+213 m
Elev Lost-211 m
Date
15 December 2024
Starting Point
Bednal Road
Difficulty
Easy
Pace / Gear
3.2 km/h — Light day pack
Highlights
Springwood Creek, glowworm cave
🗺️ Interactive Route MapPinch or use wheel to zoom
Birdwood Gully near Springwood is famous for being one of the best dog-friendly hikes in the Blue Mountains. I’ve been counting down the days until our new puppy was old enough to finally tackle it with us.
As its name suggests, the hike is centered around Birdwood Gully, a small creek that feeds into Springwood Creek before it disappears into the bush toward the Grose River. While the standard circuit around the gully is only 2.6 km, we tacked on Gooch's Track to stretch it into a 4.9 km loop—making it the perfect length for a morning adventure.
You'll find a few old signposts dotted around
There are several 'entrances' to the circuit and numerous streets to park on — Perry Avenue in my case to access the creek from Bednal Road. After negotiating an awkward bend in the road, we entered Birdwood Gully Park, with the dog leading the way. Almost immediately the path crosses Birdwood Gully which, on a hot day like today, was looking rather dry.
Birdwood Gully
Birdwood Gully
The track follows the creek line downstream, guiding you deeper into the gully where the landscape shifts dramatically. You'll weave past some incredible, eroded rock formations that look like giant caves carved right into the valley walls. The environment here feels worlds away from the town above, switching to a damp, green rainforest ecosystem that keeps the air wonderfully cool—a total lifesaver if you're hiking with a puppy on a warm day.
Birdwood Gully Park
Birdwood Gully Track
Birdwood Gully Track
Birdwood Gully Track
There are some interesting formations close to Tidswell Reserve
Further down the track, the trail crosses over into Sassafras Park, dropping you right at the edge of the creek junction where Birdwood Gully flows into Springwood Creek. This spot is an absolute gem of a clearing with plenty of shallow, flowing water and wide sandy banks. Our pup wasted no time diving right in; it's the ultimate place for some serious splashing around and a lifesaver for keeping a dog cool and happy on a hot bushwalk.
Springwood Creek
Springwood Creek
Springwood Creek
Springwood Creek
Springwood Creek
Gooch's Track is not far from this location, a short, additional loop to the north of Birdwood Gully. According to local sources, the track was probably made by a former local resident – Nicholas Gooch, who is credited with naming Gooch's Crater near Bell. An avid cyclist, Nicholas was sadly killed in an accident in 2003. The track follows Springwood Creek upstream, culminating with a short climb to Tom Hunter Park.
Sassafras Park
Gooch's Track in Sassafras Park
Gooch's Track
Gooch's Track
Gooch's Track
Tom Hunter Park
To finish off the Gooch's Track side-loop, the trail climbs up onto a striking ridge of wide, bare sandstone. It's a fun change of pace from the valley floor—just keep an eye on your dog's paws if it's a hot day, as the exposed rock can heat up quickly! After soaking in the open ridge views, the track drops back down into the shade, crossing Springwood Creek again to link right back up with the main Birdwood Gully track.
The ridge in Sassafras Park
Hot paws
Sassafras Park
Gooch's Track
Once back at Springwood Creek, the Birdwood Gully Loop follows it upstream along the best section of the entire hike. After passing beneath some interesting rock overhangs, the path follows Springwood Creek upstream where it carves a route though a narrow section of sandstone gorge, creating a small waterfall where the water has to flow over a shelf of rock. You'll have to pick a wet day if you want to see it in full force.
Back on the Birdwood Gully Track
Birdwood Gully Track
Springwood Creek
Springwood Creek
The small waterfall on Springwood Creek
The path climbs alongside the small tumble of rocks, still following the creek until it's times to exit the valley. Steps guide you away from the creek to a large cave, home to a colony of glowworms. Further climbing up the carved steps takes you through a gap in the cliffs until the path emerges on Lucinda Avenue — the western side of the circuit. From here, it's a short distance to the starting point.
Springwood Creek
The glowworm cave
One happy dog
The final climb out of the valley
Birdwood Gully lived up to the hype as one of the absolute best dog-friendly tracks around. Between the cool rainforest creeks to splash in and the awesome glowworm cave at the end, it’s the perfect day out for both humans and pups. If you're looking for a shady, scenic escape in the lower Blue Mountains, this loop is a winner.
