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Dr Mark Lidwill Blue Plaque — Image credit: Heritage NSW

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Dr Mark Lidwill Blue Plaque

Visitors can discover the stories behind the people, places and events that have helped shape NSW - where the history happened. A Blue Plaque visit offers more than sightseeing. It creates a direct connection between place and story, turning everyday locations into places of discovery. Each plaque reveals a unique piece of history, encouraging visitors to explore local areas from a new perspective and uncover stories they may never have known. This blue plaque commemorates Dr Mark Lidwill who was an Australian medical pioneer that invented a portable machine for anaesthesia and the world's first cardiac pacemaker. Visit the blue plaque at the Arden Anglican School, 63 Beecroft Road, Beecroft NSW 2119 and scan the QR code there to learn more.

Beecroft NSW

2.5 km away

Koala Presentations

Zoos, Sanctuaries, Aquariums and Wildlife Parks

Koala Park Sydney

Come face to face at their place with friendly Australian animals. Take photo's next to our koala's after our shows which is included in the entry price. Koala Park was created in the 1920s and officially opened in October of 1930 by the founder Noel Burnet. He became alarmed at the high numbers of koalas shot for the large export fur trade. He feared that if such harsh treatment was allowed to continue, this lovable and unique Australian animal would disappear from the face of the earth forever. From that time on he spent his whole life fighting to protect research and Create a safe environment in which they could live and breed naturally.

West Pennant Hills NSW

2.6 km away

Walking tracks abound in Cumberland State Forest — Image credit: Forestry Corporation of NSW

Natural Attractions

Cumberland State Forest

Australia's only metropolitan state forest, Cumberland State Forest, is a beautiful native forest located at West Pennant Hills, Sydney, only half an hour from the city centre. Enjoy a forest walk, picnic or barbecue, and discover the surprising diversity of wildlife in the forest. Cumberland State Forest is home to Calgaroo Picnic Area, Shepherds Picnic Area, Swains Picnic Area, Bellamy Picnic Area, and three walking trails - Forestry Trail, Palm Gully Trail and Sensory Trail. Visiting Cumberland State Forest is free. This 40-hectare forest in the heart of Sydney was originally privately owned cleared land in 1908. The NSW Forestry Commission took over management in 1938 and created a dedicated State forest in 1939. At that time, one-third of the land was planted as an arboretum while the rest was allowed to regenerate naturally. Today, Cumberland is a green space in the heart of a capital city where visitors can experience the sights, sounds and serenity of the forest environment. Cumberland State Forest is also home to independently-operated Treetops Adventure The Hills, Cafe Saligna and Plants Plus Cumberland State Forest. Please note: Cumberland's picnic facilities cannot be booked. They are free to use, and available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

West Pennant Hills NSW

2.9 km away

Treetops Adventure The Hills

Amusement and Theme Parks

Treetops Adventure The Hills

Treetops Adventure The Hills is a natural wonder not so far away. Secretly hidden amongst the tall pines of the Cumberland State Forest, you’ll find one of our most magical tree rope parks. Treetops Adventure The Hills is located only 30 minutes from Sydney city and is the perfect quick forest retreat for city slickers. With nine different tree ropes courses to choose from, family members of all ages can experience the fantastical serenity of this park. A 2.5-hour session through the aerial challenges (including gearing up) will have you laughing along with the kookaburras. After safety, your adrenaline is the top priority, so the courses are designed to challenge you, no matter your level.

West Pennant Hills NSW

2.9 km away

Great North walk - Berowra Valley National Park

Natural Attractions

Great North walk - Berowra Valley National Park

Also known as Benowie walking track, this beautiful bushland walk through Berowra Valley National Park follows Berowra Creek for 25 kilometres of the iconic Great North walk between Sydney and Newcastle. This section of the walk, from Pennant Hills to Berowra Waters, takes about two to three days to walk, with several places to camp along the way. If you’d prefer a shorter walk, you can always break the trail up into more manageable sections, particularly if you're taking the kids out for the day. Join the walk from Pennant Hills, Westleigh, Hornsby, Galston Gorge picnic area or Berowra Waters, and head out into the bush for an adventure. For a longer walk extend your trip south along the Great North walk - Lane Cove National Park or link up with the Great North walk – Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and continue north towards Newcastle.

Pennant Hills NSW

3.9 km away

Lake Parramatta Reserve and recreation area — Image credit: Destination NSW

Natural Attractions

Lake Parramatta Reserve and recreation area

With more than 70 hectares of bushland to explore and only two kilometres from the Parramatta CBD, a visit to Lake Parramatta is the perfect way to enjoy a sunny Sydney day by the water. With the lake open for swimming from October each year, the Summer season is the time to shake winter off and reserve a spot by the water, fully patrolled by lifeguards. Take a stroll around any of the walking tracks, from the She-oak track (1.5 kilometres-return), the Banksia Track (2.4km-return), the 4.2km Lake Circuit that winds its way around the periphery of the Lake, and the 1.8km Arrunga Bardo Walk. Enjoy a Picnic, barbecue and the Playgrounds, pull up a patch of grass or choose a rock overlooking the water. A significant place for the traditional owners of the land, evidence still remains of the regular usage of and occupation by the Aboriginal-Burramattagal clan within Lake Parramatta Reserve and Hunts Creek. Look out for shelter caves, hand-stencils, stone-flaking, tree scars and midden deposits, as well as a Bushfoods Garden.

North Parramatta NSW

4.4 km away

Bellamy fire trail

Natural Attractions

Bellamy fire trail

This short walk through Berowra Valley Regional Park is perfect for a daily breather. A level path takes you down to Zig-Zag Creek, over a bridge and up to the high walls and towering forest of the old railway quarry, an attractive natural amphitheatre of sandstone. Even though there's no directional signage, you'll find the path easy to follow. You’ll see fern trees, grass trees, coachwood and a variety of tall eucalypts while hearing the joyful call of kookaburras. Interpretive signs tell the history of the historic Zig-Zag railway that used to pass through here. Take a seat on the old railway sleepers and enjoy the peace and beauty of the bush before heading back to daily life.

Pennant Hills NSW

4.9 km away

Strike Bowling Castle Towers

Amusement and Theme Parks

Strike Bowling Castle Towers

With 10 bowling lanes, karaoke rooms, and a next-generation escape room there's something for everyone at Strike Castle Towers. Throw in a fully-equipped cocktail bar into the mix, plus delicious food offerings courtesy of our pop-up mates at Rando Sandos, and you’ll find the only entertainment experience you’ll ever need. So whether you're having a kids party, Christmas function, team building event - or a night out with mates, Strike's got you covered.

Castle Hill NSW

5.4 km away

Archie Brothers Castle Towers

Amusement and Theme Parks

Archie Brothers Castle Towers

Castle Hill, it's time to hit the arcade. Archie Brothers is bringing its amazing arcade games and delicious bar to the heart of Castle Towers Shopping Centre! Grab a cocktail, win some prizes, and indulge in a menu that's fit for the perfect night out with family and friends. Whether you're a claw machine pro, love virtual reality, or lean more towards classic arcade racers, they're bringing the best games in the business for you to try your hand at. So grab a game card and get ready, 'cause Archie Brothers is guaranteed to knock your socks off.

Castle Hill NSW

5.5 km away

9 Degrees Parramatta — Image credit: 9 Degrees Parramatta; Lance Del Prado

Sports and Recreation Facilities

9 Degrees Parramatta

Since 2015, 9 Degrees has proudly been providing a welcoming space for visitors to move their bodies, connect with others and escape the stress of work and life. They believe that bouldering makes you happy, and by fostering a unique culture of inclusiveness and community they endeavour to cultivate positive experiences and meaningful relationships that enrich the lives of customers and staff alike. Bouldering is rock climbing without the ropes, heights, and hassle. It’s physical problem solving. Distinctly simple, bouldering is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. It’s a highly social form of climbing that is easy to learn and enjoy. Train your muscles without the pain and get fit without the repetition! At 9 Degrees, every climb, or ‘problem’, has been designed with its own solution in mind – the challenge is figuring each climb out! There are 9 levels of difficulty, each represented by a colour. Colours are set up as gym wide circuits with climbs varying in style – focus on balance, agility, strength or coordination. There are climbs to suit every level of fitness and experience, including absolute beginners!

Rydalmere NSW

5.8 km away

iPlay Melrose Central

Amusement and Theme Parks

iPlay Melrose Central

Get ready for a new way to play in Melrose Park. iPlay Melrose Central brings together exciting arcade games and fast-paced Pandemonium Challenge Rooms under one roof. Bring the family, challenge your friends, plan a fun date night or enjoy a group day out. Explore the arcade, then put your teamwork, skill and speed to the test across a series of physical and mental challenges in Pandemonium. Conveniently located at Melrose Central for visitors from Melrose Park, Ermington, West Ryde, Meadowbank, Ryde, Rydalmere, Eastwood, Parramatta and surrounding Sydney suburbs. Plan your visit to iPlay Melrose Central and get ready for fun!

Melrose Park NSW

5.9 km away

Moroccan Hammam — Image credit: Moroccan Hammam Sydney

Spas and Retreats

Moroccan Hammam

You’ll feel transported to the medina of Marrakesh stepping into Morroccan Hammam in Parramatta, an authentic women’s only bathhouse. Set inside a traditionally decorated space, the Deluxe Hammam experience begins with a body soak in hot water and Moroccan beldi (black) soap. You’ll then receive a body exfoliation, followed by a rinse to cleanse and refresh your skin. Next is a nourishing clay body mask, infused with detoxifying coffee and argan oil, and the experience concludes with a final wash using organic soap. Upgrade with extra foot scrubs, hair masks, massages, and tea and sweets to finish. There are also a series of other packages that can be booked, depending on your preferences.

Parramatta NSW

6.2 km away

Patrick White Blue Plaque — Image credit: Heritage NSW

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Patrick White Blue Plaque

Visitors can discover the stories behind the people, places and events that have helped shape NSW - where the history happened. A Blue Plaque visit offers more than sightseeing. It creates a direct connection between place and story, turning everyday locations into places of discovery. Each plaque reveals a unique piece of history, encouraging visitors to explore local areas from a new perspective and uncover stories they may never have known. This blue plaque commemorates Patrick White who was a celebrated novelist, playwright, poet and political activist. He won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1973.

Castle Hill NSW

6.2 km away

Grey-headed Flying Fox Camp — Image credit: Brett Hemmings

Natural Attractions

Grey-headed Flying-fox Camp

Try and spot the most threatened species in Parramatta Park - the Grey-headed Flying-fox. The Grey-headed Flying-fox is one of the world's largest bats, and its breeding camp located on the banks of Parramatta River in the northern section of Parramatta Park. It is the only threatened animal species recorded within Parramatta Park, and was noted as far back as 1798. The Flying-fox is considered a 'keystone species' vital for the long-term health of plants, particularly gum trees, that depend on these bats for long-distance pollination and seed dispersal. The camp is protected by a thick, mature bushland canopy on the banks of the river, giving the animals easy access to water and a clear path to fly in and out when foraging for food at night. Flying-fox numbers in Parramatta Park can fluctuate between seasons as they migrate between camps. The number of bats in the park is typically around 10,000 but this figure can alter by up to 30%.

Parramatta NSW

6.4 km away

Riverside Theatre Parramatta

Entertainment Venues

Riverside Theatre Parramatta

Riverside Theatres is Western Sydney's premier performing arts centre. With over 1,000 events per year, Riverside offers something for young and old. Located on the banks of the Parramatta River, Riverside Theatres is nestled in the midst of the Church Street Restaurant precinct. A Bicentennial Project, Riverside Theatres opened in 1988 offering three venues under the one roof. The Rafferty's Theatre, the most intimate space seats around 100 people and suits small corporate events, seminars, stand up comedy acts, small scale productions, or even an exhibition. The Lennox Theatre is a flexible space seating approximately 220 people. The largest theatre, the Riverside Theatre, can house up to 761 patrons with comfortable, plush seating in a conventional proscenium arch stage with orchestra pit and fly tower. Larger scale productions including international acts are often seen on the Riverside stage including Shakespeare, comedy, drama, ballet, contemporary dance and musicals.

Parramatta NSW

6.5 km away

PowerPlay Northmead

Entertainment Venues

PowerPlay Northmead

PowerPlay is the latest concept in indoor entertainment. The next-level electric karting attraction is all about competitive fun with your friends or family. The management of PowerPlay have years of international Motorsport experience and wanted to create the ultimate environment to share the passion and fun of racing and friendly competition. PowerPlay's one-of-a-kind two-level racetrack blends cool with real world racing to create a unique experience and the fun doesn't stop with go karts, they have an electronic games arcade on-site to keep people entertained whilst they wait. PowerPlay is where you come to get a hit of adrenaline, laugh, fist bump, high five, make friends and make even more memories.

Northmead NSW

6.5 km away

David Lennox Blue Plaque — Image credit: Heritage NSW

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

David Lennox Blue Plaque

Visitors can discover the stories behind the people, places and events that have helped shape NSW - where the history happened. A Blue Plaque visit offers more than sightseeing. It creates a direct connection between place and story, turning everyday locations into places of discovery. Each plaque reveals a unique piece of history, encouraging visitors to explore local areas from a new perspective and uncover stories they may never have known. This blue plaque commemorates David Lennox who was a renowned bridge builder and master stonemason who designed and oversaw the construction of the iconic sandstone Lennox Bridge in Parramatta in the late 1830s. Visit the blue plaque on Lennox Bridge, 340–330 Church St, Parramatta NSW 2150.

Parramatta NSW

6.5 km away

Lane Cove National Park

National Parks and Reserves

Lane Cove National Park

Lane Cove National Park is a beautiful pocket of bushland that sits on either side of the peaceful Lane Cove River. It's in easy reach for Sydneysiders, extending from East Ryde to Pennant Hills and West Chatswood. It's a great place for a day out with the family; there are lots of picnic areas to choose from, including those that offer picnic tables, barbecues, children's play equipment, flat grassy areas and easy access to walking tracks and places to ride your bike. Whatever activities you fancy, you're bound to find a perfect place to picnic for the day. When you've polished off the picnic, you can hit the walking tracks to explore the park's bushland, hire a boat from the Lane Cove Boatshed to row along the quiet Lane Cove River or cycle along the park's roads. There's also a fire trail between Pennant Hills and West Pymble, where you can ride your bike if you're feeling more adventurous. The park's historic sites are best explored along the self-guided Heritage walk. Pick up a brochure from the Lane Cove park office. If you'd like to stay overnight...

Chatswood West NSW

6.6 km away

Wistaria Gardens

Natural Attractions

Wistaria Gardens

Discover one of Sydney's most intact surviving Edwardian Gardens. Parramatta’s beautiful historic Wistaria Gardens is part of Parramatta Park and is being restored to its former glory by Greater Sydney Parklands. Wistaria Gardens originally formed part of the Cumberland Hospital precinct. It holds a special place in the nation’s heritage and is one of Sydney’s most intact surviving Edwardian Gardens. The garden is highly valued by the community for its beautiful cultural heritage and as a tranquil haven on the edge of the bustling Parramatta CBD. In spring - when its colourful floral display is at its finest - the picturesque garden is a popular tourist attraction for the city.

Westmead NSW

6.6 km away

Powerhouse Parramatta

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Powerhouse Parramatta

With its striking steel-lattice exoskeleton and mega-sized 18,000 sqm of exhibition space, Powerhouse Parramatta will be Sydney's largest museum when it opens in November 2026. It's also the biggest cultural landmark to emerge in NSW since the Sydney Opera House. This Western Sydney institution will launch with Task Eternal, an ambitious two-year-long exhibition exploring gravity-defying innovation, aviation and space travel. Standout pieces include a new perception-dazzling work by James Turrell (whose art is inspired by the 12,000+ hours he's spent navigating the skies as a pilot) and a major installation by Yolŋu artist Naminapu Maymuru-White, which evokes a river of stars and draws on Yolŋu cosmology. Powerhouse Parramatta's opening will also feature a spellbinding mirror maze and other installations by British artist Es Devlin, a First Nations exhibition exploring Water Country throughout NSW (thanks to films by director and Kamilaroi man Ivan Sen) and a children's exhibition called The Dark (where kids can encounter a crystal tunnel and encounter objects that Western Sydney children have loaned the museum). Make sure to head to the rooftop where you can marvel at the CBD skyline and the garden flourishing with Indigenous ingredients. Visitors can also dine at the ground-floor restaurant, which has a serene view of Parramatta River.

Parramatta NSW

6.6 km away

Little Coogee — Image credit: Brett Hemmings

Natural Attractions

Little Coogee

Take in Parramatta's natural swimming pool between 1880s until the 1950s - Little Coogee. Little Coogee, on the banks of the Parramatta River, was a swimming and picnic spot as far back as the 1880s. With change rooms for men and women on opposite banks of the river, and a lifeguard, it was a popular place to while away a sunny summer's day. The inaugural lifesaving carnival in Parramatta Park was held in this spot in 1912 by members of the Coogee Life Saving Club, which is how Little Coogee got its name. Today, it's a pleasant spot for a walk by the river- access it from Button's Bridge.

Parramatta NSW

6.6 km away

Tidal Weir — Image credit: Sydney Olympic Park Authority

Natural Attractions

Tidal Weir and Wetlands

Peek through the fenceline, culverts under the pathway connect the wetlands to the tidal waters of the Parramatta River enabling fish to access sheltered habitats behind the weir. The weir is used to regulate flows and achieve the desired ecological balance of mudflat, Coastal Saltmarsh and Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest. The Tidal Mudflats are at the heart of the wetlands and are inhabited by a rich community of marine worms, molluscs, crustaceans and other invertebrates. These organisms play a vital role in breaking down organic matter and are the dietary staple of many fish, waterbirds and internationally protected migratory shorebirds.

Sydney Olympic Park NSW

6.7 km away

The Dairy and Rangers Cottage — Image credit: Parramatta Park Trust - Jamie Williams

Landmarks and Buildings

The Dairy and Rangers Cottage

Explore one of Australia's oldest colonial sites at The Dairy and Rangers Cottage - one of the 11 Australian Convict Sites listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Register. The Dairy Cottage was constructed between 1796 and 1805, making it one of Australia's oldest surviving, intact cottages. It was later converted to a dairy, with a pavilion on either side, one of which still houses a cellar beneath the Rangers Cottage (built around 1870) Known as the Dairy Precinct, the Dairy Cottage and the Rangers Cottage form part of Parramatta Park's UNESCO World Heritage-listed area. It is rare to find such an intact building as the Dairy Cottage, which has remained substantially unchanged since 1820. It allows you to understand the techniques and materials used by early European settlers. You can explore the Dairy Precinct grounds and gardens for free or take a paid guided tour with Parramatta Heritage and Visitor Information Centre to delve deeper into Australia's multi-layered colonial history.

Parramatta NSW

6.7 km away

Middle Head Gubbuh-Gubbuh to Georges Head walking track

Natural Attractions

Middle Head Gubbuh-Gubbuh to Georges Head walking track

History buffs and kids alike will delight in this walk, exploring forts and learning about history. Middle Head – Gubbuh Gubbuh to Georges Head walking track seamlessly connects the two headlands. Parking is available at both ends, allowing you to choose your starting point. Keep in mind that it's a 6km walk if you need to retrace your steps to where you started. If you park at Middle Head, follow Governors Road past the 19th-century cottages to the Inner Middle Head Fort. Here you'll find two large gun emplacements sitting atop a tunnel network once used for shelter and ammunition storage. Continue south to Outer Middle Head and explore the maze of gun emplacements, canons, 'tiger cages' and structures dating from the 1800s to 1960s built to protect Sydney from potential invasion. Discover what life was like for the people who trained and worked here. Gain new insights with historic photographs, interpretive signage, and online videos.

Parramatta NSW

6.7 km away

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