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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

3.3 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

4.3 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

4.4 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

4.7 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

4.8 km away

Pennant Hills West Pymble Fire Trail — Image credit: Photo: Debby McGerty.

Natural Attractions

Pennant Hills West Pymble Fire Trail

The fire trail from Pennant Hills Park to West Pymble winds its way through the eucalypt forest of Lane Cove National Park. It’s a picturesque route, with plenty of variety, including some technical parts and steep areas that are good for hill climb training. There are lots of scenic spots along the way where you can enjoy a picnic lunch, including by Devlins Creek and at Whale Rock. You can complete part of the ride if you feel like a shorter trip, or tackle the return leg for a longer day on the bike. You can also head back via the Comenarra Parkway.

West Pymble NSW

4.9 km away

Holey Moley Macquarie

Amusement and Theme Parks

Holey Moley Macquarie

Holey Moley Golf Club has brought its chaotic collection of mini golf holes and drinks to Macquarie. Sharing the limelight with Strike bowling, Holey Moley is located in the same venue and ready to rock your golf socks. Play 9 holes of top-tier mini golf filled with neon lights and plenty of photo opportunities. Throughout your visit, hit up their vibey bar for a wealth of cocktails, beers, wines and just about any bevvie essential you could ask for. Coupled with the extra energy and atmosphere coming from Strike, a night out at Holey Moley Macquarie is sure to become a weekday and weekend staple!

Macquarie Park NSW

5.0 km away

Strike Bowling Macquarie

Amusement and Theme Parks

Strike Bowling Macquarie

Parked in North Ryde, just north of Sydney, and set over two impressive levels, Strike Macquarie will blow your mind. Strike Macquarie offers 10 world-class bowling lanes, an awesome Laser Tag arena, private karaoke rooms plus Sydney's most challenging escape rooms. Combine all that with their slick cocktail bar and delicious new food offerings courtesy of mates at Rando Sandos, it really is your one-stop-shop for every entertainment need.

Macquarie Park NSW

5.0 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

5.1 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

5.1 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

5.1 km away

Parramatta River (Newington Armory, Sydney Olympic Park) — Image credit: Sydney Olympic Park Authority

Landmarks and Buildings

Olympic Park Wharf Ferry Terminal

Follow the River Walk, and enjoy vistas along the riverside of Mangroves. The Grey Mangroves lining the riverbanks are protected marine vegetation. Sydney Olympic Park protects the largest remaining stand of Mangroves along the length of the Parramatta River. Mangrove trees are well adapted to growing in the intertidal zone, with specialist roots, leaves and seeds that have adapted to manage the salt associated with living in a saltwater environment. As you walk, keep an eye out for birdlife such as Great Egrets, White-faced Herons, Cormorants and the White-bellied Sea Eagle, a threatened species often seen perched on the Mangroves along the river.

Sydney Olympic Park NSW

5.3 km away

190 Series Buildings — Image credit: Sydney Olympic Park Authority

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

The Proof Yard - 190 Series Building

Known as the Proof Area or Proof Yard these buildings were constructed between 1939-1941, during the World War Two expansion period of the Royal Australian Navy Armament Depot (RANAD) Newington. The Proof Yard was where most armament stores requiring it, were tested or “proved”, which means testing it to ensure it remains within its design specification for functionality and safety. Buildings 190 and 191 were for the chemical testing of cordite propellant for stability. Buildings 192 and 193 functioned as laboratory rooms, where ammunition was packed and unpacked, and items prepared for proof and in some cases proved. Most of the proof apparatus was located outside. The Newington Depot only proved smaller items of ammunition that could be safely functioned in a small area, for example, pyrotechnics. Larger items requiring a large land area (such as gun projectiles) were sent to external ranges such as the Port Wakefield proof range in South Australia.

Sydney Olympic Park NSW

5.3 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

5.4 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

5.4 km away

Looking through the fence to the pond — Image credit: Sydney Olympic Park Authority

Natural Attractions

Wharf Pond - River Walk

Surrounded by the original landscape of mangroves and swamp oak (casuarina), Wharf Pond is a large freshwater habitat on the northwest corner of the Reserve. This wetland differs from the intertidal wetland habitat in the Newington Nature Reserve. Wharf Pond serves as a habitat for local waterbirds that feed on freshwater invertebrates, including the Purple Swamphen, Dusky Moorhen, Chestnut Teal, Grebes and Egrets; as well as frog species including the endangered Green and Golden Bell Frog. Listen for frogs calling when the weather is hot and humid.

Sydney Olympic Park NSW

5.5 km away

Yarning Circle at Murama Healing Space and Wangal Walk — Image credit: Sydney Olympic Park Authority

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Murama Healing Space and Wangal Walk

Murama is a community space for healing, working together and a place for connecting to Country. Explore the collection of public artworks and installations that share accounts from First Nations Australians of the Frontier Wars, and intergenerational trauma of the Stolen Generations and acknowledge the Wangal. Reflect on the connection to Country and the importance of listening and sharing experience and knowledge at the Yarning Circle.

Sydney Olympic Park NSW

5.5 km away

Yarning Circle — Image credit: Murama Healing Space

Parks and Gardens

Yarning Circle at Wangal Walk

The Yarning Circle at Newington Armory is a place of reflection, a safe space to listen, talk, heal and belong. Connect to Country and to each other, alongside the beautiful Parramatta River, which played such an integral role in connecting Aboriginal peoples to each other. The Yarning Circle is an installation of The Wangal Walk - a developing cultural discovery experience with truth-telling at its core and healing as its focus. When you wander along the walk, you'll see interpretive art installations that create a pathway for unique experiences, cultural tourism, corporate cultural safety programs, team-healing programs and curriculum-based school activities.

Sydney Olympic Park NSW

5.5 km away

Newington Armory Heritage Site — Image credit: Sydney Olympic Park Authority

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Gunpowder Magazine – Building 20

This building was designed to store gunpowder in barrels. The magazine contains three barrel-vaulted storage chambers; shown externally by the three separate rooflines and gables. Before electricity became available, lighted lamps (either candle or oil) were used to light the chambers at night. However, fire was a considerable threat to a magazine; it would take just one spark… Clever design improved safety. Using a perimeter internal passageway that runs around and between the internal vaults; incorporating small, glazed windows at five metre intervals, the lighted lamps were placed on the exterior sills to illuminate the interior of the chambers.

Sydney Olympic Park NSW

5.6 km away

Murama Dance Ground — Image credit: Sydney Olympic Park Authority

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Murama Dance Ground

The Murama Dance Ground is an installation of the Wangal Walk in the Newington Armory. A place dedicated to healing and belonging, this is an inclusive and peaceful space where Aboriginal people can learn, lead and share culture with one another and with others. The dance ground is becoming a gathering place for the entire community and a place to acknowledge the rich Aboriginal culture in the place now known as Sydney Olympic Park. It can also be used to host intertribal meetings and community events, school and community education activities and artistic development programs. The Murama Healing Circle curates this space in accordance with established protocols around respect and inclusion.

Sydney Olympic Park NSW

5.6 km away

Woo-la-ra Lookout — Image credit: Sydney Olympic Park Authority

Natural Attractions

Woo-la-ra and the Silverwater Marker

Woo-la-ra is two constructed, grassed elevated landforms: the conical Silverwater Marker and the naturalistic hill known as Woo-la-ra. Pedestrian/cycle paths lead to Woo-la-ra’s summit and provide 360-degree views of the adjacent Newington Nature Reserve, surrounding suburbs and parklands. The grasslands of Woo-la-ra provide a habitat for birds not found in other types of vegetation. Listen for Quails and Cisticolas that shelter and nest amongst the tall grasses – these small birds are only found in grassland habitats such as Woo-la-ra. While you’re on the edge of Woo-la-ra, Look up! Can you see a raptor hovering over the grassy slopes?

Sydney Olympic Park NSW

5.8 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

5.9 km away

Tunks Hill picnic area

Natural Attractions

Tunks Hill picnic area

With three distinct grassy areas, Tunks Hill picnic area in Lane Cove National Park is a great spot for a family get-together or a relaxing day out. Located on a hilltop on Riverside Drive, it boasts views of Chatswood, as well as adjacent bush, home to birdlife and local reptiles. Enjoy a picnic at one of the tables or sit back on one of grassy patches beneath towering gum trees. A large shelter is also available for bookings of up to 80 guests standing. The shelter, originally used for storing pig food, was built by farmer William Tunks, who lived here before the land became a national park.

Macquarie Park NSW

5.9 km away

Newington Armory Visitor Centre — Image credit: Sydney Olympic Park Authority

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Newington Armory - Sydney Olympic Park

Newington Armory is a special place - formerly the Royal Australian Naval Armament Depot (RANAD), it features over 100 heritage buildings of various ages and types, set amidst a 52-hectare riverside landscape of undulating hills and woodlands. The heritage buildings provide the Armory with a unique character, which is described through a heritage interpretation program, that can be viewed at the original 1897 gatehouse. There are regular tours held in and around Newington Armory. You can also visit the Armory Gallery with special exhibitions on throughout the year or why not hire a bike from Bike Hire and explore on your own - see what you can discover in this historic place!

Sydney Olympic Park NSW

6.0 km away

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