Places worth discovering

Things to Do

Find attractions, experiences and places to visit. Events remain the best way to see what is happening on a particular date.

Looking for a dated event? Explore Events

1705 places

Explore local places

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

0.3 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

0.8 km away

Ironbark Forest — Image credit: Sydney Olympic Park Authority

Natural Attractions

Sydney Turpentine – Ironbark Forest

Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest is classified as a ‘critically endangered ecological community’ under both state and federal legislation—only 280 hectares remain in reserves. Sydney Olympic Park supports 20 hectares of this forest; 13 hectares within the Reserve and seven hectares in bordering regeneration areas, supporting over 240 native plant species. Many animals feed and shelter in this vegetation community including woodland birds, parrots, raptors, possums and microbats. This remaining forest habitat remained undeveloped due to the presence of the Military depot.

Sydney Olympic Park NSW

0.9 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

0.9 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

0.9 km away

Large frog sculpture in Wentworth Common — Image credit: Sydney Olympic Park Authority

Parks and Gardens

Stone sculptures of the lizard and frog, Wentworth Common playground

Many lizards and frogs are call Sydney Olympic Park home -and while most are a lot smaller than the . Green and Golden Bell Frog and Sun Baking Lizard sculptures in Wentworth Common, these large sandstone sculptures remind us of our shared place and to look out for the park's flora and fauna. On a sunny day, as you walk up the spiralling pathway to the top of the Bay Marker lookout, you will very likely see lizards roaming between the reeds and pathway to soak up some sun rays. Mind your step and take care. Wentworth Common is a large grassy park sheltered by trees and nestled where Haslams Creek enters Homebush Bay. There are many things for kids to do and adults can take a moment of calm. Kids will love the adventure playground, complete with an enormous sandpit, slide, climbing frame, swings and shade sails. Ride the flying fox, fire up the barbecue, enjoy a picnic and check out the 360 views of the wetlands and the city skyline atop the Bay Marker lookout. Enter from Marjorie Jackson Drive- you'll find a park at the common's own car park.

Sydney Olympic Park NSW

0.9 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

0.9 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

1.0 km away

Narawang Wetlands — Image credit: Sydney Olympic Park Authority

Natural Attractions

Narawang Wetland

This freshwater wetland is 1.6 kilometres in length and acts as a floodplain, absorbing floodwater from Haslams Creek during very high tides, and runoff from surrounding areas after heavy rain. The 22 habitat ponds surrounding the irrigation storage ponds provide breeding habitat for many frog species. In warmer months listen for frogs calling in the wetland. Every frog species has a different call. Can you hear the endangered Green and Golden Bell Frogs? The Green and Golden Bell Frog population at Sydney Olympic Park is one of the largest populations of this endangered species remaining in New South Wales.

Sydney Olympic Park NSW

1.0 km away

URBNSURF Sydney

Amusement and Theme Parks

URBNSURF Sydney

URBNSURF, located in Sydney Olympic Park, is Sydney's first urban surf park, offering consistent, quality waves for surfers of all levels. The 3.6ha facility features a central lagoon split down the middle to generate either left-hander or right-hander waves (depending on which side you paddle out on). Each side of the lagoon generates up to 200 waves per hour, ranging from gentle whitewater for beginners to steep barrels for seasoned surfers. Beyond surfing, the park boasts amenities such as a surf school, a leisure pool that's perfect for boogie boarders, a skate pad, a surf store, a health and wellness centre, and two dining options: Sandy's for relaxed all-day bites and RAFI for more elevated lunch, dinner and bar snacks.

Sydney Olympic Park NSW

1.0 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

1.0 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

1.0 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

1.1 km away

Waterbird Refuge Bird Hide — Image credit: Sydney Olympic Park Authority

Landmarks and Buildings

Waterbird Refuge Bird Hide

An oasis for feathered and finned inhabitants, Sydney Olympic Park's 10-hectare wetland is a place transformed from human needs to ecological protection. It demonstrates the unique characteristics of a neighbourhood that balances nature and community development, where an abundance of birds and humans live together. See how the tidal flows into the Waterbird Refuge at Bicentennial Park are carefully optimised for its feathered and finned inhabitants while minimising wetland odours. This is a significant waterbird habitat with a high abundance and diversity of resident and migratory birds. You might spot Pacific Golden Plovers, which were recorded feeding in the wetland in October 2012 for the first time in more than 15 years, and migrate from breeding grounds in the northern hemisphere to Australia each spring. More likely you'll spot migratory Bar-tailed Godwits and Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, as well as resident Black-winged Stilts. Grey Teals, Australian Pelicans and native fish including Silver Bream and Luderick. Endangered Coastal salt marsh vegetation is expanding around wetland fringes. Together with the surrounding mangrove forest, the wetland is listed as a 'wetland of National Importance' by the Australian Government because of its high ecological values.

Sydney Olympic Park NSW

1.1 km away

Brickpit Ring Walk — Image credit: Destination NSW

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Brickpit Ring Walk

The Ring Walk is an elevated circular walkway that allows visitors to access and view the Brickpit from above while preserving the habitat of the endangered Green and Golden Bell frog. The Ring Walk is 550 metres in circumference and is raised 18.5 metres above the sandstone floor of the Brickpit. The Ring Walk allows many people to experience the Brickpit while fully recognising it as a fragile habitat. Once home to the State Brickworks, a self-guided walk past information panels outlines the location's environmental and heritage significance.

Sydney Olympic Park NSW

1.1 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

1.3 km away

Armory Gallery — Image credit: Sydney Olympic Park Authority

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Armory Gallery

Part of the Newington Armory site, the Armory Gallery is housed in Building 18, near the Parramatta River, and is one of the largest armament storehouses constructed prior to World War Two. It now houses a flexible exhibition space that can accommodate 500 visitors at one time. This extraordinary heritage building has the longest uninterrupted wall space of any gallery in Australia.

Sydney Olympic Park NSW

1.4 km away

Memorial Centrepiece — Image credit: KTMW

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway

The Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway is a war memorial and walking track that serves as a unique tribute to the Australian troops who fought in World War II Kokoda Campaign from July 1942 till December 1943. The Memorial consists of an Education Centre for school, community groups and the visiting public. A Memorial Centrepiece showcasing sandblasted granite images from the Kokoda Campaign with a cascading waterfall for quiet remembrance. The Memorial Rose Garden, where over 500 plaques are dedicated to the memory of individuals or specific units who primarily served in the war, and the Walkway itself. Consisting of more than 800 metres of pathway, the Walkway starts at Concord Hospital to Rhodes railway station and features 22 information stations, each describing a significant place or engagement of the campaign together with photographs and maps which outline how the campaign was fought. Along the pathway lush tropical vegetation environment has been planted, simulating the conditions of the original Kokoda Track. Support for the Walkway comes from Local, State and Federal Government as well as RSL NSW and their sub-branches.

Concord NSW

1.5 km away

Badu Mangroves — Image credit: Sydney Olympic Park Authority

Parks and Gardens

Muru nanga mai, the ‘Dreaming Track’ poem at Badu Mangroves

Muru nanga mai, the 'Dreaming Track', by Lorna Munro, freshwater Wiradjuri poet, and Dharawal interpretation by Shannon Foster, saltwater D'harawal Elder. Experience the poem, inscribed in panels and as an audiovisual, while walking along the mangrove boardwalk in Bicentennial Park. See how the poem honours the Sydney languages and pays respect to the 29 clans that descend from the area. Come and listen in on this piece of work, a conversation between saltwater and freshwater that speaks to a Sydney not many people alive today would recognise. You can experience the poem walking along the mangrove boardwalk in Bicentennial Park, where the poem is inscribed in panels. You might also want to scan the QR code signposted on the boardwalk to view or listen to the poem in language as you take the Dreaming Track journey.

Sydney Olympic Park NSW

1.6 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

1.7 km away

The Olympic Cauldron at Cathy Freeman Park

Parks and Gardens

Sydney Olympic Park

Sydney Olympic Park features mangrove boardwalks and bird watching, a children's water playground at the Aquatic Centre, as well as tennis, volleyball and hockey at the Olympic Sports Centre. Visitors can take a tour of heritage precincts, hire a bike to ride through Bicentennial Park, try their skills at the Monster Skate Park or enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the picturesque barbecue areas dotted throughout the parklands.

Sydney Olympic Park NSW

1.8 km away

Take Aim — Image credit: SOPA

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Sydney Olympic Park Archery Centre

The Sydney Olympic Park Archery Centre was the venue for the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games Archery competition with Simon Fairweather winning the first ever gold medal for Australia at these games. Join one of the weekend or school holidays programs suitable for kids and adults or host a party or corporate team building event. You don’t need any experience, all equipment and instruction in provided in a social and fun setting. Bookings are essential. The Sydney Olympic Park Archery Centre also provides Laser Tag and Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting programs.

Sydney Olympic Park NSW

1.9 km away

Monster Skatepark

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Monster Skatepark

Monster Skatepark has the only international ramp facility in Australia with an outdoor vert and mini ramps plus an action skate and scooter shop. Sessions for skateboarders, scooters and BMX are all catered for at Monster Skatepark. Monster has a great atmosphere and the tunes pumps up any skater, scooter, or BMX rider to push their limits!

Sydney Olympic Park NSW

2.0 km away

Plaques at Cauldron, Cathy Freeman Park — Image credit: Sydney Olympic Park Authority

Landmarks and Buildings

Olympic Medal Plaques - Cathy Freeman Park

Many will never forget seeing the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron at the start of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Cathy Freeman walked to a pool of water, and as she swept the flaming Olympic torch across it, a ring of fire sprung from the submerged Olympic Cauldron. The flaming Olympic Cauldron, with water cascading from its lower flutings, then rose to be joined with the mast, which emerged from behind the northern stand of the Stadium. This combined structure then ascended to its maximum height, where it stood for the duration of the Games. If you want to see this structure for yourself, visit Cathy Freeman Park (formerly The Overflow), where the Olympic Cauldron sits today, and features the names of the 1,972 Olympic medallists and 2,627 Paralympic medallists on gold, silver and bronze nameplates at the base. A shallow dome of white marble commemorates the first Olympic Games of the modern era, held in Athens in 1896. Reignited to commemorate special occasions, including future Olympic Games held at other sites, the Olympic Cauldron stands on 24 stainless steel columns and weighs approximately 7 tonnes.

Sydney Olympic Park NSW

2.1 km away

What is happening now?

Search dated events, markets, live music, sport and community activities.

Planning by place?

Use Things to Do for attractions and experiences that are not tied to one event date.