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Lake Parramatta
September update
Work at Lake Parramatta is going swimmingly. A new lifeguard platform has been installed, extensive sandstone landscaping and seating has been completed.
Steps to the water’s edge and a new sandy beach have improved access and safety for visitors to the lake, making entering and exiting the swim area easier.
It is a very complex project requiring some ingenuity. The legislative planning document for the project - the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) - which guides the construction work stipulated there was to be minimal disturbance to the site due to the potential impacts on flora and fauna. This meant lowering of the water was not permissible.
There was only very minimal removal of vegetation and rock to create the new more gently-sloped swimming area and beach entry, all of which was in accordance with the REF.
While there is no aquatic planting in the scope of works, as planting within the swimming area can become a safety hazard, there is additional planting of local indigenous plant species including bush regeneration and garden beds.
Planting is planned along the access path to the swimming area and on the embankment and surrounds with 6 x 75L Eucalyptus trees (around 3 to 4m high), more than 470 x 300mm pot size native shrubs, and almost 1,050 native ground cover plants.
Work will continue until the end of September, adding the final touches to the project including new planted garden beds, seating, an outdoor shower, and more access improvements.
Subject to weather and any impacts on the construction program, Lake Parramatta is expected to open in late-October for the 2024/25 swimming season.
For more information see Participate Parramatta.
Lake Parramatta is located in Lake Parramatta Reserve, a 73 hectare habitat popular with visitors who enjoy picnics, aquatic activities and bush walking.
The lake is 10.5 hectares in size and was officially re-opened for public swimming and water recreation activities in January 2015.
Its reopening marked an important step for the 'Our Living River' initiative and was launched by the Parramatta River Catchment Group (PRCG).
The PRCG is spearheaded by 12 local councils, government agencies and community groups with the aim to set a range of achievable targets to bring currently unusable parts of the river and surrounding creeks back to life.
Facilities
Lake Parramatta Reserve offers a range of facilities:
- designated swimming area
- boat hire
- non-motorised boating facilities
- children’s playground
- off-street car park
- walking trails
- public toilets
- BBQs
- picnic facilities
- a cafe
Entrance and Opening Hours
Entry into Lake Parramatta Reserve is from Lackey Street via Bourke Street, North Parramatta.
Lake Parramatta provides Lifeguard Supervision during peak swimming periods.
Swimmers are encouraged to swim in the designated swimming area when Lifeguards are present during Lifeguard Patrols.
Patrols
Please note that the Lake will be unsupervised until late October 2024.
Safe swimming at Lake Parramatta
(Back to top)Swimming safety tips
30% of drowning deaths occur in natural water ways like rivers, lakes and dams. Minimise the risk by:
- Not swimming alone
- Know your swimming ability and stay within a suitable depth
- Wear a buoyancy vest or life jacket
- Not swimming outside of the designated swimming area
- Only swimming during patrolled hours
- Lifeguards will be patrolling the swimming enclosure during the stated hours; this is the safest area to swim
- Not swimming for three days after heavy rain; there may be submerged objects that could cause injury
It is important to take care when walking on slippery or uneven surfaces around or in water. Conditions should be checked before entering the water slowly, feet first or slide into the water on your bottom. Avoid submerged obstacles, such as tree branches and rocks.
If you get in trouble
- Float on your back
- Try not to panic; relax as much as possible, this will help you to float
- Stay as still as possible, this will conserve your energy
- Breath normally
- Attract attention by raising one arm and/or calling out for help
Avoid alcohol around water
Alcohol often contributes to drownings. It impairs judgement, encourages greater risk taking behaviour, reduces coordination, impairs reaction time and reduces the effectiveness of CPR, should someone require it.
On average, approximately 25% of adult drownings deaths each year involve alcohol, with 44% of these occurring near rivers, creeks and streams. A further 9% of these occur in lakes, dams and lagoons.
Learn to swim
The City of Parramatta Council offers affordable swimming and water safety lessons in Parramatta and Epping. For further details, call Epping: 9806 5633 or Parramatta: 9806 5700.
Learn first aid
Gain the knowledge and skills to administer first aid until medical help arrives.
Water quality
(Back to top)City of Parramatta Council manages a comprehensive water quality program to:
- monitor the environmental status of Lake Parramatta
- advise users about any changes in the lake’s water quality conditions
Transport and parking
(Back to top)Parking
Lake Parramatta Reserve has 68 car spots on site. When the car park is full, parking is available on surrounding streets just a short walk way.
Public transport
If you arrive by train, disembark at the Parramatta Interchange - you can then catch a bus from the Parramatta CBD (bus route 609). The bus stops 50 metres from the entrance to Lake Parramatta every hour, Monday to Saturday, and three times on Sundays.
Alternatively, buses that travel along Windsor Road and Pennant Hills Road include stops about 500 metres from the Lake Parramatta entrance.
To plan your journey visit Transport for NSW or call 131 500.
