Lake Parramatta – the “real gem in the west” – has officially reopened following a splashy $1.4 million upgrade.
Opening just in time for the swimming season, the local swimming hole has undergone a major transformation to make it safer and more accessible for visitors.
Closed to the public from May of this year, the swimming area now features a new lifeguard platform, gently sloping sandy beach, shade and an outdoor shower.
More greenery, including six four-metre-high Eucalyptus trees and thousands of indigenous plant species in bush regeneration areas and garden beds complete the transformation, while new sandstone walls provide seating with a view.
Calling Lake Parramatta an “iconic swimming spot”, City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Martin Zaiter said the upgrades will really elevate the oasis and provide a safe and comfortable environment to cool off on hot days.
“The eastern suburbs have Bondi, Penrith has Pondi and now more people can safely enjoy the real gem in the west – Lake Parramatta,” he said.
“Lake Parramatta is a key part of our plan to create a continuous green corridor from the Lake to Sydney Olympic Park, reflecting our bold vision to become an unrivalled River City.”
Originally re-opened for swimming in 2015, Lake Parramatta attracts thousands of locals every year.
The $1.4 million project was funded by the NSW Government.
NSW Deputy Premier Prue Car said it’s a great location for people to have a dip during the warmer months.
“Lake Parramatta is great spot for the people of western Sydney to escape the summer heat, now more than ever after this upgrade,” she said.
“The revitalisation of this swimming spot is in no small part thanks to the advocacy of [State Member for Parramatta] Donna Davis, who as Lord Mayor pushed so hard for it to be funded. Now the whole community can benefit from this investment in local amenity here in Parramatta.”
The project was shaped by community feedback with Council modifying the design to minimise impacts on the natural environment while retaining important safety and accessibility upgrades.
The finished upgrades come after two men drowned at Lake Parramatta in two separate incidents earlier this year.
Lake Parramatta is now open for swimming and will have lifeguards on duty each weekend from 10am to 6pm until Sunday, November 24.
From November 30 to January 30 2025, lifeguards will be on duty seven days per week from 10am to 7pm.
Lifeguards will return to weekend-only patrols from February 1 to March 30 2025, between 10am to 7pm.
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.