Parramatta Park is a distinguished part of Parramatta and Westmead, spanning roughly 85 hectares (210 acres) including lawns, gardens, outdoor event spaces, historic monuments and sporting facilities. Parramatta Park serves as a meeting place, a lunch spot, a place to play games and enjoy time with friends and family.
With a place so expansive, it’s easy to miss some key and otherwise under-appreciated places within the park. I was lucky enough to spend a sunny afternoon wandering the grounds in search of such places. Here are my top three hidden gems of Parramatta Park:
Rumsey Rose Garden
Rumsey Rose Garden is an enchanting collection of rose covered arbors and shady seats, located adjacent to the entrance near Club Parramatta. Named for its collection donated by Roy Rumsey in 1995, the garden boasts one of the largest rose collections in Australia, and houses many different varieties including Tea, Nosisette Bourbon and many more.
While the roses are at their peak from October to May, the gardens are surrounded by lush foliage and trees, still providing the perfect spot for a picnic or leisurely walk, any time of the year.
I was lucky to spot the last few roses, and enjoy the changing colours as autumn faded and winter set in.
Yurungi Shelter and Picnic Ground
Deep into the park, across from historic landmarks such as The Dairy, sits the Yurungi Shelter. This is a picnic ground nestled on the bank of Domain Creek, a creek which runs through the park, parallel with the Parramatta River. Here, on the left side you’ll find grassy areas, sunbathed and perfect for laying out the picnic blanket, and picnic tables under shady trees on the right. There are plenty of ducks to feed along the riverbed, and the shelter is a short walk from the Domain Creek Playground, perfect for little and big people alike.
Little Coogee Trail
On your way back from a lovely picnic at Yurungi Shelter, take a detour down the hill and make your way back via the Little Coogee Trail.
Little Coogee is an area on the banks of the Parramatta River, earning its name by its sandy shore and proximity to the water. The trail itself is secluded and reminiscent of a deep wood. Trees line the path to create an almost enchanted feel, with the river running peacefully beside you. The path is a short walk with minimal difficulty, and opens into a grassy hill that cradles the river. From here you can follow the path back to the entrance, passing playgrounds, picnic tables, and Old Government House.
Special mention
I must give special mention to the park entrance right next to Club Parramatta, adjacent to The Murray Gardens. Its gravel pathway is lined with trees and flowers, and is an excellent way to enter the park. It truly provides a magical garden feel and is the perfect place to sit and enjoy the sunshine.
Parramatta Park has many things to offer, from its extensive walking tracks to its host of historic buildings and treasures. A gem itself, Parramatta Park is a green escape in the heart of western Sydney – perfect for a stroll, a picnic, or just unwinding in nature.
Madeline Dantier is the author of the Experience Parramatta series, hosted by Parra News.