By Sara from Kid Magazine
Blink and you will miss the entrance of Parramatta Lake Reserve, nestled in a quiet residential street near Northmead. The unassuming gates and stone etched sign give little away of the beautiful hideaway that awaits behind.
I first discovered Parramatta Lake last year when my mothers’ group was sharing our top spots to get out of the house during long days at home. Since then it has become a regular weekend outing for walks, picnics, swings and coffee.
The first stop on our visits is always a walk down to the lake to look at the ducks. For those more organised than I, you can take bread along to the feed them or just watch them waddling about the foreshore. Over summer, council has lifeguards on duty for swimming in the lake.
Little huts are peppered around the lake for those wanting a quiet lunch or rest stop. The huts have such a peaceful feel about them, like you are sitting in a hidden rainforest rather than directly under James Ruse Drive.
If bush walking is your thing (mine it is not), there are three different walks of differing lengths. I think we’ll stick to leisurely strolls around the lake pointing out the ducks and picking up sticks and leaves along the way.
Back up the hill behind the lake is a little cafe serving breakfast, lunch, coffee and ice cream. The deck seating looks over the lake and is a beautiful spot for friendly get togethers or a reflective Sunday afternoon coffee.
The hill behind the cafe is covered in grass with BBQs and more shelters. My little one loves running around on the grass and crawling in amongst the leaves. So much treasure to discover!
Our favourite part of the park is the play area with swings, slides and all sorts of fun games to play. There is a special swing for use by those in a wheelchair. The equipment is very close to the road so you do need to stick close with younger kids.
I like to think of Parramatta Lake as my little sanctuary in the ‘burbs. We may not have the beach in the hills but there is something so peaceful about sitting under a tree and listening to the quiet sounds of nature. And then the toddler cracks it and it’s time to go home…
How often do you make it to your favourite park?
Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me says
We have a few secret parks and I love it, the kids not so much as they just want friends to meet!