Accessibility Notes: Lake Parramatta

There were two things that spurred me to write this post.  The first was a virtual conversation with Julie from "Have Wheelchair Will Travel" where we talking about wheelchair access to a "pop up event" in Sydney.  Sometimes a location may state "wheelchair accessible" and yet still have steps.  I am always conscious of wheelchair accessibility whenever I am out and about in Sydney or elsewhere.  This has always been an area of interest for me and if I had not specialised in Paediatrics, I think I would have gone down the path of home modifications and accessibility.  In previous jobs, I have loved helping families to find ways to make their homes more accessible.

The second was a conversation with a friend about a bush-walking {or hiking if you are in the Northern Hemisphere} track that was within 20 minutes of where I have lived most of my life that I just didn't know about. I was curious and excited to discover a local oasis!

Accessibility Notes {thanks OT mommy} will become a regular feature of Your Kids OT and will include my real experience with my "OT eye" when visiting places in Sydney and beyond. Accessibility Notes will include information about wheelchair access such as lifts, ramps, inclines, steps,  (which are applicable to prams and the elderly as well), disabled parking spots and disabled access toilets (which often house change tables). Information provided will be based on personal experience and will be accurate at time of printing. At this stage, Accessibility Notes will be limited to physical accessibility.

Lake Parramatta

Where?
Parramatta is situated approximately 24kms from the Sydney CBD.  Lake Parramatta can be found approximately 2km from the city of Parramatta.

By Road: Lake Parramatta is accessed by Bourke St, North Parramatta.  The entrance is within a series of residential streets and therefore "hidden" from general passing traffic. Directions to Lake Parramatta are well sign posted as you approach.

By Bus: Hills Bus Route #609 has regular buses travelling from Parramatta to Lake Parramatta (and return).

Cost?
Free entry every day of the year. 

Features
Lake Parramatta Reserve is a 60 hectare bushland and parkland reserve. The lake was Parramatta's water supply
until 1909, and the original function of the reserve was to protect its water quality. There is a dam wall located on the western side of the lake which was built in the 1850s. There are shelter caves, tree scares, hand stencils can be found in the reserve and are evidence of regular usage and occupation by the aboriginal Burramattagal clan. 

The parkland reserve includes a children's playground, cafe overlooking the lake, BBQs, sheltered tables, a designated swimming area, three walking trails, non-motorised boating facilities and free parking.

The car park is spread out over several sections.  There is a section beside the lake and then along a service road to the children's playground and just beyond.  I was pleased to see disability parking spots located beside the lake (2 parking spots), besides the children's playground (2 parking spots) and next to the toilet block (2 drop off disability parking spots).

The children's playground includes several animal sculptures, a climbing frame, slide, monkey bars, swings and a wheelchair "Liberty" swing. There are some sensory features including music making and a scavenger hunt to find various shapes.  The playground is not fenced.  

The toilet block is conveniently located across the service road from the children's playground.  There is a disabled access toilet which houses a baby change table.  Nothing to get too excited about here, however there was running water.

The cafe is accessed via stairs from the picnic area near the toilet block or via an accessible footpath from the car park near the lake. There are views of the lake from the cafe. 

From the car park located near the lake, there is a pavement that provides a short even walk around a small section of the lake towards the dam wall.  This is suitable for wheelchairs with slight variations in incline. This walkway provides uninterrupted views of the lake and includes several sheltered picnicking spots. Unfortunately the shelters themselves that lead off the path are not accessible as they are built up on concrete foundations. 

The designated swimming areas can be accessed from the main foot path down an unsealed walkway.  This is not wheelchair accessible.  Whilst the council are doing their best to maintain the water quality, the water did not look inviting for a swim!

There are three bush walking tracks that extend around the lake. Besides the paved section already mentioned, the other tracks are not wheelchair accessible.  The Lake Circuit is approximately 4.2km and takes approximately 2 hours to complete.  The Lake Circuit features uneven rocky paths, creek crossings on logs, inclines and descents, steps and maneuvering over fallen trees and rocks. Mr 5 and Miss 8 yrs enjoyed the bush walk and were able to complete it without adult help.  Younger kids will need help along some of the uneven surfaces and across the water ways. 

In the area around the car park, the noise from surrounding roads can be heard as a constant hum. As you begin to walk further around the lake, this recedes and you feel like you are in a natural oasis far from the suburbs.

The bush land reserve features a variety of fauna and flora as you walk around the lake.  Apparently in surveys undertaken in 1990 and 2001, there were 67 species of native birds, 12 species of reptile, 5 frog species and 13 native species of mammal, plus several exotic species of birds and mammals in the reserve.

Lake Parramatta may be a "hidden gem" for many, however it is well known by locals.  It is a popular spot for birthday parties and weddings.  We will certainly be back to enjoy this reserve again!

If you are looking for more information about accessibility around Sydney. I would highly recommend:
*Have Wheelchair Will Travel
* Sydney for all

I hope you have enjoyed the first "Accessibility Notes" article! I would love to hear your feedback or if you have other "hidden gems" that you think we should explore!


Have you visited Lake Parramatta?

Disclaimer: This article contains opinions and experiences personal to the writer and the writer accepts no responsibility if circumstances change or if others do not encounter the same facilities or features as described.

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