Parramatta Rowboats

It’s a 20-minute cycle from Parramatta CBD to Lake Parramatta and you can follow the cycle paths for most of the way. The man-made reservoir is located within 73 hectares of parkland, and the lake – which was once a popular swimming spot – is now open for swimming once again. You can hire a rowboat, pedal boat, canoe or kayak to explore the area by water. On weekends you’ll find Parramatta Rowboats (who have another business over at Lane Cove Boat Shed) who’ll lend you a boat from one hour up to the whole day, from $30. On the day we visit it’s windy and the tide is against us, but we make it to the curve of the S-shaped lake to spot cockatoos and walkers among the eucalyptus trees. In warmer, calmer weather we’d opt for the double kayak and explore further upstream. You could make a day of it here, as the park has free barbecues, bush walks, a playground and kiosk for more civilised dining.