Parramatta Park to Rydalmere Ferry Wharf

This is the long one: a river walk from Parramatta Park out to the Rydalmere Ferry Wharf and back, logged by AllTrails at 14.5 km and around three hours. It is flat and fully paved the whole way, so the difficulty is distance rather than terrain, and the lead stays on from end to end.

The walk

The route follows the Parramatta Valley Cycleway along the river, roughly 7 km each way, through parkland, boardwalk and riverfront reserves. There is no gradient to speak of and no rough ground, and the birdlife along the water is most of the scenery. If 14.5 km is more than your dog has in them, walk out as far as suits and turn around. Every section is the same easy surface.

Leash status

Greater Sydney Parklands manages Parramatta Park at the start, dogs are on lead throughout, and the lead stays on along the shared riverside path as well. Keep clear of children's playgrounds and barbecue areas. The path carries cyclists moving at speed, so a short lead is the safe setup rather than a long one.

The ferry, and why it may not help

The obvious plan is to walk one way and ride back, but check this before you rely on it. Transport for NSW allows pet animals on ferries only if the animal is confined in a box, basket or other container for the whole trip, and pet dogs are not permitted on trains at all. Only approved assistance animals travel freely. For anything bigger than a carrier-sized dog, this is a there-and-back walk or a two-car job.

Pepsi: Fourteen kilometres on hard paving is a lot of repetition for one set of joints. Walk the grass verge where there is one, and turn around earlier than you think you need to.

Getting there and parking

Start from the George Street gatehouse, a short walk from Parramatta station. Mind the park gates: 6am to 6pm, or 8pm during daylight saving. Parking inside the park is paid on weekdays and free and unlimited on weekends and public holidays, and there is free street parking around Rydalmere at the far end.

When to go

Early morning, or any weekday. Sunday mornings are the busiest, and a crowded shared path plus a long lead plus a tired dog is how the last few kilometres go wrong. Summer afternoons are the wrong call given the shade gaps on the Ermington side, where bubblers are also spaced well apart. Carry water regardless. Good for big runners in condition.

Close by with the dogs

The George Kendall Riverside Park Fenced Dog Park sits right off the river path for the off-lead run, and the Dan Mahoney Reserve Fenced Dog Park covers the Parramatta end. Big Tree House Cafe and Little Angel Cafe are both near the wharf end, and the People's Loop Trail is the short version inside the park itself. The NSW trails guide and Parramatta destination page list more.