People's Loop Trail

The People's Loop is a 3.2 km sealed circuit inside Parramatta Park, flat the whole way and open to dogs on lead. The deciding fact for dog owners is the gate: this is not a 24 hour park, it runs 6am to 6pm, extending to 8pm in daylight saving.

The dog setup

Greater Sydney Parklands requires dogs on lead throughout, and they stay out of the fenced children's playgrounds. The path is shared with cyclists, joggers and prams, so a short lead does more for you here than a long one. The river runs alongside but this is a walking loop, not a swim stop.

Max: time the loop to the gate hours, not the daylight. Arriving at 5.30pm in winter leaves you a shrinking loop and a hurried dog.

The walk itself

Fully sealed with no gradient worth the name, and a true loop, so you finish where you started. Most walkers log it in a bit over 40 minutes. The circuit takes in parkland along the Parramatta River and passes the Old Government House precinct, which gives it more history per kilometre than most suburban loops.

Getting there and parking

The park is a short walk from both Parramatta and Westmead stations, though note Transport for NSW does not allow pet dogs on trains, only approved assistance animals. From Charles Street ferry wharf it is a short riverside walk. Driving, vehicle gates have their own hours: Macquarie Street runs 6am to 6pm, Queens Road is restricted on weekdays, parking is paid on weekdays and free unlimited on weekends and public holidays, and the West Domain car park gives the first two hours free.

More walks nearby

For an off lead counterpoint, Dan Mahoney Reserve Fenced Dog Park is the fully fenced sprint option in North Parramatta, and Lake Parramatta Reserve adds a bushier on lead circuit. Coffee afterwards is easy, with Paper Plane Cafe and Social Hideout both in the centre.

More options are on the NSW dog friendly trails guide and the Parramatta destination page.

Leash status

On lead throughout Parramatta Park, no off lead sections on the loop.

Water

Bubblers and fountains spread through the park. The river is for looking at, not swimming.

Hazards

Fast cyclists and runners on a shared sealed path, and the park's closing gates.

When to go

Early morning for quiet tarmac and cooler air, or weekends for free parking. Summer evening laps work in daylight saving when the gates hold until 8pm.