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 is the gate. Parramatta Park is not a 24-hour park: it runs 6am to 6pm, or 8pm during daylight saving.

The walk. Fully sealed, no gradient worth the name, and a loop rather than a return, so you finish where you started. AllTrails 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. It handles prams and wheels easily, which also means bikes and joggers use it.

The rules. Greater Sydney Parklands manages Parramatta Park and dogs must be on lead throughout. Dogs stay out of the fenced children's playgrounds. The loop is shared with cyclists and runners, so a short lead does more for you here than a long one.

Water. The river runs alongside the route, but this is a walking loop, not a swimming spot. Bubblers and fountains are spread through the park, so fill up before you set off.

Getting there. Parramatta Park is a short walk from both Parramatta and Westmead stations, and the bus terminal sits next to Parramatta station. One catch: Transport for NSW does not allow pet dogs on trains, only approved assistance animals, so the train is your option and not your dog's. From the Charles Street ferry wharf it is a short walk along the riverside. Driving, the vehicle gates have their own hours: Macquarie Street runs 6am to 6pm, and Queens Road is 10am to 3pm on weekdays and 6am to 6pm on weekends and public holidays, extending to 8pm during daylight saving. Parking is paid on weekdays and free and unlimited on weekends and public holidays. West Domain gives you the first two hours free then $3 an hour up to $10 a day. O'Connell Street and Bowling Green run $3 an hour short-stay, or $13 and $14 respectively for a long stay of up to 10 hours.

Nearby with the dogs. Dan Mahoney Reserve at North Parramatta is fenced if the lead needs to come off. For a longer day, the walk out to Rydalmere Ferry Wharf starts from the same park, and Lake Parramatta Reserve gives you bush instead of lawn. Good George sits at the George Street gatehouse, and Punthill Parramatta is the nearest listed stay.

When to go. Weekday mornings, or before 8am on a weekend. Saturday and Sunday between 9am and 1pm is the busiest window on the loop. Watch the closing time in winter, when the gates shut at 6pm and the light goes before that. Good for seniors and for dogs who do better on a predictable surface.

Sources

• Getting to Parramatta Park - Greater Sydney Parklands · greatersydneyparklands.nsw.gov.au
• Travelling with animals and pets - Transport for NSW · transportnsw.info
• People's Loop Trail - AllTrails · alltrails.com

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.