With 9.2 hectares of lush, landscaped gardens, Auburn Botanic Gardens, situated only 7kms from PARKROYAL Parramatta, are a delight for any flora and fauna fans.  Satisfy all your senses; breathe in the scent of serenity in the fragrant garden, enjoy a picnic or a BBQ, pause by the tranquil lake in the Japanese garden. Keep an eye out for roaming peacocks, swift koi fish and ducks. The Autumn Colours Festival in late May and the Cherry Blossom Festival in mid to late August are glorious feasts for the eyes. The garden has good playgrounds and paths that are stroller and wheelchair friendly. A small entry fee applies on weekends, school holidays and during festivals. Parking is plentiful and free.

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The city’s equivalent of the quintessential Aussie backyard, Parramatta Park is located on the banks of the Parramatta River. With 200 acres of open parklands, this is the perfect place to kick a ball without fear. Just 7 minutes walk from PARKROYAL. Parramatta; enjoy a morning run or bike ride on the 3.2km circuit. Gazetted as a peoples’ park in 1850s, the park’s historic features include Old Government House and a heritage rose garden.  For the independent tourist there are DIY walking tours. High tea at the Gatehouse is a delight.

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Wisteria is one of nature’s charmers, dripping languorously from arches and fences, beckoning with her seductive scent. Located in the grounds of the historic Cumberland Hospital, these gardens are nestled in the curve of the river at the north eastern edge of Parramatta Park. Established in 1906 for the Superintendent of the Parramatta Lunatic Asylum, with cuttings brought from Japan by his daughter, this garden is a show stopper in the spring. Allow yourself to be charmed. Open to the public for the Wisteria Festival during the month of September.

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Go bush! Only two kilometres from PARKROYAL Parramatta. Native and natural Lake Parramatta Reserve is 73 hectares of streams, rocky slopes and native bush. Go for a bushwalk on one of the walking tracks, then cool down with a dip at the designated swimming area. Amateur archaeologists may spot signs of aboriginal life such as tree scars and hidden deposits. The visitor’s kiosk is open on weekends.

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Once a quarry, this 7 hectare park is now popular with the active and energetic. Only 2 kms from PARKROYAL Parramatta Barton Park is ideal for family fun, equipped with picnic shelters, children’s playground, throwing cages, synthetic long jump track and a grass athletics track, it is home to the Parramatta Little Athletics Club, the Parramatta City Track and Field Clubs and the Tennis Centre is only a short hit away. So for a spot of sport, ready, set, go!

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