Now that the temperature has dropped it’s the perfect time to rug up and get outdoors. Staying active is so important in the cooler months for your physical wellbeing and one of the easiest ways to get moving is by walking. Out amongst nature you can reset, recharge and reconnect and we've discovered the best walking tracks in and around Stockland Merrylands for you to discover on your next outdoor adventure.
Holroyd Gardens
A beautiful park in the middle of Merrylands, Holroyd Gardens has everything for a beautiful day out with your family. You can spend the day walking the grounds, seeing the historical brickwork buildings, playing at the playgrounds or seeing the ducks at the pond.
Grade: Easy
Time it takes: 1 hour
Track conditions: Walk on paved paths
Facilities available: Sheltered areas with picnic tables and benches, an electric barbecue, a bicycle track, walking trails, large grassed areas, adventure playgrounds, accessible playgrounds, a rotunda, historic brickworks and a duck pond
Animal restrictions: Dogs must be on a leash at all times when walking
Access point: Parking is available from Walpole Street and pedestrian access is available from Pitt Street
Find out more information here: https://www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/holroyd-gardens-nature-reserve
Central Gardens Nature Reserve
Central Gardens Nature Reserve is the ideal location for family days out away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The 12 hectares of natural bushland feature native animal exhibits, waterfalls, a pond, playground picnic facilities and a long path to walk or ride on.
Grade: Easy
Time it takes: 1 hour
Track conditions: Walk on paved paths
Facilities available: Adventure playgrounds, animal enclosures, educational bush trails, ponds and water features, an amphitheatre, a large open space grass area, a barbecue and picnic areas
Animal restrictions: Dogs must be on a leash at all times when walking
Access point: Parking is available from Walpole Street and pedestrian access is available from Pitt Street
Find out more information here: https://www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/central-gardens-nature-reserve
Lake Parramatta Reserve
This beautiful bushland was the original home to the Darug indigenous people, evidence of which remain at the reserve through the presence of shelter caves, hand stencils, campsites, tree scars and midden deposits. Whilst walking any of the three walking tracks you can see the high diversity of native flora and fauna.
Grade: Easy
Time it takes: 1 to 2 hours
Track conditions: Walk on paved paths
Facilities available: Carpark, toilets, playground, barbecue, Arrunga Bardo Bush Food Barden and picnic shelters
Animal restrictions: Dogs must be on a leash at all times when walking. No cats allowed
Access point: The main entrance is from Lackey Street off Bourke Street in North Parramatta, with entry gates opening at 6.30am and closing at 5.30pm (7.30pm during daylight saving). Public transport is available via Hills Bus Route #609 (nearest stop on Bourke Street)
Find out more information here: https://www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/sites/council/files/inline-files/LakeParraBrochure.pdf
Granville Park
On a beautiful day, a visit to Granville Park is a must. With playgrounds, multiple walking and cycling tracks and even a skate park, it’s a great way to keep the kids busy for a few hours.
Grade: Easy
Time it takes: 1 hour
Track conditions: Walk on paved paths
Facilities available: Shaded seating areas, parking, toilets, a playground, a skate park and a cycleway
Animal restrictions: Dogs must be on a leash at all times when walking
Access point: 2 Montrose Avenue, Merrylands
Find out more information here: https://www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/granville-park-merrylands
Auburn Botanic Gardens
This beautiful 9.2-hectare garden is full of things to do and see along with stunning picnic grounds. You can walk through the gardens and see the animal exhibits or visit the playground. The Japanese Garden is also home to the council’s Cherry Blossom Festival in August.
Grade: Easy
Time it takes: 1 hour
Track conditions: Walk on paved paths
Facilities available: Picnic area, barbecues, a fauna reserve, a bird aviary, a native and rainforest garden, a scented garden, a sunken rose garden, a lake and a playground
Animal restrictions: Dogs must be on a leash at all times when walking
Access point: Auburn Botanic Gardens are located on the corner of Chisholm and Chiswick Roads in Auburn
Find out more information here: https://www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/auburn-botanic-gardens
How many walks have you ticked off? Stretch your legs and get a buddy on-board because walking with a friend is a social adventure! There is so much to see and do at each garden, reserve or park that your social calendar will be filled for weeks to come. Want to discover other activities to keep you busy while in isolation? Head straight to our Belong hub and get reading!
