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 Things to Do and See

 
 


Explore Our Rivers   
 
Ryde is a favourite place to enjoy water activities.

The RiverCat travels from Circular Quay to Parramatta stopping at points along the way. This journey is an interesting and relaxing way to see the River and its environment.   


Putney Punt Vehicular Ferry (also known as Mortlake Ferry)
  

Parramatta River


The Mortlake Ferry began operating in 1925 and is the only remaining punt in Sydney. Crosses Parramatta River from Hilly Street, Mortlake to Pellisier Road, Putney.

Takes 5 mins and is free. Carries cars, pedestrians and cycles.


Operating times from Putney:

Monday - Friday 6.55am - 9.35am and 2.55pm - 6.25pm.
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays 10.45am then every half hour until 12.15pm, 12.35pm, 1.15pm then every half hour until 5.15pm, 5.35pm (last service)

Lane Cove National Park   
 
Lane Cove ParkThe Lane Cove National Park is located in a peaceful bushland valley, the perfect place for a picnic, barbecue (bring your own wood), or a bushwalk. 

Visit the Kukundi Wildlife Shelter and the Bat and Bush display.

Enter from Delhi Road, Lane Cove Road or Lady Game Drive.  Phone: (02) 8448 0400.
 
 

Riverboat Wildlife Discovery Cruises  

Boat Lane Cove River

Historic riverboat, "Reliance", departs from Lane Cove River Steakhouse jetty on Delhi Road at Fullers Bridge.  Tea or coffee provided or bring a picnic.

See Sydney's mangrove ecology and visit the Kukundi Wildlife Shelter in Lane Cove National Park.

Queries/bookings: Lane Cove Steak House - 9412 3773.

 

Explore Our Parks   
 
Ryde has many beautiful parks in bushland and river settings. 

Putney Park    
 
Putney ParkPellisier Road, Putney. Waterfront park with play equipment for youngsters and wading pools.

The Parramatta Valley Cycleway starts/finishes here. This is the perfect picnic venue for larger groups and organisations.

Pellisier Road leads to the vehicular punt that crosses Parramatta River linking Putney to Mortlake.


Banjo Paterson Park    
 
Banjo Patterson ParkPunt Road, Gladesville. Magnificent views of Looking Glass Bay and Parramatta River.  

Wharf and jetty areas provide good boat access. "Rockend" cottage, a childhood home of the poet Banjo Paterson.

 

 

Looking Glass Bay Park  

Ashburn Place, Gladesville. Adjoins Banjo Paterson Park. Classified as a bird sanctuary.

Terry Road, Denistone. Open bushland areas and breathtaking views to Parramatta and beyond.  Attractive sandstone lookout with directional wheel.


Field of Mars Reserve    
 
Field of Mars Bush TrackPittwater Road, East Ryde. Protected flora and fauna. Nature walks, ideal for conservationists.

 


 


Glades Bay Park
   

Glades BayAlong Glades Avenue, Gladesville. A scenic park beside the Parramatta River overlooking Glades Bay.  Aboriginal carvings.


 

 

Kissing Point Park    
 
Kissing Point Park PutneyWaterview Street, Putney. Boat ramp, sailing club. River views and RiverCat Wharf.

 

 

 

Meadowbank Park    

Meadowbank Park

Constitution Road, Meadowbank.

Major sports field complex for football, soccer, cricket, baseball, hockey and netball. Bike and jogging track on Parramatta River foreshore, forming part of the Parramatta Valley Cycleway.

 


Memorial Park    
 
Bike Track MeadowbankMeadow Crescent, Meadowbank. Adjacent to the Parramatta River.

Bike track, part of the Parramatta Valley Cycleway. RiverCat Ferry Wharf. A WWII Memorial Walk has been constructed using stones from each country where Australians served or were stationed.

 



Heights and Sights

 
Looking for some panoramic views? 
Ryde is one of the highest points between Sydney and the Blue Mountains.    

Try some of these....  
  • Denistone Park, Terry Road
  • John Whitton Bridge, Bowden Street
  • Weemala Hospital, Morrison Road
  • Willandra Historic House, Victoria Road
  • Ryde Ex-Services Club, Victoria Road
  • Blaxland Hotel (TAFE), Blaxland Road
  • Ryde Aquatic Centre, Karen Moras Drive
  • Blaxland Hotel (TAFE), Blaxland Road

Willandra
Willandra

Along Parramatta River....  
  • Putney Park, Pellisier Road
  • Putney-Mortlake Ferry
  • Kissing Point, Waterview Street
  • Banjo Paterson Park, Punt Road
  • Gladesville Bridge
  • Huntley's Point
  • Parramatta River Sailing Club, Wharf Road
 Mortlake Ferry
Mortlake Ferry
Looking back to Ryde....  
 
Sydney Olympic Park Observation Deck. Level 17 Novotel, Olympic Boulevard.

360 degree views of Sydney. Phone: (02) 8762 1111.
 Views

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wharves and Boat Ramps 


Rivercat Service   

Rivercat

Within the City of Ryde there are 2 rivercat wharves. One is located at Kissing Point Park Putney and the other is situated at the end of Bowden Street Meadowbank.

Both offer services right along the Parramatta River from Parramatta to the CBD. 

 



Banjo Paterson Park    
 
Banjo Patterson WharfPunt Road, Gladesville. Wharf to Parramatta River.

 

 


 


Kissing Point Park
    
 
Kissing Point Park Boat Ramp and WharfWaterview Street Putney. Boat ramp to Parramatta River.

 


 


Magdala Park
    
 
Magdala Park and the Lane Cove RiverMagdala Road, East Ryde, canoe launch into Lane Cove River. 

 


 


Wharf Road
   
 
West Ryde. Wharf and boat ramp into Parramatta River.

 

Walking and Bushwalking


Canon Walk
   
 
Starts at Ryde Park (Top Ryde) and continues to the Field of Mars Wildlife Refuge where it links with the Great North Walk (Sydney to Newcastle). Distance 5.2km, estimated walking time 1 hr 10 mins.


Great North Walk
     
 
Great North Walk at the Lane Cove River250km walking track from Sydney to Newcastle. Can be accessed from Buffalo Creek Reserve, Magdala Park and Lane Cove National Park.

 

 

 



Parramatta River Walk
    

Parramatta River

A loop beginning and ending at Rhodes Station with access points at various stages along the loop. The walk includes a river crossing by ferry and one by train.

Estimated walking time 5-6 hours.





Historic Village Walking Tour
    
 
AddingtonThe heart of the 19th century village of Ryde consisted of a cluster of public, commercial and domestic buildings many of which are of architectural significance including the Ryde Police Station (1837), St Anne's Church (1826), the original Court House (1863), Addington (c. 1833) and Public School (1877).


 


Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway
   
 
Brays Bay Reserve on Concord Road, just across Ryde Bridge. A fascinating and educational Memorial to all veterans who served in WWII. 9767 8488.


Eco-walk

Ryde College 250 Blaxland Road, Ryde. Free self-guided tour allows participants to learn more about sustainable gardening and its impact on the environment.
 

Other Activities

For more activity venues, search local Community Directory.


Cycling   
 Bike Track Meadowbank
The Parramatta Valley Cycleway (Putney Park to Parramatta) links with cycleways to Sydney, Botany Bay, Homebush Bay and to cycleways further north.

The railway bridge across the Parramatta River at Meadowbank has been converted to a bicycle and pedestrian crossing.


For further information and maps contact RTA Bicycle section 1800 060607 or  www.rta.nsw.gov.au.
 

Macquarie Ice Rink   
 
Macquarie Centre, North Ryde. Phone: (02) 9888 1100 or www.macquarieicerink.com.au/


Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre  
 
Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre, 504 Victoria Road, Ryde.


Sydney Live Steam Locomotive Society    
 
LocomotivesDarvall Park West Ryde. Model train rides. Phone: (02) 9874 8696.


 

 

 

The University Observatory    

Night Sky

Open to public on Friday nights, 7:30pm (8.30pm during daylight saving). Group bookings other nights. Two domes and various telescopes.
Phone: (02) 9850 8914.

 


 

 

 

 Related Links

 
 
 

Last Updated: 10 July 2009

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