Blaxland Riverside Park
Photo: Paul K Robbins
Blaxland Riverside Park has a spectacular waterside location alongside the Parramatta River and features terraced grassy slopes, playgrounds, picnic areas, a contemporary café plus views. The Park is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset.
Things to do at Blaxland Riverside Park
- Enjoy a picnic on the grassy banks overlooking the river
- Have your own sausage sizzle on the free BBQ
- Hire a bike from the information office in the historic gateway to the Armory
- Splash about with your kids in the water play area
- Walk, run or cycle along the shared pathways
- Admire the wharf cranes that now form an illuminated artwork
- Walk your dog (on-leash at all times in this Park)
- Enjoy fresh seasonal fare and alfresco riverside views at the Armory Wharf Cafe
- Visit the Armory Gallery (open weekends only)
- Discover hidden secrets as you explore the Armory (open weekends only)
- Ride the Heritage Train and learn about the site’s fascinating history (open weekends only)
- Take in the waterfront surroundings at the lookout
Blaxland Riverside Park major regional playground
This new play space will be delivered in 3 stages, with limited access already open to the public. An additional 120 car parking spaces and public toilets are expected to be completed by the end of January 2012. The remainder of the play space, including shade and shelter areas is expected to be completed by mid 2012.
By mid 2012 this amazing playground will extend over 3 hectares and include 12 different play environments purposely designed for children and their families of all ages.
Sydney Olympic Park appreciates your cooperation and patience during the construction period and values your feedback.
Blaxland Riverside Park Development map (PDF 1.9MB)
Find out more information about the development of this playground.
Interesting history
The Park was originally part of the Newington Estate granted to pioneer grazier John Blaxland, brother of the famous explorer Gregory Blaxland, in 1807. Named after the family estate in England sold to finance the Blaxland brother’s migration to Australia, Newington House still stands today in the grounds of the adjoining Silverwater Correctional Centre.
The adjoining Newington Armory (formerly the Royal Australian Navy Armament Depot) is also heritage-listed and offers Park visitors a unique experience. You’ll be intrigued by the Armory’s evolution of the original Blaxland estate, from salt-pan, grazing land and tweed mill into a military-industrial landscape, followed by the recent adaptive re-use into a creative artistic community.
