From Meadowbank to Parramatta via PVC. Light weight history tour of four sites within Parramatta. Return to Meadowbank via the M4.
Suitability: Participants should be comfortable with the distance. Ride is on a mix of quiet roads, usually light traffic, and shared user paths. There are a few busy intersections to be mindful of. This is cycling for a historical adventure.
Route description: Leaving Meadowbank Wharf ride west on the PVC to ride up through North Parramatta to the Lake and view the historic dam wall, believed to be the only masonry arch dam wall in Australia. The wall is a declared National Landmark.
From the Lake, ride to the old Parramatta Gaol. No access is allowed, instead be reminded of names of some notorious past inmates.
After the gaol, ride on to the site of the Female Factory where more than 9,000 women were incarcerated over the years. View the 3rd class sleeping quarters across from the Havenstone Cafe as you enjoy your coffee at this potential stop and consider the life of the female inmates.
We ride on through the Wisteria Gardens and into Parramatta Park, with optional circuits, and then exit through the Tudor style gate house dated from the 1870s.
Next stop is Elizabeth Farm, after riding through Parramatta. Built in 1793 for the young military couple John and Elizabeth Macarthur, Elizabeth Farm is set within a re-created 1830s garden. It is Australia’s oldest homestead and is now a house museum with free entry. Continue down Alfred St to join the M4 cycleway to Homebush and onward back to Meadowbank Wharf.
Ride Notes (should be checked prior to riding as these are subject to change).
- Elizabeth Farm only open Fri and Sat, 10am-4pm.
Recommend bringing bike lock for Elizabeth Farm visit.
- Havenstone Café at Female Factory very busy on weekends.
- Alternate coffee stops at Lake Parramatta, Parramatta city and 5 Loaves.
Estimated duration is 4 hours.
Hazards associated with the route: Shared User Paths, Light Traffic on road
Terrain and conditions of the route: Mostly flat however there is the odd short hill.
Details of potential bail out options. Parramatta Station.
Distance: 33.00
Elevation Change: 210
Effort Index: 7
Ride with GPS
Check public transport alerts: www.transportnsw.info/alerts#/metro-train
Risk warning
As a participant in this dangerous recreational activity, you may be exposing yourself to a significant risk of harm.
Bike North, the ride organisers and leaders wish to warn you of the risks and hazards that are an inherent part of cycling,
and to take care to prevent putting yourself, your fellow participants and/or others into danger.
By registering for this ride, you accept the warning as to risk, and you agree to ride in a safe and responsible
manner and to obey all road rules and other legal requirements.
All riders wear an approved helmet and carry water, at least one spare tube plus a pump.
Health warning
Riders must not attend if sick, have Covid-19, influenza or symptoms of any communicable disease.
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