Yarramundi Reserve: Kayaking, swimming or fishing in the Grose River?
At the confluence of the Grose River and Nepean River, Yarramundi Reserve is a former sand mine turned into a nature reserve. Kayaking, swimming, fishing and birdwatching are popular in this Hawkesbury region park to the west of Sydney.
Yarramundi Reserve is a public park at the confluence of the Grose and Nepean Rivers in the Hawkesbury region of New South Wales. Near Richmond and Kurrajong, Yarramundi Reserve is very close to where the Nepean River changes name and becomes the Hawkesbury River. And, to all intents and purposes, this Hawkesbury nature reserve is part of Western Sydney.
Key Yarramundi Reserve questions – answered
How big is the Yarramundi Reserve? The Yarramundi Reserve covers 78 hectares.
Can I swim at the Yarramundi Reserve? Yes – but the Grose River is better for swimming than the Nepean River.
Are dogs allowed at the Yarramundi Reserve? Yes – this is an off-leash dog park, and dogs are permitted to swim in the river too.
Yarramundi Reserve car park
Yarramundi Reserve is pretty easy to get to. There’s a car park on Springwood Road in Yarramundi and you can walk from there.
The reserve hasn’t always been as pretty as it is now. Until 1989, it was used for mining sand and gravel. Nowadays, Yarramundi Reserve is much more pleasant and tranquil. It’s a popular spot for kayaking and canoeing along the Grose River.
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Swimming and fishing at Yarramundi Reserve
It’s also possible to go for a swim here. The favoured spots in the Grose River are not patrolled by lifeguards, and swimmers should be aware of sudden depth change. But the water quality is better in the Grose River than the Nepean River.
The Nepean River edge of Yarramundi Reserve, however, is a better bet for fishing.
Yarramundi Reserve walking track
Away from the water, there is an easy-going walking track that weaves around Yarramundi Reserve. This walking track is only 1.5km long, but there are lovely views over the lagoon and towards the Blue Mountains. There’s also a good chance of spotting the local birdlife – around 90 species of birds have been spotted in the reserve.
If it’s just a picnic you want, there are several good picnic spots along the Grose River. For more adventure, Treetops Adventure Yarramundi is close by.
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More New South Wales travel
Go walking in the Macquarie Pass National Park on the drive from Bowral to Wollongong.
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Try stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Illawarra near Wollongong.
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