Parramatta Ramble

15 keen walkers assembled at Yallamundi Light Rail Station on good time on a SUNNY morning. This saw us underway before the designated 8.30am start time! Visitors John and Di warmly welcomed by all. Short street walk to join the shared pathway along Parramatta River. Unfortunately several cyclists were not all that impressed with a group of walkers on “THEIR” pathway, but we gave as good as we got whilst trying to keep tucked in!
Female Orphan School and Whitlam Institute were pointed out as a good place to visit. Then onwards to Alfred St Bridge, Parramatta Ferry Wharf, Barry Wilde Bridge (where club’s connection with Barry was explained), view of new Power House Museum, under Lennox Bridge and then to Dodd’s Farm site in Parramatta Park. Crossed the river here and pushed on to vicinity of old dairy, bandstand, Misc Cafe and conveniences for morning tea. Fruit bat roosting trees noted (and avoided!) soon after this and then to the Female Factory site for some more sad colonial history. Parramatta Gaol soon after is another example of a wonderful old building looking for a worthwhile future.
Change of approach next as we pushed up hill to entrance to Lake Parramatta Reserve where we enjoyed the natural scenery on our circumambulation! Lunch with a view of the lake when we had almost completed the circuit and soon back near the cafe where we decided to have our “post walk” refreshments even though walk wasn’t finished!(no suitable venue back near cars). Down to Benaud Oval Light Rail stop to discover some drama with the line due to a broken down vehicle, so kept walking to Alfred Park stop where we saw trains were running again. On and away (with some unscheduled stops as they were still sorting things out)and soon back at Yallamundi station about 2.30pm after a 15km walk (slightly longer than planned!). Thanks to all for their good humour and participation and welcome again to John and Di.