Parramatta to Sydney Foreshore Link
Project overview
The Parramatta to Sydney Foreshore Link (the Link) is a program of work that will deliver Sydney’s longest continuous foreshore walking and bike riding path.
About the Parramatta to Sydney Foreshore Link
The 91km continuous link will connect Parramatta Park to the Opera House and Botanical Gardens allowing people walking and riding to travel along large parts of Sydney’s iconic foreshore.
The project would provide opportunities for locals, Sydneysiders, and tourists to safely walk and ride along Sydney’s iconic foreshore, enjoy the outdoors, and celebrate our rich cultural history and beautiful natural environment.
There will be unique opportunities to connect to Saltwater Country and local Aboriginal cultures by showcasing the experience of the water’s edge.
Some sections of the foreshore are already popular and cater to people of varying ages and abilities who enjoy walking and riding. The goal now is ensuring all 91km of the foreshore between the Sydney Opera House and Parramatta Park is connected and of the same quality.
The project has initially focused on upgrades that are relatively simple to deliver and improve foreshore access at key locations in the City of Parramatta and City of Canada Bay Council areas.
The long-term plan to complete the Link is proposed to include upgrades to existing sections of path, as well as filling in missing links over time to create a continuous route, subject to planning approvals and funding decisions.
Early delivery program
We have been working with local councils to deliver some segments in the short term, while planning continues for other segments that will be delivered in the future.
Early delivery projects are segments that are low in complexity to deliver, provide immediate benefits for people walking and riding, and connect missing links along the route. These segments help create a more connected foreshore link between Parramatta Park and the Sydney Opera House and Botanical Gardens.
The current walking and riding paths can be viewed in our map.
City of Canada Bay Council
There are three early delivery projects proposed to be delivered by City of Canada Bay Council. The projects include:
- Shadrack Shaw Reserve, Concord - a new shared path
- Wire Mill Reserve, Allison Park, Campbell and Lysaght Parks, Chiswick - new and upgraded shared paths and four shared/pedestrian crossings
- The Bay Run - three new shared/pedestrian crossings.
City of Canada Bay Council undertook community engagement in late 2023. You can view the community consultation report.
Alternatively, please visit council's website for more information.
City of Parramatta Council
There are two remaining early delivery projects to be delivered by City of Parramatta Council. The projects include:
- George Street East, Parramatta - new pedestrian and cyclist paths
- Bennelong Parkway, Wentworth Point – detailed design for a new shared path and link to a new shared path bridge.
Under the program, a new raised combined pedestrian and riding crossing for the Parramatta Valley Cycleway on Brodie Street was completed on June 2024. This crossing provides a vital link and safer connection for people traveling through Rydalmere to Parramatta.
City of Parramatta Council is managing the development for these projects including community consultation.
Please visit council's website for information on each of these projects.
Next Stages
Transport has started investigations to inform the next stages of the Parramatta to Sydney Foreshore Link. We are working closely with Councils to develop these projects, which will focus on opportunities to upgrade existing walking and bike riding infrastructure and paths.
Site investigations, including ground surveys, will be carried out from late 2024 through to early 2025.
Consultation with the community will take place once the concept designs have been developed.
The Parramatta to Sydney Foreshore Link Next Stages map shows the areas we are investigating as part of this work.
Benefits
Potential benefits of the Link include:
- Encouraging healthy and sustainable trips and recreation – more footpaths, crossings, and bike paths help families to stay healthy and spend quality time together by providing safer, more inclusive facilities.
- Improving accessibility for key growth areas along the foreshore – all kids and families should be able to enjoy getting where they need to go safely with good footpaths and bike paths, plenty of crossings and calm streets.
- Stimulating local economies by generating activity that will support local business - along this 91km route there is a mix of businesses, educational institutions, and visitor destinations. By creating further connectivity and improving the current route there is a significant opportunity to generate sustainable activity that will support local business and facilitate job creation.
- Improving access to Sydney’s iconic harbour and river foreshores – the Link will increase access to our unique harbour and river foreshore for local, regional, and international visitors to explore by providing more recreation opportunities.
Consultation
Transport undertook engagement on the Parramatta to Sydney Foreshore Link in early 2023. Thank you to community members who took the time to share feedback.
The Consultation Report (PDF, 654.79 KB) summarises the feedback received during the consultation period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the timeframes for the project?
Early works projects will be progressively planned and delivered from 2023/2024.
Future projects will be planned and delivered as funding becomes available.
What type of infrastructure upgrades are being investigated?
The infrastructure upgrades would vary depending on the location and the existing infrastructure, this could include: path lighting, new priority crossings, wayfinding, Quietway treatments, new paths, and/or widening of existing paths.
How was this project identified?
In 2020 the McKell Institute put forward a proposal in a discussion paper called ‘Activating the Harbour City’. The proposal was for a continuous foreshore path between Sydney Opera House and Parramatta CBD with the aim to facilitate job creation and economic activity and reinvigorate daily life through walking and riding along the foreshore.
In April 2021, Transport commenced a feasibility study which identified significant opportunities to improve access and provide a continuous walking and bike riding path along most of this route.
How does the Parramatta to Sydney Foreshore Link connect to the rest of the bike network in the area?
We are developing a program that will consider how the foreshore link connects to and extends the bike network. By working collaboratively with councils, we will ensure the project complements their existing bike plans and strategies.
Where can I find out more about the early works projects?
We are currently finalising a program of early works with City of Parramatta and City of Canada Bay councils. These early works projects were identified in masterplans and other planning strategies. To find out more about these projects please visit the council websites.
How were early delivery projects selected?
Transport worked closely with councils to identify projects that were relatively simple to deliver, and that would provide immediate benefits to improve foreshore access at key locations.
Who are you consulting with?
We are working with, City of Parramatta Council, City of Ryde Council, and City of Canada Bay Council along with Greater Sydney Parklands and Sydney Olympic Park Authority.
What community consultation has taken place?
In early 2023, Transport undertook a round of consultation to seek general community feedback on the use of sections along the foreshore which are currently accessible to better understand aspirations for completing the Link. The consultation report is available above to read.
To view the Link, visit our map.
For more information you can contact us via email at projects@transport.nsw.gov.au, or call 1800 684 490.