Sydney Olympic Park

Sydney Olympic Park is a sprawling, post-Olympic wonderland on the Parramatta River, 14 km west of the city centre. Built for the 2000 Games, this 640-hectare precinct has been reborn as a vibrant hub of sport, culture, and nature. With world-class venues, vast parklands, and a fascinating Olympic legacy, it’s a destination that rewards active travellers, families, and anyone curious about Sydney’s modern history. The Park’s walkways and cycle paths weave through wetlands and woodlands, offering a surprising dose of wilderness minutes from the urban sprawl.

Highlights & What to See

• ANZ Stadium (Accor Stadium) – The iconic, 83,500-seat coliseum that hosted the Games’ opening and closing ceremonies. Take a guided tour to go behind the scenes, or catch a rugby league or AFL match here.
• Bicentennial Park – A 40-hectare park with lakes, picnic spots, and the peaceful Badu Mangroves boardwalk. Rent a bike or kayak to explore the waterways.
• Newington Armory – A former naval munitions depot turned arts and heritage site. Join a ghost tour, check out contemporary art exhibitions, or wander the historic buildings.
• Wentworth Common – Home to the Brickpit Ring Walk, an elevated boardwalk circling a former brickworks quarry that’s now a haven for green and golden bell frogs. The interpretive signage tells the site’s industrial and ecological story.
• Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre – Swim in the same pools where Ian Thorpe and Michael Phelps raced. The centre is open for public lap swimming, and the diving pool is a thrill for kids.
• The Armory Wharf – A lovely spot on the Parramatta River for a coffee or meal, with ferry access to Parramatta and the city.

Suggested Time to Spend

A half-day is enough to see the main stadium, wander Bicentennial Park, and walk the Brickpit Ring. For a full day, add a swim at the Aquatic Centre, a bike ride along the 35 km of trails, and lunch at one of the park’s cafés. If you’re catching a major event, plan to arrive early to soak up the pre-game atmosphere. The Park is easy to combine with a morning at the Riverside Theatres in Parramatta or an afternoon exploring the Parramatta Heritage Centre.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Parramatta – Sydney’s second CBD, just a 10-minute drive or ferry ride away, with excellent restaurants, the historic Parramatta Park, and Old Government House.
• Newington – The adjacent suburb features the Newington Armory (mentioned above) and the Millennium Parklands, a continuous green corridor linking to the Olympic site.
• Homebush Bay – Explore the Bicentennial Park wetlands or see the abandoned SS Ayrfield shipwreck, now a floating forest, in the bay itself.
• Wentworth Point – A waterfront suburb with a marina, cafés, and a ferry stop. The Bennelong Bridge connects it to the Olympic Park for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Rhodes – A modern suburb with the Rhodes Park and Rhodes Waterside Shopping Centre, plus great views of the Parramatta River.
• Strathfield – Known for its Korean and Chinese restaurants, it’s a quick train ride from Olympic Park and perfect for a post-exploration meal.

Please check official sources for current details.