Bicentennial Park
Bicentennial Park is located approximately 16 kilometres outside downtown Sydney and is the perfect spot for a picnic on the grassy shore of Lake Belvedere. But before you eat, build up your appetite with a nice walk, or hire a bicycle for a ride through the beautiful environment. The park also attracts bird watchers who enjoy walking along the wooden walkways through the mangroves.
The park is fairly new: it was created in 1988 to celebrate Australia’s 200th anniversary. The swamps around the Parramatta River have been designated a nature reserve and the nearby waste dump has been transformed into a leisure area. In preparation for the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, the Olympic village and stadium were built right next to the park. Today, this park is a beloved outdoor destination for people of all ages.
Water bird paradise
Nevertheless, birds are the most eye-catching wildlife in the park – especially at the 4-hectare water bird reserve in the river swamp. A special bird viewing screen allows bird watchers a closer look at their favourite animals. The area is home to a large variety of ducks and wading birds, but also migratory birds, such as the bar-tailed godwit and sharp-tailed sandpiper.
Time to play and barbecue
The park also has an adventure playground with a sandbox, slides, a climbing frame and swings. Children love frolicking in the fountains in the water park dodging the water jets while trying to stay dry. On hot days they can’t wait to get wet. Enjoy a drink and a bite to eat at the Lilies on the Park café. Visitors can also make use of the electric barbecues free of charge.“Borrow an electric barbecue at café Lilies on the Park”