As a group fitness instructor I’m always looking for parks with lots of options for prams, little legs, fur babies, with wheelchair access, bush tracks to wander, and spectacular views. Big checklist, right? Well, Ryde River Walk between Kissing Point Park and Melrose Park is an winding pathway that showcases the foreshore – and it’s absolutely wonderful!
We love exploring the best parks and playgrounds on the North Shore, and Ryde River Walk is one that offers a whole lot of parks on one journey!
Ryde River Walk starts at Kissing Point Park then stretches to Putney Park and beyond, overlooking the beautiful Parramatta River, and it is the perfect setting to admire and explore the great outdoors using the wide, 12 km track that’s perfect for wheelies, strollers, walkers and paws.
From Gladesville Bridge to Ryde Bridge, Ryde River Walk provides walkers and cyclists with breathtaking river and city skyline views as it meanders into bays, parks and playgrounds, through bushland and mangroves, past historic sites, Aboriginal cultural heritage sites and art installations.
We travelled the local leg from Kissing Point Park to Putney Park, which is 13 min (1.0 km) via Waterview St, Delange Rd and Pellisier Rd.
Start at Kissing Point Park, which is part of the Ryde River Walk, or catch the Kissing Point Ferry to the Parramatta end and make your way back.
Like Berry Island: A bushland park by the beach, this is a waterfront park with beautiful views!
Kissing Point Park
Catch the ferry along the walk one way, and meander back along the foreshore at your leisure!
A trip on the water can help you along one leg of the walk
Start at Kissing Point Park, which is part of the Ryde River Walk
Kissing Point Park slippery slide has stairs to climb up so some kids might need a little help
The equipment includes swings, counting beads and undercover tunnels for toddlers
Along the walk you will see Concord Ryde Sailing club and enjoy watching the sail boats
There’s natural flora and fauna to enjoy plus fishing (but unfortunately no swimming allowed)
Kissing Point Park is a small but fun park for children which consists of a slippery slide, two swings, and large beads (which are perfect for teaching your little ones to count) a plastic pipe to sit in, crawl, or run through and two undercover seating areas. The slippery slide has stairs to climb up so some kids might need some help from mum or dad if they want to slide down on it.
Features:
- BBQ
- Boat Ramp
- Cycle way
- Ferry
- Jetty
- Outdoor Fitness Equipment
- Accessible parking
- Parking
- Picnic areas
- Swings
- Accessible toilet
- Toilets
- Walking paths
- Water station with dog bowl
Take your time playing, then explore the start of the Ryde River Walk. As you start, and along the way, there are signs that tell us the history of Kissing Point and how Kissing Point got its name
Along the walk you will see Concord Ryde Sailing club, just sitting and watching the sail boats gliding along the crystal blue waters of Parramatta River with sails glistening in the sun is a quite a relaxing experience.
You can do some fishing along the foreshore of Parramatta River but the advice is to not eat what you catch, and unfortunately swimming is not advised.
Heading to Putney Park
We travelled the first leg from Kissing Point Park to Putney Park, which is 13 min (1.0 km) via Waterview St, Delange Rd and Pellisier Rd.
Ryde River Walk signage helps you navigate from point to point
The River Walk clearly was named for the stunning water views you can soak up on the way!
Curving, wide-set paths make the journey suitable for all levels of fitness and ability
Putney Park
A little further along on Pellsier Road is Putney Park and it is huge! Right on the waterfront, this beautiful park is an expanse of grass and natural areas. Suitable for events, it’s a great spot for large groups with barbeques, picnic facilities and a large playground with water features.
There is also a smaller playground at the southern end of the park with equipment suitable for young children. It consists of two toddler splash pools (one large and one small). The large splash pool is covered by sail shades which is great for sunny days and makes the water cooler but for some warmer water it’s probably better to use the smaller one.
Next to the pools is a covered slippery slide and I’ve been told by good authority that it is at least 15 metres long, younger children might find it a bit scary so I would say it ‘s perfect for children aged 10 years+.
Features
- BBQ
- Cycle way
- Accessible parking
- Parking
- Picnic areas
- Swings
- Toddler Equipment
- Accessible toilet
- Toilets
- Walking paths
Next to the pools is a covered slippery slide at least 15 metres long, definitley a big adventure!
The walk is signposted and dotted with sculptures and panels with historical facts
This beautiful park is an expanse of grass and natural areas
More River Walk Highlights
- Parks – (from west to east) Koonadan Reserve, Melrose Park, Korpie Reserve, Meadowbank Park, Memorial Park, Helen Reserve, Anderson Park, Ryde Wharf Reserve, Settlers Park, Bennelong Park, Kissing Point Park, Putney park, Morrisons Bay Park, Tennyson Park, Bill Mitchell Park, Glades Bay Reserve, Mediation Park, Looking Glass Bay Park, Banjo Paterson Park
- Playgrounds – the best ones are Anderson Park, Putney Park, Memorial Park (currently being redeveloped – opening in mid 2015) and Kissing Point Park. (Melrose Park and Banjo Paterson Park will also be upgraded in 2015)
- Sportsgrounds – Meadowbank Park and Bill Mitchell Park
- Picnic spots – try Kissing Point Park, Putney Park, Memorial Park, Anderson Park, Ryde Wharf Reserve
- Sites of interest – heritage and aboriginal cultural sites in Kissing Point Park – Meeting Place, Wallamadugal Snapper Fish
- Viewing spots – Ryde Wharf Reserve, Meditation Park, Banjo Paterson Park, Putney Park, Memorial Park.
Essential details
- What: Ryde River Walk
- Where: From Kissing Point Park to Putney Park (starting at 87 Waterview St Putney)
- Getting there: Park at the carpark on Waterview St, or alight at bus stop right next to the park, or catch the Parramatta River Ferry
- More info: Ryde River Walk
Want more ideas for family fun?
- Visit our dedicated What’s On Weekend section for dozens of other events!
- Discover the best parks and playgrounds on the North Shore
- Book a table at one of these family-friendly restaurants
