From Meadowbank to Parramatta via PVC. A history tour of four sites ie Parramatta dam, the old Goal, Female factory site and Elizabeth Farm. Return to Meadowbank via the M4.
Route description: Leaving Meadowbank Wharf, ride west on the PVC. Ride up through North Parramatta to Parramatta Lake and view the historic dam wall, believed to be the only masonry arch dam wall in Australia. The wall is a declared National Landmark.
From the Lake, ride to the old Parramatta Gaol. No access is permitted; instead, be reminded of names of some notorious past inmates.
After the gaol, ride on the Female Factory site where more than 9,000 women were incarcerated over the 27 years open. View the 3rd class sleeping quarters across from the Havenstone Café as you enjoy your coffee at this potential stop and consider the life of the female inmates.
Ride on through the Wisteria Gardens and into Parramatta Park for optional laps. Exit on to George St through the Tudor style gate house, dated from the 1870s.
Next stop is Elizabeth Farm, built in 1793 for the young military couple John and Elizabeth Macarthur. Elizabeth Farm is set within a re-created 1830s garden. It is Australia’s oldest homestead and is now a house museum with free entry. Bring bike lock.
Continue down Alfred St to join the M4 cycleway to Homebush and onward back to Meadowbank Wharf.
Estimated duration is 4 hours.
Suitability: Participants should be comfortable with the distance. Ride is on a mix of quiet roads, usually light traffic, and shared user paths. There are a few busy intersections to be mindful of. Mostly flat however there is the odd short hill.
Distance: 33.00
Elevation Change: 210
Effort Index: 7
Ride with GPS
Check public transport alerts: www.transportnsw.info/alerts#/metro-train
Risk warning
As a participant in this dangerous recreational activity, you may be exposing yourself to a significant risk of harm.
Bike North, the ride organisers and leaders wish to warn you of the risks and hazards that are an inherent part of cycling,
and to take care to prevent putting yourself, your fellow participants and/or others into danger.
By registering for this ride, you accept the warning as to risk, and you agree to ride in a safe and responsible
manner and to obey all road rules and other legal requirements.
All riders wear an approved helmet and carry water, at least one spare tube plus a pump.
Health Warning
Riders must not attend if sick, have Covid-19, influenza or symptoms of any communicable disease.
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