Parramatta Park is a wonderland of play and exploration opportunities, with several playgrounds, beautiful walking/cycling tracks, the river, bridges, gardens and historic buildings. Now, thanks to The Groundskeeper Cafe, parents once again have a family friendly coffee pit stop when visiting the Park.
Food and Drink
The Groundskeeper has a fresh produce menu of middle eastern dishes alongside cafe favourites. For the minis, they offer several “Little Groundskeeper” menu options at both breakfast and lunch, and babycinos of course! The kids dishes are refreshingly served as miniature meals rather than the usual batter + chips combo offered at many cafes. Think ham and cheese omelette with toast for brekky or penne napoletana at lunch (after 11.30am). My little ones demolished the kids pancakes, served with a cheeky scoop of vanilla bean ice-cream. I opted for a slightly greener option and all of our plates were piled with generous servings. We have linked their breakfast, lunch and hot and cold drinks menus for you to check out. Various yummy cakes and sweets are available at the counter, with selections varying depending on the season.
Facilities
A gorgeous sandstone undercover patio makes for a pram friendly al-fresco dining experience. The park surrounds you on three sides meaning you have an exceptionally lovely view while you eat. As we went on opening morning, high chairs are on the way but expected very soon. The cafe has a toilet on-site with baby change facilities.
Play opportunities
Within two minutes walk from The Groundskeeper cafe is the Pavilion Flat Playground. (one minute if you’re not moving at toddler speed). This area contains swings, climbing equipment, a large imaginative play ship structure and spring rockers.
If walking from the cafe you can head directly out and do the small but pretty loop around the newly landscaped gardens, which also adjoins pedestrian access from O’Connell Street. Here’s our 30 second panorama video of the spot to help you get your bearings.
Many walking or running groups do a lap of the park, which is a 3.2km circuit. If you park on the Westmead side near the awesome Domain Creek Playground (article to come!), The Groundskeeper is a perfect ‘half-way’ coffee and snack stop. Parking here also ideal for groups who want to finish their walk with a play at the large playground then hop straight back in the car. The park is full of exploration opportunities, why not go on a kid centred scavenger hunt in the gorgeous sunshine? In spring, The Wisteria Gardens are a stunning detour with access directly from inside the park. Keep an eye on this whats on calendar for year round festivals and events within the park.
Verdict
We’ve got to be honest, walks just weren’t the same without a cafe that you can easily wheel your pram into for a drink stop. As a lifetime Parramatta local, I am beyond pleased that the stunning George street gate has been transformed into a functional space for the community to gather. And there is more to come, with plans to utilise the historic gatekeepers residence for indoor seating and cafe space. CBD workers can cross the road to soak in all the beauty of the park with their caffeine hit joining nature lovers and parents enjoying a meal without venturing onto roads.
The Groundskeeper Cafe Parramatta has a menu packed full of middle eastern flare plus fresh ingredients, hot coffee and a lovely view. Anyone for a lap of Parra Park and lunch?
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