Yarramundi Reserve is an idyllic spot for families to enjoy water play in the Blue Mountains National Park. It can be tricky to find suitable water play for young children when you live so far from the coast, but this is one place to keep in your back pocket if you are looking for an experience that is a fun and refreshing on a warm day in the Greater West.

What to Expect at Yarramundi Reserve

When you arrive at Yarramundi Reserve expect a down to earth, country experience. The vibe at Yarramundi Reserve is free, fun and a little like camping out in the country by the river on a family holiday.

You cannot hear traffic because you are out in the middle of the Blue Mountains but you will see and hear plenty of children (and dogs!) playing in the sand and water. Many of the locals come prepared with inflatable rafts and toys, water guns, buckets and spades, boogie boards, kayaks and canoes.

Dogs at Yarramundi Reserve

Yarramundi Reserve is an off-leash dog-friendly place, so feel free to bring your pooch! Expect to see plenty of family dogs – some will be on a leash, others will be running free. Be mindful that if you or your child are tentative around dogs, this may not be the place for you, just yet.

In saying that, the dogs tend to be well behaved and simply enjoying their freedom in the water and running happily around the beach. Yarramundi Reserve is quite a large space so you can always set up camp in a spot that is away from the majority of dogs, if you prefer.

The Water at Yarramundi Reserve

The water seems clean and you can see through it, even though it is brownish (it’s a river, so that is to be expected). You should always check the depth of the water yourself on the day that you visit though, because it varies depending on how much rain has fallen recently.

The water level will also depend on which part of the river you have set up camp. Generally speaking though, the water at Yarramundi Reserve is at a level where most children should be able to walk across it easily, from one side to the other. Of course, go with them and supervise children closely around water at all times. There are always exceptions and some parts might be shallow then there could be an unexpected drop, so please be vigilant in supervising your children.

As you are out in nature, there may be rough underfooting in the water at Yarramundi Reserve so you may like to bring water shoes for your child. It is not actually necessary, but only a suggestion if your child finds rough sand unsettling.

Other Things to Expect at Yarramundi Reserve

You may see horses at Yarramundi Reserve (and possibly horse poo). On the northern entrance, there are a couple of sheltered picnic tables available for use. There are many fallen trees around, which do not affect your swimming experience. The shade is mostly on the banks.

However, the sand on the banks is dirty, so it is best to head straight down to the water where the cleaner sand is if you want to avoid clothes and bodies getting covered in dirt. There are walks you can do to explore Yarramundi Reserve too.

There are toilets near the entrance of Yarramundi Reserve (we cannot report on their cleanliness) so it is a little inconvenient to head back to the toilets if you are near the water.

Overall, expect to have a lovely time. Your children will enjoy the freedom of splashing and playing freely without the concerns of deep water. In addition to fun water play items, it is also a good idea to bring a good beach umbrella or sun tent for sun protection at Yarramundi Reserve, as many of the shaded spots may already be taken when you arrive.

How to Get To Yarramundi Reserve

Enter via the main gate on the Northern side of Springwood Road, rather than the smaller southern gate, adjacent to Yarramundi Bridge. There is a car park with ample parking, although on a very warm day you may find parking difficult and if you need to park further away you will be walking near an 80km/h road.

From the main Northern carpark, the water is only a short two minute walk from there. It is only a gentle slope to the water and pram accessible.

How You Can Look After The Reserve

• Keep pets out of the Conservation Zone / Wildlife Sanctuary
area;
• Stay to formed tracks when walking in the reserve as wildlife
can be disturbed and erosion caused through the use of
unauthorised tracks;
• Report dumping and vandalism to Hawkesbury City Council;
• Take rubbish home with you or use bins provided;
• Clean up after your dog or horse, please!

Yarramundi Reserve Is Darug Land

Taking your children to Yarramundi Reserve feels like you are transported back in time. There is a sense of freedom from the Western world where you can connect with family and friends and forget about the pressures of daily life.

Your trip to Yarramundi Reserve also gives you an opportunity to teach your children a little about the area’s Aboriginal history. The Yarramundi Reserve area was once a favourable location for Aboriginal occupation as it was close to fresh drinking water. It was also an important source of stone for making tools and attracted a rich and diverse suite of plant, animal and aquatic resources for Aboriginal people (Source: Yarramundi Cultural Heritage Report).

It was the Buruberongal clan of the Darug that had a strong association with the area around Yarramundi Reserve. Interestingly, ‘Yarramundi’ was said to be an Indigenous Australian named the ‘Chief of the Richmond Tribe’ and the marriage of his daughter to a non-Aboriginal Australian was the first legal marriage of its kind in Australia.

As your children are absorbed in play at Yarramundi Reserve, there seems to be a timeless feel to the location. As you reflect on the fact that Aboriginal children would likely have splashed and played in the exact spot as your children, it creates quite a spiritual connection between your children and children of centuries past. In this sense, Yarramundi Reserve is a special place where kids can just be free to be kids, akin to the children of our ancient land.

Water Safety at Yarramundi Reserve

Even though the depth of the water at Yarramundi Reserve is usually fairly shallow, it is always best to be water-wise. So please read our water safety advice before venturing to this wonderful swimming spot in the Blue Mountains. It is a natural swimming location and it is unpatrolled by lifeguards. Please be aware of sudden changes in depth and the possibility of rough under footing. You are expected to assess the risks yourself.

Take a trip out to Yarramundi Reserve for a real country river experience. Pack a picnic, sun shelter and anything to use for water fun! It is a wonderful space for children and dogs to splash and keep cool on a warm day.

If you would like a more peaceful time at Yarramundi Reserve, you may consider visiting in off-peak times, to avoid the busyness of a Summer’s day when every mand an his dog is literally keeping cool in the river. Many visitors tend to prefer visiting Yarramundi Reserve on weekdays more than on weekends and school holidays, particularly during the warmer months, as it is quieter and parking is more easily accessible.

We hope that you enjoy a relaxing and safe day at Yarramundi Reserve. Feel free to comment below with your thoughts on your experience.

Please note: Be aware that Yarramundi Reserve is subject to frequent flooding and should not be visited in times of heavy rainfall within the catchment. Change can occur rapidly and areas may become eroded or sands and gravels deposited in areas used for recreation activities. Please be cautious. Supervision of children is always recommended. As with anywhere, take your valuables with you when you park your car or leave valuables at home.

Essential Safety Information Around Water

Swimming, splashing and water play can be dangerous. CHILDREN MUST BE SUPERVISED CLOSELY AT ALL TIMES AROUND WATER, even if it is shallow. Please CLICK HERE to read about our SAFETY INFORMATION and disclaimer. It is important information that you need to know, so please read it all carefully.

Blue Mountains Mums

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Yarramundi Reserve: Local Families Love This Hidden Spot For Water Fun in The Blue Mountains

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Yarramundi Reserve: Local Families Love This Hidden Spot For Water Fun in The Blue Mountains

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