Parramatta to Liverpool rail trail

The Parramatta to Liverpool Rail Trail is a nearly 17km urban cycling route through Western Sydney, running alongside the railway corridor between two of Sydney’s major centres. It provides a predominantly off-road, sealed connection through Parramatta, Harris Park, Merrylands, Guildford, Yennora, Fairfield, Canley Vale, Cabramatta, Warwick Farm and Liverpool. Unlike a traditional rail trail built on an abandoned railway, this is technically a rail-side trail, with the active railway continuing alongside much of the route. The path is mostly flat and straightforward, making it suitable for families, recreational cyclists, commuters, e-bikes, hybrids and riders looking for an easy urban adventure. The scenery changes considerably along the way. Riders pass through residential neighbourhoods, urban bushland, industrial areas, parks and creek corridors, with some attractive old brick railway bridges and creek crossings providing reminders of Western Sydney’s railway history. One of the great things about this ride is the number of places to jump on and off. The route passes numerous railway stations, so it’s easy to create a shorter one-way ride and catch the train back rather than completing the full return journey. Cabramatta also makes a pretty compelling mid-ride food stop, with the trail passing close to its famous restaurant precinct. There are also plenty of opportunities to turn it into a bigger ride. Around Fairfield and Guildford, riders can connect with the Prospect Creek and Pipeline cycleways, while at the northern end Parramatta’s cycling network provides connections towards Parramatta Park, the Parramatta River and Sydney Olympic Park. Ride it one way for around 16–17km, make it a roughly 34km return ride, or use the railway stations and connecting cycleways to build your own Western Sydney adventure. For riders searching for Parramatta cycling, Liverpool bike trails, Western Sydney cycleways, Sydney rail trails or family-friendly cycling in Western Sydney, this is a really useful route to have on the ride list. RTS Tip: While most of the route is on shared path, there are some short on-road sections and busy crossings, and navigation can be unclear around the M4 and Warwick Farm. Take particular care around railway stations and at Pevensey Street between Canley Vale and Cabramatta, where Rail Trails Australia recommends dismounting to cross. Having the route map open makes this one much easier to follow.