Parramatta River Exclusion Zone

The Parramatta River and Sydney Harbour are havens for paddlers, gifting them with choices of scenery, technicality and hospitality.

Almost all of this waterway is accessible to paddlers, however there are some areas paddlers cannot venture. 

Exclusion zones are in place for very busy areas like Circular Quay, Garden Island and several other Naval and Maritime bases. They are generally indicated with yellow clearance buoys, but a marine navigation map will give more precise information.

Another exclusion zone is upstream of Silverwater Bridge. While it is tempting to paddle the entire length of Parramatta River to the Heads, upstream of the bridge is strictly the domain of Sydney Ferries and authorised service vessels. The channel is very narrow, and ferries cannot turn or stop quickly to avoid other craft. Additionally, the sun glare often creates very difficult conditions for ferry captains.

There is much to enjoy downstream of Silverwater, so make the most of it, and cycle the remaining distance to Parramatta if you want to see the upper reaches of the river close-up.

Map showing a segment of Parramatta River and the exclusion zone west of Silverwater Bridge.
The exclusion zone on Parramatta River, Sydney.
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