Explorers Park
Explorers Park is a small, narrow park on Liverpool Road in Ashfield. Its standout feature is a shaded walkway lined with circular metal plaques honouring explorers such as Sturt, Leichhardt, and Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson, which makes it a place for a short walk and a history stop.
Best for
About Explorers Park
Explorer Plaques at Explorers Park
Explorers Park has circular metal plaques set into the main and side paths, and each plaque honours an explorer with brief text, an etched portrait and a map of their journeys. The plaques commemorate Mitchell, Sturt, Leichhardt, Hume and Hovel, Cunningham, Eyre, Oxley, and Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson. A dedication plaque records that the park opened on 27 August 1988 as a Bicentennial project commemorating the intersection of the Great Western Highway and the Hume Highway.
History Panels and Aboriginal Heritage at Explorers Park
Explorers Park has two metal panel displays with more detailed text and etched drawings. Four panels cover Aboriginal Sydney, two and two-thirds panels cover British Colonisation, and one and one-third panels cover Early Local History, which explains why the site celebrates the explorers. Explorers Park also has an Aboriginal totem designed to raise awareness of Aboriginal heritage in Ashfield, with an arrow indicating Pemulwuy. Three flags fly on flagpoles in the park: the Australian, Aboriginal and English flags.
Shaded Walkway at Explorers Park
Explorers Park has a pebble-crete main path that runs the length of the park, parallel to Liverpool Road. Three short side paths branch from it, and six semi-circular widenings along the main path hold uncovered white metal benches. A silver metal frame over the paths supports deciduous climbing plants, including a wisteria arch that shades the petal-covered walkway. Asphalt patching stops the pebble-crete panels from lifting into trip hazards.
Facilities at Explorers Park
Visitor tips for Explorers Park
- ✓Bring your own water and a bag for rubbish.
Getting to Explorers Park
Corner of Liverpool Road and Parramatta Road, Ashfield NSW 2131 (11-23 Liverpool Road), next door to a Red Rooster restaurant.
Open in Google Maps →Nearby Ashfield
- 📍Ashfield Park (about a 4 minute walk along Liverpool Road and down Gower Street)
Frequently asked questions about Explorers Park
Does Explorers Park have a playground?
No, Explorers Park has no play equipment; Ashfield Park, a larger park with more features, is a short walk away.
Are there toilets at Explorers Park?
No, there are no toilets, and the park has no drinking fountain or water tap either.
Are there BBQs or picnic tables at Explorers Park?
No, there is no picnic place, and seating is limited to the uncovered benches along the main path and one small seat by the entrance.
Can I take a pram to Explorers Park?
Yes, the paths are pram-friendly, though some pebble-crete panels have asphalt patches.
Is there shade at Explorers Park?
Yes, a wisteria arch and climbing plants shade the walkway, but there is no covered shelter.