Tench Reserve
Tench Reserve is a 10 ha riverside park on the eastern banks of the Nepean River in Jamisontown. Its most notable feature is the wharf precinct, with a three-lane boat ramp, jetties and an amphitheatre, and the reserve also has an inclusive playspace, shaded picnic areas, barbecues and a Changing Places amenity.
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About Tench Reserve
Playgrounds at Tench Reserve
Tench Reserve has several play areas with swings, slides, climbing ropes and boulders, including an inclusive playspace for kids of all ages and a playground suitable for all abilities. The South playspace, at the boat ramp end off Tench Avenue, has a rope climbing structure, trampolines, rock climbing, swings, a nest swing and a shade sail. Near the Coffee Club, a smaller playground suits younger children, while a larger one for older children includes a flying fox.
Picnic and BBQ Areas at Tench Reserve
Tench Reserve has picnic areas with shaded tables and barbecue facilities, plus accessible picnic areas and seating so visitors of all abilities can eat near the water. Undercover seating and seats along the riverbanks give more places to rest. Small covered spots, such as picnic shelters and viewing platforms on the river foreshore, are first come, first served and cannot be booked. The reserve also has open space for ball games, so families can combine a picnic with informal play.
Boat Ramp and River Access at Tench Reserve
Tench Reserve has a three-lane boat ramp with jetties, benches, lighting, toilets and sheltered picnic areas. The wharf precinct provides the only public access to the Nepean River, and its amphitheatre hosts events. Walkways lead to the water's edge, with more access points and places to stop by the river. Kayaking, fishing and picnicking on the riverbank are popular here. The reserve reopened in February 2023 after an upgrade delivered by the NSW Government and Penrith City Council.
Facilities at Tench Reserve
Visitor tips for Tench Reserve
- ✓Clean your catch at home, as the boat ramp has no fish cleaning facilities.
Getting to Tench Reserve
Tench Reserve is off Tench Avenue, Jamisontown NSW 2750, with the boat ramp at the south end. Parking is free, with a large carpark off Tench Avenue. Accessible parking includes 2 spaces inside the reserve, 6 along Tench Avenue and 2 all-day spaces on Bruce Neale Drive, with disabled spots near the jetty. The boat ramp has 34 car and trailer spaces, added in a 2019 upgrade; trailer parking can be limited on weekends, and visitors should not park in the boat-trailer areas.
Open in Google Maps →Nearby Jamisontown
- 📍Coffee Club
- 📍Nepean River
- 📍East Bank retail and dining precinct
- 📍Penrith City Centre
Frequently asked questions about Tench Reserve
Are there toilets at Tench Reserve?
Yes, a block opposite the Coffee Club has male, female, unisex and accessible toilets, with a second block near the North playground and more at the boat ramp.
What are the opening hours of Tench Reserve?
The gates open by 8am and close within two hours of sunset.
Is Tench Reserve wheelchair accessible?
Yes, it has a Changing Places amenity, accessible toilets, accessible picnic areas and seating, and accessible parking spaces.
Is parking free at Tench Reserve?
Yes, it costs nothing to park, including in the big carpark on Tench Avenue.
Can you launch a boat at Tench Reserve?
Yes, there is a three-lane boat ramp with jetties, and kayaking and fishing are popular on the river.