Locals and visitors can once again enjoy walking the picturesque northern section of the Great River Walk in Penrith, following the completion of major repairs. The pathway between Weir Reserve and Cassola Place is now reopen to the public.
The walk was closed after severe storms and flooding in March and again in June 2022 caused significant damage to the riverbank and walkway. Restoration work began in May 2025, focusing on stabilising three landslips, repairing the boardwalk bridge and restoring the path.
The Albanese and Minns Governments allocated $861,000 to the project under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. Penrith City Council contributed an additional $287,000 in funding through its Footpath Replacement Program.
The project involved:
- stabilising and repairing the landslips on the riverbank
- repairing the pathway and the boardwalk bridge
- improving drainage and erosion control systems.
The Great River Walk is one of Penrith's most popular attractions, offering scenic walking and cycling experiences along the Nepean River.
These repairs, alongside the delivery of the Nepean Avenue Pathway, a new Factory Road pathway and the reopened section of the lower pathway on River Road, Emu Plains reflects Council's commitment to improving connectivity throughout the Nepean River precinct.
To learn more about the Great River Walk, visit penrith.city/greatriverwalk.
Quotes attributed to the Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain:
"I'm delighted that this picturesque section of the Great River Walk can once again be shared by locals and visitors alike.
"The Albanese Government is committed to supporting communities to recover from natural disaster and that includes the restoration of community infrastructure such as this."
Quotes attributable to Federal Senator for NSW, Tony Sheldon:
"To see the beautiful Great River Walk not just restored, but improved and made more resilient, is a big win for families living in Penrith and the surrounding area.
"Repairing loved community services after natural disasters isn't just about the physical rebuild, it's about supporting the social and mental health recovery of the community. That's what this project delivers."
Quotes Attributed to NSW Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin:
"Recovery from disasters requires more than just repairing or replacing buildings, and I understand the importance of recreational spaces in boosting community connection and resilience.
"That's why facilities like the Great River Walk are important, and it is very pleasing to see its restoration completed."
Quotes attributed to Penrith City Council Mayor Todd Carney:
"We're thrilled to welcome our community and visitors back to this beautiful part of the Nepean River.
"Separated from the bustling 'bridge-to-bridge' loop, it offers a peaceful escape and an active connection between Cassola Place and the river.
"We know the community has been eagerly awaiting the reopening of this path, and we're pleased to have delivered these essential repairs with the support of the Australian and NSW Governments. It's fantastic to see this space open once again for everyone to enjoy."
Quotes attributed to Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown OAM:
"I'm pleased that locals and visitors can once again enjoy walking the picturesque northern section of the Great River Walk following the completion of these significant repairs.
"The storms and flooding in 2022 caused extensive damage to this much-loved pathway and restoring it has been essential to ensuring our community can safely reconnect with the Nepean River."
