Locals and visitors can once again enjoy the picturesque northern section of the Great River Walk in Penrith, following the completion of major repair works. The pathway between Weir Reserve and Cassola Place has now reopened to the public.
The section was closed after severe storms and flooding in March and again in June 2022 caused significant damage to the riverbank and walkway. Restoration works commenced in May 2025, with a focus on stabilising three landslip areas, repairing the boardwalk bridge and restoring the pathway.
The $1.148 million project was delivered through a combination of disaster recovery funding, through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, and Council investment, including $287,000 contributed by Penrith City Council through its Footpath Replacement Program. Works included:
- stabilising and repairing landslips along the riverbank
- repairing the pathway and boardwalk bridge
- improving drainage and erosion control systems
The Great River Walk is one of Penrith’s most popular recreational assets, providing scenic walking and cycling opportunities along the Nepean River.
These upgrades, along with the delivery of the Nepean Avenue Pathway, the new Factory Road pathway and the reopening of the lower pathway on River Road, Emu Plains, support improved connectivity across the Nepean River precinct.
Learn more about the Great River Walk on the Penrith City Council.
The Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements is how the Australian Government provides funding to states and territories to help ease the financial burden of responding to a disaster. It's a cost sharing arrangement between the Australian Government and state/territory governments to ensure disaster affected communities receive the urgent financial help they need.
State and territory governments are best placed to identify the type and level of assistance their communities need following a disaster. This is part of their responsibility for disaster and emergency management. The National Emergency Management Agency is here to support the states and territories deliver that assistance.
Image credit: Penrith City Council
