The City of Ryde, just 12 kilometres from the Sydney CBD, is connected by rail, bus, road and two RiverCat terminals to Sydney's major attractions.
Ryde is close to Sydney Harbour, Sydney CBD, Darling Harbour, The Rocks, Parramatta and Sydney Olympic Park, home of the annual Sydney Easter Show. It is at the centre of much that happens in and around Greater Sydney.
Stay in Ryde and take the time to visit the local attractions, including the many fine heritage buildings such as the beautifully restored colonial mansion, Brush Farm House built by famous Blue Mountains explorer Gregory Blaxland.
Ryde has many beautiful parks, natural reserves and scenic waterways, offering a range of outdoor activities including bushwalking, cycling and water-sports.
On weekends yachts, sailing dinghies and fishing boats ply the Parramatta River while families enjoy the many parks and walkways that line the foreshore. The "Putney Punt" across Parramatta River is the sole survivor of a by-gone transport era and should not be missed.
You will find a broad-range of quality accommodation to choose from, including luxury 3 and 4 star hotels and resorts and Lane Cove River Tourist Park set in a relaxing bushland setting.
In Ryde you can eat your way around the world in restaurants serving a wide range of international cuisine or explore Ryde's varied dining, shopping and entertainment precincts at Eastwood Town Centre and Macquarie Shopping Centre, North Ryde and the revitalised West Ryde Marketplace. Enjoy music in the Eastwood Plaza, a bistro lunch in Gladesville or a relaxing dinner in a riverside, bushland or historic setting.
Eden Gardens in North Ryde is a new and innovative gardening centre providing an inspirational gardening experience.
The exciting new Top Ryde City Shopping Centre with hundreds of shops is under construction and will open in late 2009.
Home to the award-winning Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre, Ryde caters for all sporting interests with some of the region's finest golf courses, tennis, squash, lawn bowls, walking, sailing and swimming.
The Granny Smith Festival, held in Eastwood on the third Saturday in October, is the highlight of a busy year of community events.
The Festival is in honour of one of the area's great pioneers Maria Ann Smith who, back in 1868, developed the Granny Smith apple on her Eastwood property. In 2009 it will be held on Saturday 17 October and in 2010 on Saturday 16th October.
Attracting tens of thousands of visitors, this colourful Festival sees over 60 entertainment acts on six stages as well as street performers, 280 fete stalls and an International Food Fair.
On Eastwood Oval there's fun for all with children's rides, bands playing throughout the day, a karaoke competition and an animal nursery.
The highlight of the Festival, the street parade, commences at 10am and works its way from Rowe Street through the busy precinct of the Festival.
The parade has marching bands, stilt walkers, dancers, decorated floats and plenty of fun and excitement.
The day concludes with a Family Concert and spectacular fireworks display.
Other annual events on the City of Ryde's calendar include the Australia Day Family Concert and fireworks spectacular at North Ryde Common, followed in February and March with the very popular Cinema in the Park series and Harmony Festival.
The Ryde Aquatic Festival on the Parramatta River in September each year features Dragon Boat racing and lots of fun family activities. The year is rounded off with Carols by Candlelight at various locations throughout the City.