Formed by a dam built in 1855-56, Lake Parramatta submerged much of the evidence of the long habitation of the area by the Burramattagal people. The dam was technically advanced, and the water used for Parramatta's supply, first using water carts and later reticulated. From 1909 the lake was only used for recreational purposes. Historic roads and quarries can still be seen around the lake.
