From Epping, the train line runs south to within one bus ride of Lumi Dental. From Carlingford, the new light rail runs the other way, towards Parramatta, which is one reason most Carlingford residents drive. By car, Melrose Central is a fairly short drive from either suburb outside peak hour.
Written by Dr James Tran, BDent (University of Sydney), MICOI, GradDip (Oral Implants), general dentist at Lumi Dental in Melrose Park.
Melrose Park sits a few suburbs south, on the northern bank of the Parramatta River, between West Ryde and Ermington. This guide sets out the driving and public transport options, then covers first visits, children's dental benefits, and evening, weekend and urgent appointments.
Two large suburbs on the high ground
Epping is about 18 kilometres north-west of the CBD and sits entirely within the City of Parramatta. The M2 forms its northern edge, and North Epping beyond it is a separate suburb under Hornsby Shire. Its station is a junction for the Northern Line and, since 2019, the Metro. The town centre around the station has been redeveloped with apartment buildings, so many residents are new to the area and still looking for a local dentist.
Carlingford is further out, about 22 kilometres from the city, also in the City of Parramatta, and sits where Northern and Western Sydney meet. Its shops run along Pennant Hills Road and in Carlingford Court, and the view from Mobbs Hill has long been a local landmark. It has long been a driving suburb: at the 2011 census, about 64 per cent of employed residents travelled to work by car.
Both suburbs fall away to the south towards Eastwood, Dundas and the river. Melrose Park is down on that riverbank, and Lumi Dental is in Melrose Central, its shopping centre.
Driving down to the river
From Epping, head south through Eastwood towards West Ryde and Victoria Road, then continue into Melrose Park. From Carlingford, most people take Marsden Road south towards Victoria Road. Check a live map before you leave, since Victoria Road can slow considerably in the afternoon peak. The neighbouring guide for Ermington and Rydalmere describes the Victoria Road end of the trip.
Parking at Melrose Central is free and undercover, so a longer appointment does not mean watching the clock on a meter.
By train, then one bus
The Northern Line from Epping runs south through Eastwood and Denistone to West Ryde. From West Ryde, bus route 524 runs through Melrose Park towards Parramatta. Meadowbank, one station further, is the nearest station to the practice, though it is still a fair walk, so many people take a short taxi ride.
The Metro is not much help for this trip, because from Epping it heads north-west and east rather than towards the river.
The light rail runs the wrong way for this trip
The old Carlingford railway closed in 2020 and was converted to light rail. Carlingford is now the terminus of the Parramatta Light Rail's Westmead and Carlingford line, which opened in December 2024 and runs through Telopea, Dundas and Yallamundi to the Parramatta CBD.
That line does not reach Melrose Park. If you want to come without a car, ride it into Parramatta and change to the 524 bus, or ask the Transport for NSW trip planner for the quickest connection on the day.
A second stage of the light rail will run from Parramatta through Ermington and Melrose Park to Wentworth Point and Sydney Olympic Park, and construction of a new bridge across the river between Melrose Park and Wentworth Point began in 2025. Until the line opens, plan your trip around the current options.
Starting with a new dentist
If you have moved into one of the new apartment buildings around Epping, or simply have not had a check-up in a while, the first visit is mainly about getting a clear picture. We ask about your medical history and any medicines, a dentist examines your teeth, gums and the soft tissues of your mouth, and X-rays are taken only where they will show something the examination cannot. Our oral health therapists usually look after cleans and gum care. If treatment is recommended, you will usually receive a written treatment plan, often by email.
Bring your health fund card, as claims are made on the spot through HICAPS, plus a list of medicines and any recent X-rays. If you are leaving a practice in Epping or Carlingford, our guide to changing dentists and transferring records explains how your notes and images can follow you. Our page on an adult's first dental visit describes the appointment itself.
If you feel anxious about dental visits, say so when you book. We can slow things down and talk you through each step, and you can ask us about sedation options, including happy gas.
Benefits for eligible children
The Child Dental Benefits Schedule pays for basic dental care for eligible children. Services Australia lists three conditions: the child is eligible for Medicare, is aged 0 to 17 for at least one day of the calendar year, and the child or their parent, carer or guardian receives an eligible payment at least once that year. Families do not apply; Services Australia sends a letter.
The scheme does not cover orthodontics or cosmetic treatment. At Lumi, eligible children are bulk billed, and our oral health therapists Sabrina Tran and Jennifer Nguyen see children and families. The children's dentistry page explains how a child's visit is run, and our CDBS explainer covers what the scheme includes.
After work, weekends and urgent problems
Lumi is open Monday to Saturday, until 9pm on Thursdays, and on Sundays by appointment. People who leave early for the city and get home late often find a Thursday evening or a Saturday easiest. Our article on Saturday dental appointments has tips for getting one.
If you crack a tooth, lose a filling, develop swelling or have pain that will not settle, ring the practice and describe what has happened so the team can find a time. Swelling that makes breathing or swallowing difficult needs a hospital emergency department straight away, or call triple zero (000).
Questions we hear often
Is the light rail any use for getting to the practice?
Only as part of a longer trip. It takes you from Carlingford into Parramatta, where you can change to the 524 bus. For most people from Carlingford, driving is simpler.
Which is the easiest train trip?
From Epping, a Northern Line train south to West Ryde, then the 524 bus. Alternatively, ride one stop further to Meadowbank and walk or take a short taxi ride from there.
Can I book a free consultation?
Free consultations are available for cosmetic, implant, braces and clear aligner treatment, and for nervous patients. See our current offers.
Booking an appointment
If you live in Epping or Carlingford and would like a check-up, a clean or advice about a problem, the team at Lumi Dental in Melrose Park can find a time that works. Read about our general dentistry, check the current offers, or contact us for hours and directions.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Epping, New South Wales
- Wikipedia: Carlingford, New South Wales
- Wikipedia: Melrose Park, New South Wales
- NSW Government: Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1
- NSW Government: Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2
- Services Australia: Who can get the Child Dental Benefits Schedule
About the author
Dr James Tran is a general dentist at Lumi Dental in Melrose Park. He holds a BDent from the University of Sydney and a Graduate Diploma in Oral Implants, and is a Master of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (MICOI).
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for an examination and individual advice from a registered dental practitioner. Suitability for any treatment varies from person to person.
