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Sniffing Around Sydney Walks

This page is maintained by The Beagle Club of NSW Inc., Australia, Walks Coordinator. It provides information about past and future Sniffing Around Sydney walks held by the club. It is intended for anyone interested in leading or participating in a walk. Please note all participants must be a member of the club. Many thanks to everyone who has contributed reports and/or photographs. All walk durations, distances, and levels of difficulty are estimates. Many walks are suggested by club members (often these are walks in the member's local area). If you would like to attend a walk, please check the walk's level of difficulty. If you would like to suggest a walk, please read the tips for finding and planning walks, which will tell you some of the things to look for in a good walk. If you know of a good walk, please share it with other club members.

Contents

Current Walks | Christmas in July Scent Weekend, Cootamundra | Past and Potential Walks | Levels of Difficulty | Tips for Finding and Planning Walks

Walks

Date	Time	Walk / Trip	Duration	Distance	Directions, Parking, Where to Meet	Summary	Reports	Previous Visit
Current Walks February - May 2009
Sun 22 Feb 2009	TBD	Harold Reid Reserve, Willoughby Council	2hr 30min	5km loop	Meet at the end of Sugarloaf Crescent, Castlecrag, where the walk begins. This is a relatively narrow No Through Road, which may be crowded near the start of the walk, but there should plenty of parking away from the start.	Medium loop walk along the foreshore of Middle Cover. The walk is along bush tracks, which are sometimes narrow and muddy. A few steep spots and some easy scrambling required here and there. Bring your own food and drink. We will stop for afternoon tea at The Sugarloaf, towards the end of the walk. Not suitable for prams, suitable for fit children.	Reports	Checked early 2008
Sun 29 Mar 2009	TBD
Sun 19 Apr 2009	TBD
Sun 31 May 2009	TBD	The Bay Run, Leichhardt Council	2hr 30min	7km loop	Meet at King George Park, cnr Byrnes St and Manning St, Rozelle. To get to King George Park, drive west along Victoria Rd, past Darling St, Rozelle, and turn left into a street that leads directly to the park, for example, Clubb St. You must approach the park from Victoria Rd because some local roads are one-way away from park. There is ample parking at the park.	Easy but relatively long loop walk along the foreshore of the Iron Cove. Very popular and usually very busy. The walk crosses the very loud and busy Iron Cove Bridge, which your beagles could find scary. Bring water. Toilets at the start of the walk. Suitable for prams and children.	Reports	Checked early 2008
Christmas in July Scent Weekend, Cootamundra 2009 ... Watch This Space
		Christmas in July Scent Weekend, Cootamundra	2days	10km	Bimbadeen, Cootamundra.	For beagles, a weekend of offlead running and sniffing around secure, fenced paddocks, plus the opportunity to socialise with other beagles. For humans, the chance to have a short break and some leisurely exercise in friendly company	Reports and Details	12-13 Jul 2008 7-8 Jul 2007 8-9 Jul 2006 2-3 Jul 2005 3-4 Jul 2004
Past Walks (from 2002 to now) and Potential Walks
		Bayview Beach Walk, Pittwater Council	2hr 30min	6km	Meet near the Pittwater Aquatic Club, The Esplanade, Winji Jimmi, Mona Vale. Free parking along some roads. Pay parking in nearby council carparks. Suggest you arrive early as parking may be scarce.	Easy return walk, through Rowland Reserve, through Bayview Park, toward Church Point along sealed paths, grassy stretches, and roads. Walk as far as you like and then return along the same route. Let your beagles have a swim at the lead-free Bayview Park dog-friendly beach. Buy a drink midway through the walk. Plenty of water stations and public toilets available throughout the walk.	Reports	23 Apr 2006
		Callicoma Walking Track, Hornsby Council	3hr	5km	Meet at The Lakes Reserve, cnr of Shepherds Drive and Macquarie Drive, Greenway Estate, Cherrybrook.	Difficult circular walk for both humans and beagles along fire trails, bush tracks, and sealed roads. Not suitable for less mobile humans and beagles. Has some very steep sections that require considerable agility to negotiate. Starts from Lakes Reserve, Cherrybrook, near one entry point to the Great North Walk, and winds through bush tracks and some residential streets back to the Lakes Reserve. No public toilets. Water stations at start and end of walk. Shopping centre near start and end of walk, which may have public toilets.	Reports	Checked 31 Dec 2005
		Canada Bay to Cabarita Walk, Canada Bay Council	2hr 30min	4km	Meet at the carpark off Crane St, next to Athletics Field in St Lukes Park. Meet at rear of carpark, adjacent to Childcare Centre.	Easy return walk along foreshore of Canada Bay and Exile Bay. Several public toilets and multiple doggy water stations. No shops, bring your own food. Enjoy an offlead romp at start and finish in Cintra Park.	Reports	25 Sep 2005
		Centennial Park Walk, Randwick Council	1hr 40min	5km	Meet at Musgrave Pond, Musgrave Ave, Centennial Park.	Easy circular walk around various parts of the park. Very flat. Likely to be busy.	Reports	24 Nov 2002
		Chipping Norton Lake Walk, Liverpool Council	2hr	6km	Meet near South Park, Chipping Norton, opposite the cnr of Charlton Av and Wolverton Av.	Easy return walk along the south foreshore of Chipping Norton Lake. No shops, bring your own food. Very flat.	Reports	30 Mar 2003
		Clontarf to Beauty Point Walk, Manly Council	2hr	6km	Meet at Sandy Bay Rd, Clontarf, where the cul-de-sac joins the walking track heading toward Fisher Bay. There is some free parking in Sandy Bay Rd, at the cul-de-sac, and plenty of pay-parking nearer Clontarf Reserve.	Easy return walk from Sandy Bay, across The Spit Bridge, through Spit Reserve, and along the Beauty Point Foreshore Walking Track. Buy a drink during the walk. At the end of the walk, let your dog swim at the Sandy Bay dog-friendly beach. Enjoy a picnic lunch at shady Clontarf Reserve. Part of the walk is along some bush tracks. Includes some steep steps.	Reports	27 Feb 2005
		Cook Park Walk, Kyeemagh, Rockdale Council	2hr 30min	8km	Meet at Kyeemagh Boat Ramp, Kyeemagh. Plenty of parking but be careful where you park as there are numerous parking restrictions (and fines).	Easy return walk, south, along Cook Park, Botany Bay, to Monterey. Plenty of shops to buy food. Plenty of water available. Likely to be busy.	Reports	25 Apr 2004
		Cook Park Walk, Sandringham, Rockdale Council	2hr 30min	8km	Meet at Scott Park, cnr Napoleon St and Riverside Drive, Sandringham. Plenty of parking in surrounding residential streets.	Easy return walk, north, along Cook Park, Botany Bay, to Ramsgate. Plenty of shops to buy food. Plenty of water available. Likely to be busy.	Reports	26 Sep 2004
		Cooks River Walk, Rockdale Council	2hr 40min	8km	Meet at Mackey Park, Carrington Rd, Marrickville, between Premier St and Cary St, opposite the Australian Consumers' Association (CHOICE) office.	Easy but long circular walk along the north and south sides of the Cooks River (we cross using a footbridge, which some beagles may find a little scary). Bring your own food plus plenty of water. Toilets mid-way. No shops to buy food.	Reports	25 Mar 2007 31 Aug 2003
		Cremorne Point Foreshore Walk, North Sydney Council	2hr	6km	Meet at Bogota Ave, Cremorne Point, at the start of the concrete walkway. The start is well marked, with a signpost and directions. Please allow plenty of time to find a parking spot and get to the start. You will probably have to park about 10-15 minutes walk away because Bogota Ave is short and narrow, and the walk is very popular.	Easy and very picturesque loop walk on paved walkway. From Bogota Ave, past Cremorne Wharf, Reid Park, to Mosman Wharf. Depending on time and weather, we can return: (1) back the same way, or (2) by taking a shortcut across Hodgson Ave back to Bogota Ave. Some steep steps. Toilets, water, bins throughout the walk. A few spots to buy food and a drink. If you are a May Gibbs fan, 'Nutcote' is located at 5 Wallaringa Ave nearby.	Reports	28 Oct 2007
		Cronulla Cliffs Walk, Sutherland Council	2hr 30min	6km	Meet at Darook Park, at Darook Park Road. Parking available in local streets nearby.	Easy return walk along Cronulla Cliffs to Shelly Park. A few steps here and there, which may make it challenging for a pram. Bring your own food and water.	Reports	Sun 31 Oct 2004
		Cronulla Esplanade Walk, Sutherland Council	2hr 30min	6km return	Meet at Wanda Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Cronulla. Suggested parking in Murdock St or nearby.	Easy return walk along Cronulla Esplanade to Shelly Park. Plenty of shops to buy food. Plenty of water available. Suitable for prams and children.	Reports	Sun 24 Aug 2008 Sun 28 Mar 2004
		Cumberland State Forest, Baulkham Hills Council	3hr	4km	Meet at the Information Centre, Cumberland State Forest, cnr Castle Hill Rd and Coonara Av, West Pennant Hills.	Easy rambles along a variety of forest trails. Includes a Sensory Trail with some plaques in Braille (this is the only walk suitable for a pram). Bring your own food and drinks.	Reports	28 Nov 2004 27 Oct 2002
		Darling Harbour Walk, Sydney Council	1hr	4km	Meet at Tumbalong Park, near the Exhibition Centre, Exhibition Hall 4. Park in the Exhibition Centre carpark.	Easy circular walk around Darling Harbour. We will wander towards the Maritime Museum, over the footbridge (that runs over the harbour, below the monorail), near Sydney Aquarium, and back to the start. Will be very busy and noisy. You must keep your beagle on a secure lead. Various places to buy food and drink. Plenty of water and toilets.	Reports	Sat 29 Mar 2008
		Duck River Walk, Auburn Council	2hr	6km	Meet at Mona Park, cnr Mona St and Chisholm Rd, Auburn. The entrance to Mona Park is in Mona St, between the Duck River and Chisholm Rd.	Medium circular walk along the east and west sides of Duck River. The walk will be a return walk along just the east side of Duck River if it is not possible to cross over the river on the day. Bring your own food tea plus plenty of water. Includes one tricky section. Toilets are usually open at the start and end of the walk.	Reports	28 Sep 2003
		Fagan Park, Hornsby Council	2hr 30min	8km	Meet at the Fagan Park main carpark, Arcadia Rd, Galston. When last checked, the cost to park in the main carpark was approx $4. When last checked, free parking was available in surrounding streets. Parking can be scarce so best to arrive in plenty of time.	Easy rambles around the 55 hectares of this historic property. Includes "The Gardens of Many Nations", children's playgrounds, an eco-garden, covered eating areas, unsealed walking and bicycle tracks, plenty of grassy areas for dogs to run around (on leads). Toilets and water available.	Reports	26 Nov 2006
		Fairlight to Manly Corso Walk, Manly Council	2hr 30min	8km	Meet at the cnr of Lauderdale Ave and King Ave, Balgowlah (at the start of the Esplanade Park walk running along the water). Suggested parking in Willyama Ave or other streets nearby.	Easy return walk from Fairlight to Manly Esplanade and (if time permits) to Fairy Bower beach. Some steep steps. Likely to be very crowded. Plenty of shops to buy food. Toilets midway through the walk.	Reports	24 Sep 2006 29 Feb 2004
		George Kendall Riverside Park to John St Wharf Walk , Parramatta Council	2hr	6km	Meet at George Kendall Riverside Park, cnr Atkins Rd and Gregory St Ermington.	Easy return walk from George Kendall Riverside Park to John St Wharf along the Parramatta River. No shops, bring your own food and drinks.	Reports	29 May 2005
		King George Park to Cafe Bones Walk, Leichhardt Council	2hr	6km	Meet at King George Park, cnr Byrnes St and Manning St, Rozelle. To get to King George Park, drive west along Victoria Rd, past Darling St, Rozelle, and turn left into a street that leads directly to the park, for example, Clubb St. You must approach the park from Victoria Rd because some local roads are one-way away from park. There is ample parking at the park.	Easy mostly circular walk along the foreshore of the Iron Cove and the west and east side of the Hawthorn Canal Reserve. Stop at Cafe Bones, the dog friendly cafe for a snack.	Reports	Sun 28 Sep 2008 2 Dec 2007 26 Feb 2006 27 Jun 2003 29 Sep 2002
		Majors Bay to Yaralla Bay Walk, Canada Bay Council	2hr	6km	Meet at Majors Bay Reserve, cnr Deakin St and Rickard St, Concord.	Easy return walk from Majors Bay around the grounds of the dog-friendly Yaralla House property to Yaralla Bay along the coast track. Track may be muddy in places. Bring your own food plus plenty of water.	Reports	29 Aug 2004
		McIlwaine Park to Yaralla Bay Walk, Canada Bay Council	2hr	6km	Meet at McIlwaine Park, in parking area at cnr Concord Rd and east side of Mary St (note that Mary St is split by the railway line).	Easy return walk from McIlwaine Park, to Rhodes Park, the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway, Rocky Point, and Yaralla Bay along the coast track. Buy a drink at Rhodes Park.	Reports	20 Mar 2005
		Mirambeena Regional Park Walk, Bankstown Council	2hr	8km	Meet at Flinders Slopes / Amphitheatre car park, Mirambeena Regional Park, Lansdowne. The entrance is on the west side of Henry Lawson Drive, approximately 1.7km south from the Hume Highway / Woodville Rd / Henry Lawson Drive intersection. Don't drive too fast otherwise you may miss the sign.	Easy loop walk around sections of the Mirambeena Regional Park and Lake Gillawarna. Bring your own food plus plenty of water (there may be a travelling food van but don't count on it).	Reports	26 Oct 2003 30 Sep 2007
		Mortgage Choice Expo	2 hrs	2km	Meet at Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour. Park in a parking station nearby (Mortgage Choice will contribute towards parking fees).	Participate in the Mortgage Choice Expo. If you can't find the beagles in Tumbalong Park, Mortgage Choice are in booth L21 (however dogs may not be allowed in the Hall). The Expo will be followed by a short easy walk afterwards around Darling Harbour.	Reports	Sat 29 Mar 2008
		Narrabeen Lake Walk, Northside, Warringah Council	2hrs	6km	Meet at the carpark off the Wakehurst Parkway, near the France Petarique Club.	Easy return walk along the north foreshore of Narrabeen Lake along Bilarong Reserve, to Pittwater Road, then (time permitting) to the south side of Narrabeen Lake. Walk as far as you like and then return along the same route. Bring your own food and water. Small beach mid-way through the walk.	Reports	29 Oct 2006
		Narrabeen Lake Walk, Southside, Warringah Council	1hr 30min	4km	Meet at Jamison Park, Narabeen, at The Esplanade parking and picnic area, near the Sailing Club.	Easy return walk along the south foreshore of Narrabeen Lake. Buy an ice-cream along the way. Bring your own food and water. Small beach mid-way through the walk.	Reports	16 Feb 2003
		Nepean River Walk, Camden Council	2hr 30min	6km	Meet at Cowpasture Reserve, Argyle Street, Camden, opposite Kirkham Estate Winery. If you are travelling west from Narellan along Camden Valley Way, Cowpasture Reserve is on the left just after you cross Cowpasture Bridge over the Nepean River. The entrance to a parking area is about 100m past the bridge on the left.	Easy return walk along a shared cycleway / pathway. Toilets halfway through the walk. Bring your own food plus plenty of water. Fully fenced dog-friendly oval (if no-one else is using the oval) at the start and end of the walk.	Reports	27 Aug 2006 27 Jul 2003
		North Curl Curl to Harbord Walk, Warringah Council	2hr 30min	6km	Meet at John Fisher Netball Courts, Abbott Rd, North Curl Curl. Plenty of parking on the road or in free carparks. Meet in the carpark opposite approximately 96 Abbott Road.	Easy return walk from North Curl Curl to the Harbord Diggers Club, Harbord. Plenty of water and bins. Toilets and food mid-way at the Curl Curl Beach SLSC.	Reports	25 Feb 2007
		Oatley to Como Walk, Kogarah Council	2hr 30min	8km	Meet at the start of the bicycle track, at the cnr of Oatley Parade and Myra Place, Oatley. This is about 60 seconds walk from the cnr of Mimosa St and Oatley Ave. Plenty of free parking in nearby streets..	Easy return walk from Oatley to the dog training area at Carina Bay Reserve. Buy some food or drink at Como Pleasure Grounds.	Reports	29 Apr 2007
		Palm Beach Walk, Pittwater Council	2hr 30min	6km	Meet at Governor Philip Park, Beach Rd (between Barrenjoey Rd and Ocean Rd), Palm Beach. Pay parking is available in Governor Philip Park. Limited free parking is available in surrounding streets. Parking can be scarce so best to arrive in plenty of time.	Easy return walk, north, from Governor Philip Park, along the grassy stretches parallel to North Palm Beach. Public toilets and water available. Buy a drink at the small kiosk. Note that Barrenjoey Lighthouse and the headland is part of Ku-rin-gai Chase National Park.	Reports	Not checked
		Parramatta Lake Circuit Walk, Parramatta Council	2hrs 30 mins	4.2km	Meet at the main carpark, opposite Lake Parramatta Cafe (0414 734 953), Lackey St. To get there, drive to Church St, North Parramatta, proceed to Lackey St, and drive underneath James Ruse Drive to the park entrance and main carpark. Carpark can get crowded on weekends, plenty of free parking in streets about 10 minutes from start of walk.	Medium loop walk around Parramatta Lake. The Lake Circuit walk is a mixture of bush tracks and fire trails. There are a few flat sections but most of the walk is along relatively narrow and moderately uneven bush tracks. A little bit is scrambling is required. If you don't want to do the whole Lake Circuit walk, you can start this walk and then branch off on a couple of shorter and easier loop walks, e.g. She-Oak Track (1.5km) or Banksia Trail (2.5km). All walks start and finish at the main carpark, near a playground for kids and the Lake Parramatta Cafe, which has a tasty selection of snacks, meals, and drinks plus a restful view of the lake. Hopefully something for everyone on this walk.	Reports	26 Aug 2007
		Parramatta Regional Park, Parramatta Council			Access from many points in Parramatta, including Macquarie Street. Parramatta, 02 9891 4488.		Reports	Not checked
		Parramatta River Regional Park, Hunters Hill Council				This a long narrow strip of foreshore land between the historic Gladesville Hospital and the Parramatta River.	Reports	Not checked
		Rouse Hill Regional Park, Baulkham Hills Council	1hr	4km	Meet at the (sealed) main carpark about 300m inside the park from the entrance, at the end of the road, near a large oval and play area. Note: There are a few parking areas before the main carpark, which you can park in if the main carpark is full. There is also an (unsealed) overflow parking area near the main carpark. If it's really full (unlikely), you can park on Worcestser Rd. To get to the park: From Windsor Rd (at traffic lights), turn left into Rouse Rd. Travel 500m. Turn right into Worcester Rd. Drive past Rouse Hill Anglican College at cnr on your left and travel 800m. Turn right into park entrance and drive 300m to the (sealed) main carpark.	Easy and short walk meandering along paths running throughout the park, We will walk for about an hour, and then stop and have afternoon tea. Then, for those who feel like it, do some of the walks again. There are lots of wide open spaces for dogs to run and sniff (although they must be on lead). Also a horse track, which might have some interesting smells. There are no shops in the park. Bring your own afternoon tea and plenty of water. Bring some chairs in case the undercover picnic tables are full. Toilets are available about 15 minutes after the walk starts. Some fast food shops are located at the cnr of Windsor Rd and Rouse Rd. No bins are provided for rubbish	Reports	27 May 2007
		Scotland Island Trip, Pittwater Council	2hr	4km	Meet at Church Point Ferry Wharf, McCarrs Creek Rd, Church Point, between the Pasadena Restaurant and Top Room Cafe. When last checked (2005), pay-and-display parking was $5/1-4hrs. The club will most likely pay the ferry fare. Please allow plenty of time to find parking as it is likely to be extremely crowded. If you miss the ferry, the phone number for Pink Water Taxis is 0428 238 190.	Medium walk around the island. Some steep sections. Starts at 9:30am when ferry leaves Church Point Ferry Wharf to Bell Wharf, Scotland Island. Finishes at 11:05am when ferry leaves Bell Wharf to Church Point. Please note your beagles may be nervous on the wharf and ferry, keep on lead at all times. Bring your own food plus plenty of water to Scotland Island. You can buy food and drinks at Church Point kiosk. After the trip, you may want to consider visiting Bayview dog-friendly beach nearby.	Reports	Sun 25 May 2008 30 Nov 2003 24 Apr 2005
		Sophia Doyle Reserve / Crestwood Reserve Walk, Baulkham Hills Council	2hr 30min	6km	Meet at the Torry Burn Reserve carpark, Jasper Road, opposite Eames Avenue, Baulkham Hills. If the carpark is crowded, there is plenty of free parking in nearby streets.	Easy circular walk from Torry Burn Reserve, through Sophia Doyle Reserve, to Crestwood Reserve, along sealed bicycle tracks and footpaths. Public toilets at Crestwood Reserve half-way through the walk. Bring your own food or buy a drink and snack at Crestwood Shops half-way through the walk. Some water stations along the way.	Reports	Sun 27 Apr 2008 26 Mar 2006
		Strickland State Forest, Gosford Council	6hrs approx (including travel to and from Sydney + walks + afternoon tea)	6km loops	Meet at Stoney Creek Carpark. Directions (starting from the intersection of the F3 and Pennant Hills Rd, Sydney): Travel approx 50km along the F3 from the intersection of the F3 and Pennant Hills Rd, Sydney. Turn left at the Somersby Interchange to Peats Ridge Rd (36). (UBD 2008, Central Coast, Map 66, Ref M14) Travel approx 2km along Peats Ridge Rd to Wisemans Ferry Rd. Turn right at Wisemans Ferry Rd. If you turn left, you will see the Somersby Store where you can buy food and drink. Travel approx 0.8km along Wisemans Ferry Rd to Dog Trap Rd. Turn right at Dog Trap Rd. You will see a sign saying Great North Walk. Travel approx 4.5km along Dog Trap Rd to Mangrove Rd. Turn right at Mangrove Rd. Travel approx 0.2km along Mangrove Rd (just over the F3 overpass) to the SSF gates at Strickland Forest Rd on the right. Turn right at Strickland Forest Rd into SSF. After you enter SSF, travel approx 1.4km to a fork in the road. Do not take the road to the right, which leads to Banksia Picnic Area. Instead, continue the road to the left, which leads to Stoney Creek Carpark. So that both you and your beagles will better enjoy our trip to SSF, take along cold water for beagles, hot water for coffee, food for a picnic lunch, toilet paper, wet ones, mosquito repellant. Banksia Picnic Area has toilets and picnic tables.	SSF has 5 walks of various levels of difficulty. We will do: Easy Arboretum Trail 2km loop trail Difficult Cabbage Tree Trail 1.6km loop trail If time permits, other optional walks are: Medium Stoney Creek Trail 1.3km one way Easy Strickland Falls Trail 0.7km one way Note: When last checked: Easy Bellbird Trail 3.6km loop trail was inaccessible due to fallen trees	Reports	Sun 26 Oct 2008
		Sydney Olympic Park, River Heritage Circuit, Auburn Council	2hr 30min	6km	Meet at the Wilson Park carpark at the end of Newington Rd, Silverwater. To get to the carpark, turn east into Holker St from Silverwater Rd. Drive past Sydney Metropolitan Oil Pipeline Terminal. Turn left into Newington Rd. Drive to the end of the road. Meet at the bitumen carpark, just south of Parramatta River.	The Sydney Olympic Park has some excellent walks for beagles around three cycling paths. The River Heritage Circuit (marked green on the map) is an easy ramble east along the banks of the Parramatta River and around the Millenium Parklands. Plenty of public toilets and multiple doggy water stations. Buy a coffee and snack at the Armory Wharf Cafe. Note that the distance is 15km but we will only walk 6km!	Reports	Sun 24 Feb 2008
		Sydney Olympic Park, Olympic Circuit, Auburn Council		8km		The Sydney Olympic Park has some excellent walks for beagles around three cycling paths. The Olympic Circuit (marked yellow on the map) is ...	Reports
		Sydney Olympic Park, Parklands Circuit, Auburn Council		6km		The Sydney Olympic Park has some excellent walks for beagles around three cycling paths. The Parklands Circuit (marked red on the map) is ...	Reports
		Toongabbie Creek Walk, Third Settlement Reserve, Parramatta Council	2hr 30min	6km	Meet cnr of Edison Parade and Marconi Street, Old Toongabbie. Plenty of parking.	Medium circular walk along bush tracks on each side of Toongabbie Creek. Some steep sections and rough bush tracks. May include an offlead romp. Toilets at start and end of walk. No shops, bring your own food.	Reports	Sun 28 Aug 2005
		Western Sydney Regional Park, Fairfield Council	2hr 30min	6km	Meet at the Restwell Road Picnic Area, Western Sydney Regional Park. Turn into the park entrance at the large roundabout at the intersection of Restwell Road and Cowpasture Road (note that the road into the park may not be marked in your street directory). Follow Restwell Road to the turning circle at the end of the road. Meet at the turning circle, near the bicycle track. Parking may be scarce on weekends. If so, find parking in nearby residential streets.	Easy circular walk from Restwell Road Picnic Area along bicycle tracks and horse tracks. Public toilets and water available. No shops, bring your own food and drinks.	Reports	28 May 2006

Levels of Difficulty

All walks have an indication of their level of difficulty. It's useful to know what these levels mean so you can judge whether a certain walk is suitable for you, your family members (especially young children), and your beagles.

Easy

An easy walk means:

• A very relaxed and pleasant outing
• You'll be able to wander along very easily, have a chat, enjoy the scenery, and be pleasantly tired by the end.
• Completely or mostly flat
• Almost all surfaces are even
• Surfaces may include concrete, paving, grass, timber, or wide bush paths
• May have a few steps here and there
• Intended to be suitable for all active adults
• Usually suitable for young children
• Usually suitable for prams, bicycles, skateboards, etc (but read the description to see if there are any steps)
• Intended to be suitable for all beagles (including puppies who have completed their initial course of vaccinations)

More information

Medium

More information

Difficult

More information

More Information

Please note that:

• Levels are an indication only and you should use your own judgement to decide whether to come on a walk
• Levels are not an indication of walking time (most walks are about 2 hours) or length (most walks are about 6kms)

Tips for Finding and Planning Walks

Finding walks in Sydney and surrounds that are suitable for both humans and dogs takes time and research.

Dogs are not allowed in:

• National Parks, State Recreation Areas, or Nature Reserves
• Botanic Gardens

Dogs are allowed on-lead in:

• State Forests
  • Cumberland State Forest
• Regional Parks (see pets in parks) for details:
  • Berowra Valley Regional Park (in designated dog walking areas)
  • Leacock Regional Park
  • Parramatta River Regional Park (has excellent walk for dogs)
  • Penrith Lakes Regional Park (possibly too small for a dog walk)
  • Rouse Hill Regional Park (has fair walk for dogs)
  • Western Sydney Regional Park (has excellent walks for dogs)
  • William Howe Regional Park
  • Wolli Creek Regional Park
  • Yellomundee Regional Park
• Dams (but only these dams)
  • Avon Dam
  • Cataract Dam
  • Cordeaux Dam
  • Nepean Dam
  • Propect Reservoir
  • Warragamba Dam
  • Woronora Dam
• Centennial Parklands
• Sydney Olympic Park

Many print and online publications provide information about walks around Sydney. Most describe walks suitable for people; these may or may not be suitable for dogs as well.

Rare publications that describe walks suitable for dogs include.

• Walking the Dog in Sydney (1999). Includes dog-friendly parks and walks. Now out of print.

The selected walk should depend on the month (and likely weather conditions). For example:

• February/December (hot) - select a shorter walk with shade, near water, with likely breezes, away from bush (because of ticks and snakes).
• March/October (warm) - select a medium walk
• April/September (cool) - select a longer walk, possibly along bush tracks.

Before selecting a walk, do the walk yourself with your beagle(s) or have another experienced club member do the walk. Use criteria such as the following to assess a walk:

• Is parking available? Is parking free or must you pay (this often depends on the local council)?
• Is the walk fairly easy? Walks should be enjoyable, which means no bush bashing, no steep or dangerous paths, etc.
• Is the walk duration appropriate? Aim for about 2hrs walking time, plus or minus 30 minutes. About three hours total time.
• Is the walk attractive? Attractive features include parkland, lakes, rivers, flat paths, wide paths, grassy expanses, interesting smells. Unattractive features are busy roads, traffic, steep slopes, narrow paths, overgrown bushland.
• Are there toilets? Either at the start or during the walk. Are the toilets closed on particular days? Do you need to get a key for the toilets from the local council, perhaps even pay a deposit.
• Is there water available for the dogs? Sometimes taps will have handles removed, perhaps bring your own handle. It is a good idea to bring water.
• Is the walk in bushland? Walks along bush tracks are OK in cooler months but not warm or hot months because of the risk of ticks and snakes.
• Is there anything happening that could make a walk unsuitable? For example, a fox baiting program, a market day with large crowds, a sporting event that uses up all available parking, council construction work, etc.

A few recent links:

• 14 Jul 2007 Hornsby Council - leashed areas
• 14 Jul 2007 Sydney Walking Paths and Jogging Tracks
• 21 Apr 2007 Walking Sydney Harbour
• 21 Apr 2007 Walks Around Sydney
• 21 Apr 2007 Sydney Harbour Walks
• 02 Mar 2007 $1.9 m boost to Sydney's parks and trails

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