NearMeBest walking trails in Northmead
Last updatedArthur Phillip Park is the top pick for a short loop in Northmead, with a 600-metre circuit around its playground and public toilets in the park. Bidjigal Reserve suits a longer walk through the bush, and Robin Hood Park is where the Redbank Track starts. What separates them is how far you want to go and whether you need toilets nearby.
Quick picks
- Easiest loop: Arthur Phillip Park has a 600-metre circuit that runs around its playground.
- Longest walk: Bidjigal Reserve has the Burraga Track, 5.2 km at a moderate grade.
- Waterfall: The Waterfall Walk at Bidjigal Reserve leads to the only waterfall in The Hills Shire.
- Redbank Track: Robin Hood Park is the starting point for a 3.5 km bushwalk along Toongabbie Creek.
Arthur Phillip Park: a short loop around the playground
- Loop
- Toilets
- Parking
Arthur Phillip Park has the most straightforward walk in Northmead. A 600-metre circuit track loops through the park for walking, cycling and scootering, and it runs around an inclusive playground for children aged 2 to 12. Parents can walk laps while children play, and riders of different abilities can share the circuit. Public toilets are open from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm, and free street parking runs along Edward and Park Streets, so you can park close to the track. Leads are required for dogs, and the closest off-leash ground is Burlington Memorial Park.
Bidjigal Reserve: bush tracks and the waterfall walk
- Loop
Bidjigal Reserve is the pick for a longer walk, with three tracks to choose from. The Platypus Track is a family-friendly 1.9 km loop that follows fern gullies beside Excelsior Creek. The Burraga Track runs 5.2 km at a moderate grade, taking about two and a half hours, with valley views and sandstone shelters along the way. The Waterfall Walk covers 2.8 km each way. Expect roots and rocks underfoot, and bring your own water, because the reserve has no restrooms or water facilities. Keep dogs leashed throughout, since the bush is home to native wildlife.
Robin Hood Park: the start of the Redbank Track
- Parking
Robin Hood Park is where the Redbank Track starts: a 3.5 km bushwalk that follows Toongabbie Creek and continues to the Governor Phillip Walk, rated a moderate walk through bushland. The park has a colourful playground near the track, so a walk and a play stop make a half-day outing. Parking is free on site, though spaces are limited at peak times. There are no public toilets here, so plan a stop beforehand. Leashed dogs can walk the Redbank Track as well.
How the walks compare
By area
Every walking track in and near Northmead
The table sets out each park's track, length, loop, toilets, parking and dog rules, with details we couldn't find shown as dashes.
| Park | Loop | Toilets | Parking |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.Arthur Phillip Park | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 2.Bidjigal Reserve | ✓ | ✗ | – |
| 3.Robin Hood Park | – | ✗ | ✓ |
| 4.Hammers Road Reserve | – | – | – |
| 5.Bundilla Forest | – | – | – |
| 6.John Hourigan Reserve | – | ✗ | – |
| Nearby, outside Northmead | |||
| John Curtin Reserve · Winston Hills | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moxham Park · Winston Hills | – | ✗ | – |
| Otto Losco Reserve · Winston Hills | – | – | – |
| Impeesa Reserve · Winston Hills | – | – | – |
How we picked
We compared the parks on track length, whether the track loops, how steep it is, shade, toilets, parking and whether dogs can come. Each park is ranked on what is known about it, so a dash in the table means the detail wasn't found, not that it's missing. Parks with thin listings sit in the table only.
FAQ
Is there a loop walk in Northmead?
Yes, Arthur Phillip Park has a 600-metre circuit track that loops through the park. For a loop through the bush, the 1.9 km Platypus Track at Bidjigal Reserve closes back on itself. The circuit runs around the playground, so you can stop there between laps.
Which Northmead walk has toilets?
Arthur Phillip Park's toilets are unlocked between 6:00 am and 8:00 pm. Bidjigal Reserve and Robin Hood Park have none, so plan a stop before you set out.
Can I walk my dog on the tracks in Northmead?
In Northmead, dogs must stay on a leash at Arthur Phillip Park, Bidjigal Reserve and Robin Hood Park, and none has an off-leash area listed. Robin Hood Park's Redbank Track is open to leashed dogs.
How long is the Burraga Track at Bidjigal Reserve?
The Burraga Track at Bidjigal Reserve is 5.2 km at a moderate grade, and it takes about two and a half hours. Bring water, because the reserve has no water facilities.