Knapsack Park Reserve
📍 Blaxland, NSW 2774 · Managed by Blue Mountains City Council
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Knapsack Park Reserve is a 140-hectare bushland reserve in Glenbrook, near Blaxland NSW, on the eastern escarpment of the Blue Mountains. Its standout feature is a designated off-leash dog trail section between Lennox Bridge and Olivet Street, while most other trails require dogs on a leash.
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About Knapsack Park Reserve
Off-Leash Dog Area at Knapsack Park Reserve
Knapsack Park Reserve has one designated off-leash dog trail section, running from Lennox Bridge to Olivet Street. This section is listed as off-leash site number 14 under the Blue Mountains Dogs in Public Spaces Strategic Plan. Dogs must be on a leash at all times on every other section of the reserve, and signage at the main track heads states this rule. Owners must keep dogs under their control and remove all dog waste. Dogs are not permitted in the adjoining National Park. Knapsack Park Reserve is therefore dog-friendly on a leash for walks outside the designated section, and not all users follow these requirements.
Walking Tracks and Heritage at Knapsack Park Reserve
Knapsack Park Reserve is a maze of walking trails with multiple entry points, including the Knapsack Viaduct route. The reserve has extensive duplicated walking tracks, old disused downhill bike tracks, and occasional conflicts between walkers and bike riders. Knapsack Park Reserve contains Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest, an Ecologically Endangered Community. Historic features include the sandstone Knapsack Viaduct, Lennox Bridge and a memorial to engineer-chief John Whitton. The reserve is linked to the Lapstone Zig Zag Railway, built in 1867. Knapsack Park Reserve currently has no interpretation of its Aboriginal, cultural or environmental values.
Sportsgrounds and Picnic Facilities at Knapsack Park Reserve
Knapsack Park Reserve has sportsgrounds with fields and a clubhouse. The sportsgrounds have undersized fields, a poor irrigation system, and limited community and residential facilities. Cricket has sought to become a summer user group at Knapsack Park Reserve, which would require a pitch to be installed. Knapsack Park Reserve has picnic tables, an amenities block and shelters across its bushland and open areas. The reserve covers forty two (42) parcels of land owned by four (4) different organisations, which shapes how its facilities are managed.
Getting to Knapsack Park Reserve
Knapsack Park Reserve is located in Glenbrook, near Blaxland, NSW 2774. The Knapsack Viaduct walking track starts at the end of Knapsack Street in Glenbrook, where there is a small number of car parking spots. Knapsack Park Reserve has a council-listed access point at Knapsack Street, Glenbrook for its walks. On busy sporting weekends, Knapsack Park Reserve experiences traffic congestion, unsafe driving and unsafe parking conditions. Visitors should plan to arrive early on weekends to secure a space.
Activities at Knapsack Park Reserve
Facilities at Knapsack Park Reserve
Visitor tips for Knapsack Park Reserve
- ✓Keep dogs on a leash everywhere except the Lennox Bridge to Olivet Street trail section.
- ✓Start the Knapsack Viaduct walk at the end of Knapsack Street in Glenbrook, where parking is limited.
- ✓Expect bike riders on shared tracks, as walkers and riders occasionally come into conflict.
- ✓Avoid busy sporting weekends if you want to park easily, since traffic congestion and unsafe parking are reported then.
- ✓Pick up all dog waste, and keep dogs under your control at all times.
- ✓Check Blue Mountains City Council for current dog rules, as the most recent management plan is from 2022 and some listings are older.
Getting to Knapsack Park Reserve
Knapsack Park Reserve is in Glenbrook, near Blaxland NSW 2774. The Knapsack Viaduct walking track starts at the end of Knapsack Street, Glenbrook, where there is a small number of car parking spots. Parking is limited, and busy sporting weekends bring traffic congestion and unsafe parking.
Open in Google Maps →Nearby Blaxland
- 📍Lennox Bridge
- 📍Knapsack Viaduct
- 📍Lapstone Zig Zag Railway
- 📍Marges Lookout
- 📍Elizabeth Lookout
- 📍Blue Mountains National Park
- 📍Blaxland
Frequently asked questions about Knapsack Park Reserve
Can I take my dog to Knapsack Park Reserve in Blaxland?
Yes, dogs are welcome at Knapsack Park Reserve in Glenbrook, near Blaxland. Dogs must be on a leash on most of the reserve, and they may be off-leash only on the designated Lennox Bridge to Olivet Street trail section. Dogs are not permitted in the adjoining National Park.
Are dogs allowed off-leash at Knapsack Park Reserve, or do they need to be on a lead?
Dogs need to be on a lead at all times except on one designated trail section. That off-leash section runs from Lennox Bridge to Olivet Street and is listed as off-leash site number 14. Owners must keep dogs under control and remove all dog waste.
What sports or recreation facilities does Knapsack Park Reserve have?
Knapsack Park Reserve has sportsgrounds with fields and a clubhouse. The fields are undersized and the irrigation system is poor. Cricket has sought to become a summer user group, which would require a pitch to be installed.
Is there parking available at Knapsack Park Reserve in Blaxland?
Parking is available at the end of Knapsack Street in Glenbrook, where there is a small number of car parking spots for the Knapsack Viaduct walking track. Spaces are limited. Traffic congestion and unsafe parking occur on busy sporting weekends.
Are there walking trails or bushwalking tracks at Knapsack Park Reserve?
Knapsack Park Reserve is a maze of walking trails with multiple entry points, including the Knapsack Viaduct route. The reserve also has duplicated tracks and old disused downhill bike tracks. Walkers and bike riders occasionally come into conflict on these paths.
What makes Knapsack Park Reserve different from other parks in the Blue Mountains?
Knapsack Park Reserve has a designated off-leash dog trail section between Lennox Bridge and Olivet Street. It also contains the sandstone Knapsack Viaduct, Lennox Bridge and a memorial to engineer John Whitton. The reserve is linked to the Lapstone Zig Zag Railway, built in 1867.