Wallumatta loop trail
Wallumatta Nature Reserve
Overview
For an easy family getaway in Sydney, Wallumatta loop trail offers walking, birdwatching and bush regeneration in Wallumatta Nature Reserve, near Ryde.
- Distance
- 0.6km loop
- Time suggested
- 15 - 45min
- Grade
- Grade 3
- What to
bring - Hat, sunscreen, drinking water
- Please note
- Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go bird watching.
If you sometimes hanker for a nature getaway without leaving town, then Wallumatta loop trail offers an idyllic bush setting within easy reach of the Sydney CBD. Close to public transport options between Ryde and Lane Cove, this historic stand of remnant forest provides a great family walk and is popular with those who are keen on nature, bush regeneration and birdwatching.
Following the clearly signposted walking track, you’ll encounter towering turpentine and ironbark forest that attract botanists, school excursions and dedicated bushcare groups.
A perfect getaway from a hectic schedule, enjoy this short loop walk any time of year. Keep an eye out for the masked lapwing, black-shouldered kite and vibrant sacred kingfisher. In spring, when the plants are in flower, you might spot the nectar-loving yellow-faced honeyeater.
Map
Map legend
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/wallumatta-loop-trail/local-alerts
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Park info
- in Wallumatta Nature Reserve in the Sydney and surrounds region
Wallumatta Nature Reserve is open sunrise to sunset but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Wallumatta loop trail.
Track grading
Features of this track
Distance
0.6km loop
Time
15 - 45min
Quality of markings
Clearly sign posted
Experience required
No experience required
Gradient
Gentle hills
Steps
No steps
Quality of path
Formed track, some obstacles
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
- From Sydney CBD, head north over Sydney Harbour Bridge. Keep right to stay on Bradfield Highway, follow the signs for Metroad 1 and drive for 4.6 km.
- Continue onto Metroad 2 (look for the signs to Lane Cove Tunnel, Epping and Windsor), continue for 5.1km and take the Epping Road exit to North Ryde.
- Turn left onto Pittwater Road and look for the signs to East Ryde. Then turn right onto Blenheim Road for 750m, then right onto Cox’s Road.
- Take the exit at the roundabout to Badajoz Road, follow to the next roundabout and turn left onto Twin Road. Take the next left onto Cressy Road, drive 200m, and you’ll arrive at the reserve entrance.
Parking
Parking is available on Cressy Road in East Ryde.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Wallumatta Nature Reserve. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
Take your camera for some excellent shots of birdlife as they nest and forage throughout the open forest. It's a great time for a spot of birdwatching.
Spring
Spring is a great time to explore as many of the native plants are in flower.
Summer
Escape the heat with a relaxing stroll through the shady forest.
Winter
Enjoy a brisk walk through the forest or link with the local Bushcare volunteers who help preserve this unique forest remnant.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
16.2°C and 28.4°C
Highest recorded
45.5°C
Winter temperature
Average
6.2°C and 19°C
Lowest recorded
-1°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
February
Driest month
July
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
293mm
Maps and downloads
Prohibited
Pets
Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.
Smoking
NSW national parks are no smoking areas.
Learn more
Wallumatta loop trail is in Wallumatta Nature Reserve. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
Feathered flight path
You're bound to see at least some of the over 30 species of birds that thrive in the reserve. While out walking, you might see vibrant rainbow lorikeets, crimson rosellas and even the black-shouldered kite. The flowers in spring attract the yellow-faced honeyeater and superb fairy wren, so bring along your binoculars for a spot of bird watching.
- Wallumatta loop trail For an easy family getaway in Sydney, Wallumatta loop trail offers walking, birdwatching and bush regeneration in Wallumatta Nature Reserve, near Ryde.
Hands-on bush care
A popular reserve in north-west Sydney, the unique forest is a demonstration site for best practice of the management of turpentine-ironbark forest. It's a haven for research and environmental education by local schools and universities in the area. If you fancy a hands-on nature learning experience, why not help preserve the unique bushland within the reserve? You can join the local bush regeneration group on one of their regular meetings within the reserve. For further information, email the Lane Cove Bush Regeneration Officer, or phone (02) 9410 0102.
- Wallumatta loop trail For an easy family getaway in Sydney, Wallumatta loop trail offers walking, birdwatching and bush regeneration in Wallumatta Nature Reserve, near Ryde.
Preserving forests
It's believed that Governor King named the tract of land after the name for the area used by the Aboriginal Wallumedegal People. In 1804, Governor Phillip King set aside 2,500ha that originally included the 6.2ha that make up Wallamutta Nature Reserve today.