Canoelands Ridge horse riding trail
Marramarra National Park
Overview
Enjoy stunning views of the Hawkesbury River as you horse ride along Canoelands Ridge trail. This 18km bush trail follows open ridges and sheltered gullies in Marramarra National Park, close to Sydney.
- Accessibility
- No wheelchair access
- Distance
- 18km return
- Time suggested
- 3.5-5 hr
- Grade
- Medium
- What to
bring - Drinking water, suitable clothing, hat, sunscreen, first aid kit, snacks, sturdy shoes
- Please note
- Please read the code of practice for horse riding in parksbefore you set out.
- You can also mountain bike or bushwalk along Canoelands Ridge trail. Cyclists, please give way to walkers and horse riders.
Gaze at panoramic views of the Hawkesbury River and Marramarra National Park’s forested valleys as you horse ride, mountain bike or walk Canoelands Ridge trail.
Starting from Canoelands Road, this relatively remote ride follows Canoelands Ridge trail 18km return, taking you along ridges and via sheltered gullies. There are some challenging steep and gravelly sections.
If you’re into endurance or long-distance rides this is a great training trail, though the trail is shared with bushwalkers and cyclists.
In spring, you’ll see colourful wildflowers on the ridges and crimson waratahs and Gymea lilies in the gullies. The views are lovely all year round, so why not bring a picnic lunch and relax at the end of the trail, before returning the way you came.
Nearby
-
Canoelands Ridge walking track
Canoelands Ridge walking track is a beautiful day walk near Hornsby and Sydney. See scenic Hawkesbury River views and native wildflowers along the way on this long hike.
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/horse-riding-trails/canoelands-ridge-horse-riding-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 Marramarra National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
Marramarra National Park is always open 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 Canoelands Ridge horse riding trail.
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
Canoelands Ridge horse riding trail is in Marramarra National Park. To get there:
From Glenorie:
- Head north on Old Northern Road around 12.5km
- Turn right onto Canoelands Road and continue around 8km to Canoelands Ridge trail carpark on the left
- If travelling with horse floats continue a further 300m along Canoelands Road and use the turning circle and carpark at the end of the road
- The trail starts at the locked gate
Road quality
- Sealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
Horse float parking is only available at the end of Canoelands Road, 300m beyond the start of the Canoelands Ridge trail.
Facilities
- The nearest public toilets are at Glenorie shops on Old Northern Road (20km to the south)
- You'll need to bring all equipment for you and your horse for the duration of your visit
- There are no hitching rails or posts
- Please bring plenty of drinking water
Carpark
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - no wheelchair access
Permitted
Cycling
Prohibited
Camp fires and solid fuel burners
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
Canoelands Ridge horse riding trail is in Marramarra National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
Darug country
Marramarra is part of the traditional lands of the Darug Aboriginal people. Their use and respect of the land can be found in isolated corners of the park. The surviving Aboriginal sites, which provide the only indications of traditional life in the area, are of special importance to local Aboriginal communities. Cave art, rock engravings, grinding grooves, middens, scarred trees, and other occupational deposits and stone arrangements are all part of Marramarra.
Exploring the land
In the early days of the new colony, Hawkesbury River was a major communication route and supported an active river-based community. European exploration began as early as 1789 when Governor Arthur Phillip took his second trip up Hawkesbury River and camped at Gentlemans Halt. By 1884, there was a small community at Gentlemans Halt and a provisional school had been established; you can still see the foundations of a road and a wharf from this era. Other reminders of European historic heritage include remains of orange orchards along Marramarra Creek and the foundations of a hut, stone walls and a well at Big Bay.
Is it a bird?
Marramarra is home to a great diversity of animals and birds, making it a great place for wildlife spotting and bird watching. You're likely to spot a white-breasted sea eagle, swamp wallaby, possum or kingfisher in your travels. If you're lucky, you might come across some of the more uncommon animals found here such as rails, gang-gang and glossy black cockatoos, and red-crowned toadlets.
- Canoelands Ridge walking track Canoelands Ridge walking track is a beautiful day walk near Hornsby and Sydney. See scenic Hawkesbury River views and native wildflowers along the way on this long hike.
- Marramarra Ridge to Smugglers Ridge walking track Discover the beauty of Marramarra, near Hornsby, on this day walk. Enjoy scenic views, historic heritage, colourful wildflowers and picnicking along the way.
Plentiful lands
The sandstone ridges and deep gullies of Marramarra support a wide range of environments. Experience salt marsh and mangrove forests on the shores of Hawkesbury River, to tall open forest and ridge-top woodlands. In spring, the bush turns into a brilliant display of colour as the wildflowers burst in action. Discover the unique plant life and help preserve it – why not participate in the bush regeneration volunteer programs in the park?
- Canoelands Ridge walking track Canoelands Ridge walking track is a beautiful day walk near Hornsby and Sydney. See scenic Hawkesbury River views and native wildflowers along the way on this long hike.
- Marramarra adventurous journeys with YouthAdvance Fuel your sense of adventure on an exciting trip with YouthAdvance. You’ll learn navigation, teamwork and campcraft in beautiful Marramarra National Park, near Sydney.
- Marramarra Ridge to Smugglers Ridge walking track Discover the beauty of Marramarra, near Hornsby, on this day walk. Enjoy scenic views, historic heritage, colourful wildflowers and picnicking along the way.