Wallumatta loop trail

Wallumatta Nature Reserve

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Overview

For an easy family getaway in Sydney, Wallumatta loop trail offers walking, birdwatching and bush regeneration in Wallumatta Nature Reserve, near Ryde.

Accessibility
Medium
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.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Map


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Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

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

Park info

See more visitor info

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

Quality of path

Formed track, some obstacles: The walk is 1m-wide and hard-packed ground.

Steps

Occasional steps: There are around 16 steps along this walk, 1 near the start of the track and the rest in the southern part of the loop.

Other barriers

Gates: There's a locked steel gate beside the start of the walk. The gap around the gate is wide enough for pedestrians, but is too narrow to fit a pram, wheelchair or mobility scooter.

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get 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.

    By public transport

    There are wheelchair accessible buses that stop on Twin Road. From here you can follow the concrete pathway around the corner to Cressy Road where this walk begins.

    Visit Transport for NSW for more information on bus routes and times.

    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

    Safety messages

    Bushwalking safety

    If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

    Mobile safety

    Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

    Accessibility

    Disability access level - medium

    Wallumutta loop trail is a 1m-wide hard-packed ground track with gentle hills. Assistance may be needed in the following areas:

    • There are around 16 steps along the walk, 1 near the start of the track and the rest in the southern part of the loop.
    • There's a locked gate beside the start of the walk. The gap around the gate is wide enough for pedestrians but too narrow to fit a pram, wheelchair or mobility scooter.

    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

    Ferns in the forest, Wallumatta Nature Reserve. Photo: John Spencer

    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

    Walking track through the forest, Wallumatta Nature Reserve. Photo: John Spencer

    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

    Gum tree forest, Wallumatta Nature Reserve. Photo: John Spencer

    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.

    Education resources (1)