Let nature be your escape!
With social distancing laws currently in place throughout the COVID-19 period, we’re thankful that going for a walk outside is still allowed – provided you are keeping to mandatory isolation rules. But, during this time, it’s also highly recommended to exercise in places that are nearest to you and not to travel too far – keeping in mind police are issuing fines to those who breach this.
So, if you want to enjoy some exercise outside whilst keeping your distance from others, we’ve found the best secluded walking tracks around Sydney that are waiting to be explored!
Whether you’re in the Inner West, Eastern Suburbs, Northern Beaches, Illawarra or in Greater Western Sydney, we’re bringing you the best-secluded walking tracks to pump up your exercise regime!
Strap on those boots, slip on some activewear and let’s hit the beaten path.
Inner West
Photographed by fotoshala. Image via Shutterstock
Cooks River
The Cooks River runs into Botany Bay all the way from Strathfield, providing plenty of ways to create your own bespoke walk. We recommend sticking between Tempe Station and Canterbury where the greenery really comes to life. But, of course, you can also head out past Tempe for some more wonderful sights.
Photographed by Steven Tritton. Image via Shutterstock
Georges River
The Georges River begins in Campbelltown and travels up through Liverpool and out to Botany Bay. So there’s plenty of space to stretch your legs. Those between Chipping Norton and East Hills get the best of it, with various quaint-sized parks to wander through. But even those between East Hills and Tarren Point can get plenty of good sights.
Eastern Suburbs
Photographed by KarenHBlack. Image via Shutterstock
Centennial Parklands
If there’s one great place to walk around, it’s Centennial Parklands. Enjoy a spot of sightseeing as you soak up that much-needed Vitamin D, from sprawling ponds to some of Sydney’s oldest trees. The park spans 189 hectares, offering plenty of space to exercise without feeling too crowded!
Photographed by katacarix. Image via Shutterstock
Nielsen Park
Wanting the best views of Sydney? Then head to Nielsen Park! Here you can see the iconic skyline hovering over the distant Bradley’s Head from various vantage points. And while the park itself boasts plenty of space to wander through, we also recommend walking along the foreshore towards South Head.
Illawarra
Photographed by aiyoshi597. Image via Shutterstock
Cronulla Coastal Walk
You may not be able to swim at the beach, but that doesn’t mean you can’t soak in the beauty of it – especially for those in the Sutherland Shire, where Cronulla boasts some wonderful walking tracks. Head south of the main beach for some stunning scenery or hike your way towards Kamay Botany Bay National Park.
Photographed by Sheree V. Image via Shutterstock
Oatley Park
The river and its surrounds near Oatley and Como are well worth a wander, but we have our sights on Oatley Park. This mini peninsula oasis has plenty of flora to soothe your stressed mind. Be sure to seek out Webster’s Lookout for a picturesque view of Georges River and the Como Railway Bridge in the distance.
Northern Beaches
Photographed by katacarix. Image via Shutterstock
Manly Dam
Manly is not just a beachy spot, it also houses wonderful parklands and forests. Three kilometres west of the famous Manly Beach is Manly Dam, featuring an impressive reservoir and plenty of walking tracks to take up your afternoon. A full lap of this place could easily take two hours, depending on how fast you walk.
Photographed by Traveller Martin. Image via Shutterstock
Lane Cove River
On the opposite end of Sydney’s Northern Beaches is the Lane Cove River. It stretches from Woolwich near Cockatoo Island all the way up to Thornleigh, offering a variety of ways to experience its lushness. The most popular spot to trek through is in West Lindfield, where you can truly escape from all the hustle and bustle!
Greater Western Sydney
Photographed by Slow Walker. Image via Shutterstock
Lake Parramatta
Lake Parramatta is essentially a reservoir, formed from the incoming waters of Hunts Creek. But the surrounding flora and fauna make it feel like an untouched oasis; and apart from the dam wall, it pretty much is! Spend an hour circumnavigating the lake for a great escape and be sure to bring a camera for the pretty views.
Photographed by Rebecca Magro. Image via Hunter and Bligh
Western Sydney Parklands
This massive recreational playground, also known as “Sydney’s Biggest Backyard”, spans more than a whopping 5,280 hectares, which means you have plenty of places to explore. Enjoy the views of spreading fields of simple, pure grass, or saunter along quaint little creeks and even Calmsley Hill City Farm. You can also explore the famous Eastern Creek, which lends its name to the Eastern Creek Raceway nearby.
Photographed by Leah-Anne Thompson. Image via Shutterstock
Nepean River
Whether you’re in Penrith or a few clicks past Campbelltown, the Nepean River stretches from Richmond to Bargo! While the view from Penrith might be said to be the most spectacular, boasting the final stop before the Blue Mountains, those around Narellan and Campbelltown can also enjoy the serene beauty of the extensive waterway.
Wanting to create a seamless workout for your next adventure? Under Armour has released a new Bluetooth-connecting shoe that tracks your walking and running performance!
Feature image: Cooks River. Photographed by fotoshala. Image via Shutterstock
