Sydney’s Newest Hike Is A 65-Kilometre Masterpiece From Parramatta To The Blue Mountains
It’s springtime, the sun is shining, and we stan a day out. Sydney’s hiking trails are some of the best, and now there’s a brand-new masterpiece for you to tackle this season. The Great West Walk is a 65-kilometre hiking trail connecting Parramatta and Penrith at the base of the Blue Mountains.
The Great West Walk starts in Parramatta Park and passes public parklands, reserves, local river systems and urban landscapes on its way to the Penrith CBD at the foot of the Blue Mountains.
[related_articles]70797,70918,58245[/related_articles]You’ll pass some of Australia’s oldest architecture and most picturesque sites, like Old Government House and The Old Dairy in Parramatta, Wisteria Gardens in Westmead, Toongabbie Creek, Nurragingy Reserve and Chang Lai Yuan Gardens in Western Sydney Parklands, and the Nepean River in Penrith where the trail ends.
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This monster of a trail is actually quite an easy hike, with lots of shared walking paths crossing relatively flat ground. But you still won’t be tackling the whole thing in one day. Luckily, the trail connects with the train line at multiple points, so you’ll be able to break up your hike into sections with easy travel there and back.
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The Great West Walk opened last week thanks to the work of the Walking Volunteers, a group of local hikers who map out some of the best trails in the city and beyond.
“People are already familiar with the Sydney Harbour Walk, Great North Walk and Sydney’s Coastal Walks, and now the Great West Walk will open the door to the lesser-known but equally beautiful bushland corridors, regional parks and waterways of Sydney’s west,” said City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Bob Dwyer.
You can find track notes and the full map of The Great West Walk here.
(Lead image: City of Parramatta / supplied)
