Walks Near Me

At Sydney Olympic Park, great places and spaces are closer than you think. 

The NSW Government’s Walks Near Me initiative helps Sydneysiders discover hidden gems, great walks and new places. Counted among Sydney’s great walks is Sydney Olympic Park’s very own Riverside Walk, meandering gently for 6km along Burramattagal (Parramatta River) through wetlands, forest, significant historical and cultural sites and parkland.

About the Walk

Stepping off the ferry at Sydney Olympic Park wharf, you’ll take in the Grey Mangroves on the banks of Burramattagal. The mangroves are protected marine vegetation, providing crucial habitat for native birdlife – Cormorants, Great Egrets, White-Faced Herons and the threatened white-bellied sea eagle. Take your time spotting these beautiful birds, and consider the rich and significant history of this place among the Wangal people, who would watch for the blossoming of the coastal wattle trees each year to indicate when the black fish were running in the river.

Along the way, you’ll encounter a diverse range of natural habitats including the Wharf Pond, home to the endangered Green and Golden Bell frog. You’ll take in the tidal mudflats, home to marine worms, crustaceans and molluscs, providing a key food source for fish and marine birds. You can even get up close and personal with some of these magnificent winged residents at the Birdlife Australia Discovery Centre (open Sundays), where you can observe White-Bellied Sea Eagles via livestream, and learn about the many and varied bird species living in the park. 

At Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest, woodland birds, parrots, raptors, possums and microbats nestle among 20ha of critically endangered forest, accommodating an incredible 240 native plant species. Meanwhile, at Narawang Wetland, you can hear frogs croaking in the 22 habitat ponds, providing breeding habitat for multiple frog species. 

Flora and fauna aside, the Riverside Walk twists and turns through a number of remarkable cultural and historical sites. At the summit of Woo-la-ra, meaning ‘look-out place’, soak up the 360-degree views of Newington Nature Reserve, and listen out for Quails and Cisticolas among the grass. Be fascinated by old military facilities – some dating back as early as 1897 – and glide on the flying fox at Blaxland Riverside Park, originally granted to John Blaxland in 1807.

Midway through your journey, you’ll happen upon Murama Healing Space, a tranquil community space for healing, reflection, truth-telling and yarning. Along the Wangal Walk, take your time absorbing an extensive collection of public artworks and installations that share accounts from First Nations Australians of the Frontier Wars, and the ongoing intergenerational trauma of the Stolen Generations. This special place is a perfect spot to stop, reflect and connect to Country.

What’s New?

Sydney Olympic Park Authority has recently created beautiful new signage for Riverside Walk, installed in connection with the Wangal Walk next to Murama Healing Space. As you stroll, interact with signs that feature native flora and fauna of this place, and immerse yourself in the cultural significance of the areas through which you’ll walk. 

Walk With Us

On Saturday 16 November, Sydney Olympic Park will be hosting a community journey along Riverside Walk. Discover this rich pathway with old and new friends, stopping at Murama Healing Space, and soak up the scenery along the way.