Itineraries Home » New South Wales Itineraries » Sydney Itineraries » Exploring the Tranquil Beauty of Platypus Track in Bidjigal Reserve, Castle Hill
If you're looking for a unique and immersive outdoor experience in the heart of Castle Hill that is within an hour from Sydney, Bidjigal Reserve is a must-visit destination. This stunning natural reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including the elusive platypus and offers an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural world and explore the wilderness of Sydney. With its picturesque hiking trails, tranquil creeks, and breathtaking views, Bidjigal Reserve is a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and reconnect with nature. So come and discover the magic of this beautiful reserve, where every step is a new adventure.
Bidjigal Reserve offers three (3) main walking trails, as shown below:
This post cover the Platypus Track, which is the shortest of the 3 aforesaid walking trails. This walk provides you with the opportunity for a walk along the shady valleys of the Excelsior Creek and if you’re lucky, specifically on warm days, you may be able to spot Eastern Water Dragons in the Excelsior Creek.
Bidjigal Reserve offers three (3) main walking trails, as shown below:
- 8km Murri-Yanna Track (Grade 3, 3.5 hours)
- 5.2km Burraga Track (Grade 3, 2.5 hours)
- 2.4km Platypus Track (Grade 3, 1.5 hours)
This post cover the Platypus Track, which is the shortest of the 3 aforesaid walking trails. This walk provides you with the opportunity for a walk along the shady valleys of the Excelsior Creek and if you’re lucky, specifically on warm days, you may be able to spot Eastern Water Dragons in the Excelsior Creek.
|
|
| ||||||||||||||
Getting there
The track commences at the fire trail at the end of Excelsior Avenue in Castle Hill.
Walk along the fire trail at the end of Excelsior Avenue and you will see a signpost for the Bidjigal Reserve - Platypus Track along with a shelter with a map of the reserve.
Do note that there are NO toilet facilities anywhere along the walking track so now is the time to use the toilets located in the adjacent Eric Mobbs Reserve (on your right), prior to the commencement of the walk. Once you’re ready for the walk, follow the concrete path on the right of the shelter for approximately 200 metres.
The path then becomes a well graded gravel path, that is part of the Platypus Track (blue logo).
Follow this path for 850 metres to a track junction with the sign “Loop Track”- Turn left here.
At the next track junction, take the left again, to walk down a steep track of rough sandstone steps. At the bottom of the track there is a T-intersection. Turn left and walk down to Excelsior Creek.
This is a very picturesque spot with a large sandstone rock being the dominant feature where Eastern Water Dragons can be seen basking in the sun on warm days. Cross the creek on the stepping stones and be extremely cautious as the rocks may be slippery.
Turn left to follow the track upstream and the track coming in on the right hand side is the Burraga Track. Continue on the Platypus track.
Walk 500 metres to Gahnia Creek. Cross over this creek and take the trail straight ahead with a sign post which reads “Rest Area”. Further along the track you will reach a cave to explore for a little bit of time.
Next, you will come across a bridge to cross the Excelsior Creek.
|
|
Cross the bridge and follow the track along Coachwood Creek to a weir. This is Loch Bruce which was built by local residents in the 1930’s as a swimming spot.
Upstream of the weir, cross the creek on the concrete stepping stones.
Follow the boardwalk and then the path uphill to arrive at the shelter, where you commenced the walk.
|
|
From the shelter, turn right to take the track back to Excelsior Avenue. Pick up your car and head back home! Overall, it was a great walk and the kids and adults alike loved it!
Share this post on:
Love our itinerary? Excited to visit Bidjigal Reserve? Book your accommodation via Booking.com below at cheaper prices!
If you have an exciting itinerary that you’d like to be hosted in the Guests’ Itineraries section of our website, please contact us at [email protected] and we are super excited to collaborate with you on the same.
This post may contain affiliate links which means that at zero additional cost for you, we will earn a small commission if you decide to buy something via the links provided. This helps us in running our website. Thank you!
This post may contain affiliate links which means that at zero additional cost for you, we will earn a small commission if you decide to buy something via the links provided. This helps us in running our website. Thank you!