Moonrise Loop

Moonrise Loop is a 6.2 kilometre circuit through the Western Sydney Parklands at Abbotsbury, climbing to a ridge that looks back across the Sydney skyline. It is on-lead the whole way, and the resident kangaroos are the reason why.

The walk

The full loop takes most walkers an hour and a half to two hours, graded moderate. The surface changes constantly: paved concrete in places, mown grass in others, and dirt track through the remnants of Cumberland Plain Woodland.

A few steep pinches on the ridge climb make this a proper workout rather than a stroll, so a dog that is happy on flat suburban footpaths may find the back half harder than expected.

Worth knowing

Greater Sydney Parklands manages the site, and the lead rule is about wildlife rather than crowds: eastern grey kangaroos, wallabies and goannas all live along the route, and fox control programs operate across the parklands, so a leashed dog stays clear of baits as well.

Max: a kangaroo will not run from a dog the way a rabbit does. If yours has never met one, keep the lead short on the open grass and give any mob a wide berth rather than walking straight past.

Dogs stay 10 metres clear of playgrounds and play equipment along the way, and the marked trails are the only routes to use.

Getting there

The main access is via the Plough and Harrow precinct, reached from Abbotsbury in Sydney's south-west with parking at the picnic grounds. Water bubblers, shaded picnic tables, electric barbecues and restrooms sit along the main paths.

More walks nearby

The gentler Plough and Harrow loop, about 1.6 kilometres around the picnic grounds, works as a short alternative for an older dog, and the parklands' fenced off-leash option sits further north at Bungarribee Park.

Parx Coffee House in Abbotsbury covers the post-walk coffee, and more routes are in the New South Wales trail guide or on the Abbotsbury destination page.

Leash status

On-lead for the entire loop, enforced by the parklands trust.

Water

Drinking fountains along the main paths near the picnic precinct; carry a bottle for the ridge sections.

Hazards

Kangaroos and goannas, fox baiting programs, and snakes in warmer months; stay on cleared paths and keep the lead short in tall grass.

When to go

Early morning for cool air and the best chance of spotting kangaroos from a distance, or late afternoon for skyline views without the midday sun on the ridge.