Bidjigal Reserve - Platypus Track

The Platypus Track is a natural loop through Bidjigal Reserve, entered off Platypus Place in Castle Hill, following a shaded creek line through genuine bushland in the middle of the Hills District. The one fact that decides your visit: this is a leashed-only reserve in sensitive platypus and wildlife habitat, not an off-leash run, so leave the long line at home.

The rules. Dogs must stay on a leash at all times. Some locals treat it as off-leash, but the official rule requires leads and rangers do patrol, so keep your dog leashed and on the marked path to protect native wildlife. There are no bin or bag dispensers anywhere on the track, so bring your own bags and carry everything out.

The walk. It is an easy to moderate loop of roughly 30 to 45 minutes, on natural dirt and gravel with some hills, steps and rocky or muddy patches. The surface is not pram or wheelchair friendly. After rain it gets muddy and slippery, so pick footwear accordingly.

What's there. A small, leafy picnic area with wooden tables sits at the start and end of the loop. There are no toilets or water fountains on the track itself. The adjacent Eric Mobbs Reserve, reachable via the walking trails, has public toilets, drinking water and more open space.

Getting there. Driving, turn off Old Northern Road onto Whitbread Drive, then into Platypus Place, which runs to the trailhead. There is no dedicated car park, only street parking in a quiet cul-de-sac, so on busy mornings park further back on the wider residential streets and mind the driveways. The nearest train is Castle Hill Metro Station, from which it is a long walk or a short rideshare to the start.

Nearby with the dogs. Remy Cafe and Bistro on Old Northern Road has dog-friendly outdoor seating about five minutes away for coffee after the loop.

Go early on a weekday for the most peace. Sunny weekend mornings from about 9 to 11am are the busiest with local dog walkers. Good for owners after a quiet, shaded nature walk rather than a place to let the dog off the lead.

Sources

• Bidjigal Reserve - Platypus Track - Castle Hill · facebook.com
• Platypus Track and Grangewood Loop - AllTrails · alltrails.com
• Bidjigal Reserve - Hound-friendly walks · greyhoundrescue.com.au
• Platypus Track Bidjigal Reserve, Baulkham Hills · visithills.com.au
• The best walks and hikes in Bidjigal Reserve · komoot.com

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.