Bidjigal Reserve - Platypus Track

The Platypus Track is a natural-surface 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 fact that decides your visit: this is a leashed-only reserve in sensitive platypus and wildlife habitat, not an off-leash run, so the long line stays at home.

Leash status

Dogs must stay on a leash at all times, and rangers do patrol. Some locals treat the reserve as off-leash, but the official rule requires leads and protects the reserve's native wildlife, so keep your dog leashed and on the marked path. There are no bag dispensers anywhere on the track; bring your own bags and carry everything out. If your dog is reactive, be aware that unleashed dogs do turn up despite the rule.

Water and terrain

The loop runs roughly 1.7km and takes 30 to 45 minutes at a dog-pace, on dirt and gravel with some hills, steps and rocky patches. Two creek crossings use large stepping stones, which add interest but no water access for drinking; there are no taps or fountains on the track, so carry a bottle and a collapsible bowl. The surface is not pram or wheelchair friendly, and it turns muddy and slippery after rain.

Max: no water on the track and no taps, so carry a bottle and a collapsible bowl, especially in warmer months. Bring enough out for both of you.

Getting there and parking

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 driveways. The nearest station is Castle Hill Metro, from which it is a long walk or short rideshare to the start. A small leafy picnic area with wooden tables sits at the loop's start and end, and adjacent Eric Mobbs Reserve has toilets, drinking water and open space.

Close by with the dogs

Remy Cafe & Bistro on Old Northern Road has dog-friendly outdoor seating behind a plant wall, about five minutes away for coffee after the loop. If the dog needs a proper off-lead run instead, Coolong Reserve Fenced Dog Park is the fenced option in Castle Hill, and the Burraga Track offers another leashed bushwalk nearby. The Castle Hill destination page has the rest.

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