Western Sydney Parklands - Horsley Drive Cycleway

This paved shared path runs beside The Horsley Drive through Western Sydney Parklands, around Horsley Park and Abbotsbury, not the Illawarra suburb of Horsley. Dogs are welcome on a lead only, because Greater Sydney Parklands keeps off-lead play to its fenced dog parks.

The path

It is a wide, sealed off-road path, so there is no mud to deal with. Some stretches pass native bushland and old Cumberland Plain Woodland trees, while others track the main road in full sun.

The path links into the wider parklands trail network, including the Pimelea Loop, so a short stroll can grow into a longer outing. Cyclists share it, so keep your dog to one side.

Parking and water

Lizard Log, at the corner of Cowpasture Road and The Horsley Drive, and The Dairy both have free parking and make easy starting points. Both are picnic hubs with bubblers, but water along the path itself is sparse, so carry some for the dog.

Bins sit mostly at the car parks and picnic areas, so pack a spare bag for the quieter stretches.

Max: Parts of this path follow the road with no shade at all. On hot days, go early and test the pavement with your hand first.

When to go

Mornings suit it best, before the exposed sections heat up. The smooth surface makes it a good pick for steady walkers, and if your dog needs a run, the fenced Shale Hills Dog Park is the parklands' off-lead option.