Lovers Jump Creek and Samuel King Loop

Lovers Jump Creek and Samuel King Loop is an 11.3 km bushwalk through Wahroonga Reserve at Turramurra on Sydney's Upper North Shore, with fire trails, fern gullies and a creek crossing along the way. The deciding fact for dog owners is the boundary: the trail network shares trailheads with Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, where dogs are not allowed, so it is easy to stray from a legal dog walk into a banned zone without noticing.

The walk

The full loop runs 11.3 km, though shorter variations around 6.6 km are possible depending on the route taken. It is rated moderate, with steady climbs, a mix of wide fire trails and narrower bush tracks, and a crossing of Lovers Jump Creek along the way. Expect roughly two to three and a half hours depending on the route and your pace.

Leash status

Dogs must stay on lead at all times on the reserve's bushwalking tracks, as set by Ku-ring-gai Council. Dogs are not permitted on the Cliff Connection Loop or anywhere inside the adjoining Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, both accessible from the same trailheads as this walk. Stick to the marked Wahroonga Reserve tracks and check signage at junctions rather than assuming a path is part of the dog friendly network.

Max: take a good look at the trailhead signage before you set off. It is easy to follow a fire trail straight from the reserve into national park territory without realising the rules have changed underfoot.

Water

There are no water stations or toilets anywhere on the trail. Carry enough water for yourself and your dog, particularly for the climbs and the longer route option, though your dog can splash in Lovers Jump Creek along the way.

Hazards

The creek crossing and surrounding sections can be uneven, rocky and slippery, especially after rain, so take it slowly with dogs on lead there. Leeches come out after wet weather too.

Getting there and parking

There is no designated car park at the main entrance. Roadside parking on Burns Road is limited and the approach is narrow. Samuel King Oval on Bobbin Head Road offers an easier parking option and connects into the same track network, covered separately at Samuel King Loop. The area is also reachable by bus from Macquarie University or Turramurra train station.

While you're out there

Refuel afterwards at Replay Espresso Turramurra, or let your dog off lead properly at Karuah Park off-leash dog area or the North Turramurra Dog Park. If you are staying over, The Ascot Motel in Wahroonga is a short drive from the trailheads. More walks appear on the NSW trails list and around Turramurra.

When to go

Mornings suit this walk best, before the day heats up and while the creek crossing and rocky sections are easiest to see clearly. Better still after rain has passed and the surfaces have dried a little.