Burraga Track

The Burraga Track is a 4.2 km circuit through Bidjigal Reserve at West Pennant Hills, where sandstone gullies and coachwood forest sit inside suburban Sydney. Dogs are welcome on lead, and the reserve is council land rather than national park, which is the reason they are.

The walk. 4.2 km, rated moderate. The distance is modest but the ground is not: rocky steps, exposed tree roots and a few steep pitches in and out of the creek line. Most walkers take two and a half to three hours, and it is often joined to the neighbouring Platypus Track for a longer loop. Guide posts carry a yellow bandicoot marker.

The rules. The Hills Shire Council manages Bidjigal Reserve through the Bidjigal Reserve Trust, and dogs stay on lead throughout. This is a conservation area, so keep to the formed track rather than letting a dog range into the undergrowth. There are no bins and no waste bag stations at the trailheads, so bring bags and carry everything out.

Hazards. The sandstone turns slippery after rain and the root systems across the path are a trip risk for a dog pulling ahead on lead. If it has rained in the last day or two, this is a slower walk than the distance suggests.

Water. No taps and no toilets at the trailhead. Carry water for both of you.

Getting there. The main entry is at the end of Heidi Place, West Pennant Hills, with alternates at Highs Road and Blacks Road. Parking is limited residential street parking, so arrive early on a weekend or start from one of the quieter entries. Pennant Hills and Cherrybrook are the closest stations, both with a walk or a connecting bus at the far end.

Nearby with the dogs. The Platypus Trail connects directly and is the natural extension. Colbarra Place Reserve is the closest fenced off-lead park, with Greenway Park at Cherrybrook a short drive away. Remy Cafe and Bistro at Castle Hill is a reasonable stop afterwards.

When to go. A dry weekday morning. The gullies hold their cool well into the day, so this stands up better than most Sydney walks in summer. Good for nervous dogs, since the tree cover keeps it quiet and enclosed.

Sources

• Bidjigal Reserve Trust - The Hills Shire Council ordinary meeting agenda · www.thehills.nsw.gov.au
• Burraga Track (Bidjigal Reserve) - Aussie Bushwalking · www.aussiebushwalking.com
• Burraga Track - AllTrails · www.alltrails.com

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