Pemulwuy Loop

The Pemulwuy Loop follows Toongabbie Creek through the bushland behind Winston Hills in Sydney's west, a 5.3km circuit that feels a long way from the M2 despite running close to it. It is rated easy, but the surface tells the real story: earth track, boardwalk and rocky steps, not a footpath.

The walk

Allow an hour to an hour and a half for the full circuit. The route follows the creek line through remnant bush, crossing timber boardwalks and short flights of rock steps, with narrow sections where two walkers cannot easily pass. Most people start at Third Settlement Reserve and take the loop from there, and the shaded pockets of native bushland keep it workable in warm weather.

Leash status

On lead throughout, under City of Parramatta Council rules. The bush either side of the creek is remnant habitat and the tracks are narrow enough that a dog ranging off them does real damage, and water dragons sunning themselves along the creek will set off most dogs anyway. Bins sit at the main entry points including Third Settlement Reserve.

Max: keep the lead short where the track narrows to a ledge. The water dragons are the trigger here, and there are a few stretches where a lunge has consequences.

Water and hazards

There is nothing for dogs on the trail, so fill up at the reserve before you start and carry it, since the creek is not a drinking option. The rocky steps and boardwalks turn slippery after rain and stay that way for a while under the canopy, and some sections are steep and uneven.

Getting there and when to go

Park at Third Settlement Reserve on Edison Parade, Winston Hills, which has toilets, a playground, barbecues and picnic tables, with a second entry near the Bundilla Scout Camp at Old Toongabbie. Coming by car, exit the M2 at Abbott Road. Early morning is the best window, before the narrow tracks get busy and while the creek shade is at its coolest.

More walks nearby

For the off-lead half of the day, the Barnett Park Fenced Dog Park on Barnetts Road has separate large and small enclosures, agility gear and water stations. The JUNE cafe in the village handles the coffee, and The Hideout Cafe sits near the Old Toongabbie end.

More routes sit on the New South Wales trails guide and the Winston Hills destination page.