If you've ever wondered what Sydney looked like before the city took over, then head to Browns Forest loop trail, in the North Sydney suburb of St Ives. Immerse yourself in unspoilt bushland within Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve by taking advantage of its short and easy walking track. Just 30 minutes north of the CBD, it's ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts, nature-lovers and botanists, and is a great walk for kids.
You'll enter a forest of majestic blue gums and magnificent blackbutts that hark back to pre-colonial times with a lush understorey of ferns. Following the clearly signposted path, the kids will enjoy the self-guided series of interpretation signs.
In the spring, the ground cover of native flowers, such as the blue flax lily and pastel flower, burst into a colourful display. Any time of year, you'll hear the chatter of birds such as rainbow lorikeets, crimson rosellas and king parrots echoing through the bush.
This hike is missing a route map and GPX file. If you have one for this hike, please upload your .gpx or .kml file here.
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go birdwatching
It's a good idea to wear insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing, as ticks are known to be present in the area.
Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.
The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.
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To Rosedale Road. Browns Forest loop trail is in Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve. To get there from Sydney:Drive north from the CBD along Pacific Highway, turn right onto Mona Vale Road, just past Gordon, and continue for 2km.Turn right onto Rosedale Road, just north of St Ives shopping centre, and drive for 1km.Look for the sign to the reserve, park at the southern end and walk in. Park entry points Rosedale Road See on map Parking Parking is available along Rosedale Road, and at a small carpark off Mona Vale Road.
It’s a good idea to let someone know where you’re going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact. If you are lost or require help and have phone reception, call 000 and ask for police. The international standard emergency number is 112, if you dial this number in Australia you will be treated exactly the same as a 000 call. If you believe your life is at risk, activate your personal locator beacon (PLB), then make your position visible to rescue teams and keep warm and dry.
Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve in the Sydney and surrounds region
Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve is open sunrise to sunset but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
If you have any great photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
