Bidjigal Reserve is an extensive (186 hectares to be exact!) nature reserve in Castle Hill. The 1.7km Platypus Track is nestled in the Reserve’s shady valleys, offering a cool, mini-rainforest escape from city life! You and your houndie will stroll through rainforest gullies and eucalypt forests, pass imposing sandstone cliffs and if you’re lucky, spot Eastern Water Dragons in Excelsior Creek.
Where: Excelsior Avenue, Castle Hill. Entrance to bushwalk is on the left at the end of Excelsior Ave, before the driveway that leads you up to the Eric Mobbs Reserve sports fields.
Length/duration: 1.7 km loop. Allow around 1 hour. Follow the blue platypus signposts along the track. The track is steep in parts with steps/rocks to step down and over. At the bottom of the track, there are two creek crossings with large steppingstones.
Opening hours: 24/7, 365 days a year! The Reserve is closed on Total Fire Ban days.
On lead/off-leash? On-leash only.
For the hounds: There are no poo-bag dispensers or dog drinking fountains along the walk. If you bring a water bowl in the car, you could fill it up at the public toilets at Eric Mobbs Reserve.
For the humans: There is a lovely little picnic area at the start/end of the loop with picnic tables and a wood-fired BBQ. If you continue up the driveway to Eric Mobbs Reserve you will find public toilets, BBQs and a kid’s playground.