Casual walking has been identified as the most important source of physical activity for the community, and you can take your pick of picturesque, accessible and attractive walking routes throughout the City of Ryde.

Ryde Riverwalk through Memorial Park

Try these:

Ryde Riverwalk
An 8km long landscaped pathway that skirts along the banks of the Parramatta River, between Kissing Point Park and Melrose Park. The pathway showcases the foreshore and its historic and cultural significance to the area. The Ryde Riverwalk is designed for use by walkers and cyclists and connects to many other cycling routes.

Field of Mars Walking Tracks
Doyle Loop: 1.2km return, 45min. Grade: Medium
Walk through the eastern end of the reserve on the Doyle Loop past caves, gullies and interesting rock outcrops. The vegetation along most of the track is Sydney Sandstone Gully Forest with its Banksias, Angophoras and diverse shrub understorey.

Kunzea Track: 5.2km, Estimated 1hr 10min. Grade: Easy
Kunzea Walk starts at Ryde Park and continues to the Field of Mars Wildlife Refuge where it links with the Great North Walk (Sydney to Newcastle).

Warada Loop: 1.9km return, 60min. Grade: Easy
Enjoy a shady walk along the coolness of Strangers Creek surrounded by Sydney Sandstone Gully Forest. Strangers Creek has numerous water holes and rainforest species including magnificent Treeferns, Coachwood and Lillypilly trees. Be sure to listen out for frogs

Sand Track: 1.9km one-way, 45min. Grade: Easy
Explore the middle of the Reserve. See areas of Turpentine Ironbark Marginal Forest on shale soil as well as Sydney Sandstone Ridgetop Woodland on sandstone soil. See magnificent Angophora trees and wildflowers most of the year. Walk along Cressy Rd past the cemetery to complete the loop.

Boardwalk Loop: 0.6km return, 15min. Grade: Easy
Starting at the bridge this wheelchair accessible boardwalk follows along Buffalo Creek. Looping back towards the Education centre follow the pathway to return to the bridge. Look out for the long necked turtle, water dragons, ducks and eels.

Download Field of Mars Walking Trails Map (PDF 823 KB) for all the walking tracks listed above.

Great North Walk
A 250km walking track from Sydney to Newcastle. This can be accessed from Buffalo Creek Reserve, Magdala Park and Lane Cove National Park.

Parramatta River Walk
A loop beginning and ending at Rhodes Station with access points at various stages along the loop. The walk includes a river crossing by ferry and one by train. Estimated walking time 5-6 hours.

Eco-walk
Ryde College 250 Blaxland Road, Ryde. Free self-guided tour allows participants to learn more about sustainable gardening and its impact on the environment.