Walking and running represent some of the easiest, most effective and affordable ways to stay fit. With the opportunity to exercise in the outdoors, pounding the pavement also makes for a social way to keep up with friends and boost your heart rate at the same time. The City of Canada Bay and its local vicinity boasts so many diverse paths and walkways – and with so many running festivals on the go, including the Balmain Fun Run sponsored by Canada Bay Club, the team has done its research and listed our top picks of running and walking paths right here. Oh, and many of these walking paths are included in the Walking Coastal Sydney’s Parramatta River Walk. For details, visit Walking Coastal Sydney.
Bay Run
In the heart of the Inner West, circling the water, crossing the Iron Cove Bridge is The Bay Run. Seven kilometres of track – walking, running, cycling – looping through Rozelle’s King George Park, past Leichhardt Aquatic Centre and around Henley Marine Drive. With views up to Drummoyne and Rodd Point, The Bay Run is an iconic community space. Its vibrant popularity can be its downfall, as it can become congested at peak times, but most of the time the level pathway and water views are an absolute pleasure. You can read all about this walk at our own blog post here: .
Concord Foreshore Trail
This peaceful walk stretches from its starting point at McIlwaine Park in Rhodes to Majors Bay Reserve in Concord. This historic route encompasses the mangrove-fringed Brays Bay, Yaralla Bay and Majors Bay on the Parramatta River and goes around the former Thomas Walker Hospital (heritage-listed building), Concord Repatriation General Hospital and the historically significant Yaralla Estate (one of the oldest estates in Sydney dating back to the 1790s).
Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway
The Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway covers a route from Rhodes Station to Concord Hospital and runs along the mangrove-studded shores of Brays Bay on the Parramatta River. As a memorial to this World War II campaign, there are 22 stations or plaques along the walkway, each describing a significant place or engagement, and the focus culminates at the magnificent granite walls displaying photographic images of the battle. The walkway has been planted with lush tropical vegetation modelling the conditions of The Kokoda Track. For more information about this fantastic walkway, head here: http://www.kokodawalkway.com.au.
Bayview Park
Located at the end of Burwood Road in Concord, Bayview Park sits right on the water and is surrounded by a brilliant walking or running track around the perimeter of the park. Bring your kids and let them play at the playground then take them for a spin on the their scooter around the pathway. This park is home to spectacular views over several bays, wharves and a public boat ramp. With the trail continuing to bend and curve as you go along, a stop at Exile Bay makes the perfect location to watch the sun set.
Five Dock Bay Walk
This bay-side walk is about 3.6km one way along the foreshore via from Raymond Reserve in Drummoyne, through Taplin Park, Russell Park and Lysaght Park in Chiswick. It’s pram friendly and you can make a stop at Taplin Park for a park-time play with the kids before continuing.
Hen & Chicken Bay Foreshore Walk
This walk follows the foreshore of Hen & Chicken Bay starting at Cabarita Wharf then along Wymston Parade and includes Battersea Park, Quarantine Reserve, Henry Lawson Park, Abbotsford and Wareemba. It boasts lovely views, parks, golf courses, the historic Animal Quarantine Station and gorgeous waterside houses.
Heritage Trail
Burwood’s fascinating history takes centre stage on this 3km Heritage Trail. The walk begins at Burwood Council Chambers and is rich in history and culture, showcasing buildings of historical and architectural significance including the School of Arts and Burwood Public School, the Masonic Temple and St James Presbyterian Church.
Image Source: https://concreteplayground.com/sydney/things-to-do/the-bay-run
