Pennant Hills–West Pymble fire trail (shared use)
Northern fire trails & De Burghs approaches · Shared-use management trail [VERIFY] · 1–3+ hours depending on segment · Segment-dependent
Guide updated · Track conditions, fees, gate hours and closures change. Always verify wi…
Shared-use fire-trail country on the northern side of the park — useful for cycling and longer connectors toward Pennant Hills / West Pymble. Expect management-trail surfaces, multi-user traffic and weather-dependent conditions.
- Shared-use management trail [VERIFY]
- 1–3+ hours depending on segment
- Segment-dependent
- Effort: moderate
- Best for: Cyclists, runners, longer valley connectors
Distance, grade, time, open/closed status, gate hours and conditions change — always verify with NSW National Parks (nationalparks.nsw.gov.au) before you go.
Official NSW National Parks info (verify status)
Photo credits: disclaimer · images
Where you start
Northern park approaches (Pennant Hills / West Pymble contexts — confirm signed access)
Access via northern residential / park edge approaches (including pedestrian access notes from Pennant Hills via Britannia St / Ferguson Ave contexts in common public guidance). Confirm bike-permitted segments and any temporary closures before you ride.
How to get there
- Northern approaches differ from the weir / Riverside Drive tourist core — plan them as a separate logistics map.
- Bikes on sealed roads and permitted trails only; yield courteously to walkers.
How to do it (step by step)
- Check alerts for fire danger and trail works.
- Ride or walk a defined segment with a clear exit.
- Carry repair kit and water; do not assume kiosks on fire trails.
- After heavy rain, expect soft surfaces and temporary diversions.
Map (orientation)
Pin may be approximate. Confirm trailheads, parking, gates and track status on NSW National Parks before you drive.
Interactive map — pin may be approximate. Confirm trailheads and road status before you drive.
Extra tips
- Cooler months are kinder for longer fire-trail sessions.
- Combine with GNW only with honest energy and navigation prep.
Often paired with Great North Walk (Lane Cove)— only if energy and weather allow.
Area guide: Northern fire trails & De Burghs approaches
Nearby stays & gear (optional)
After the walk plan is solid: Chatswood / Macquarie Park / North Shore beds and kit searches if you still need them. Discovery Parks – Lane Cove, Park’nPay and official NPWS bookings are never affiliated. Guided tours live on the Tours hub — not pushed on every trail.
Nearby stays
Chatswood (primary) · Macquarie Park · Lane Cove
- Hotels & apartments in Chatswood— strong North Shore base · easy Lady Game Drive approach
- Macquarie Park— closest commercial base to Discovery Parks & Riverside Drive
- Lane Cove— suburb base south of the river valley
All Booking.com links open in a new tab and may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Park’nPay entry fees and Discovery Parks bookings are never affiliated.
Discovery Parks – Lane Cove is booked via Discovery Parks only (never affiliated). No bush camping in the national park.
What to bring
Grip shoes, hydration, sun defence, tick awareness and picnic kit for urban-edge bush days
- Grip walking shoes / trail shoesRiverside paths get muddy after rain; sandstone can be slick
- Day pack 15–25 LWater, layers, picnic kit for riverside tables
- Hydration bottles 1–2 L+Especially summer + longer Great North Walk sections
- UPF sun shirt / long sleeveOpen picnic lawns and riverside UV
- Wide-brim or legionnaire hatPicnic areas and fire-trail sections
- SPF 50+ sunscreenReapply; urban-edge UV still burns
- Insect repellentMangroves, dusk picnics, tick-aware bush
- Lightweight rain shellSydney squalls; packable for day walks
- Binoculars compactWater dragons, waterbirds, lorikeets
- Picnic mat / lightweight blanketCommandment Rock, Cottonwood Glen, Jenkins Hill
- Basic first-aid kitBlisters, scrapes, tick awareness
- Tick removal toolUrban-edge bush still has ticks — check after walks
Some stay, tour and gear links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. NSW National Parks entry fees, Park’nPay, Discovery Parks – Lane Cove bookings and official NPWS bookings are never affiliated. Affiliate disclosure · Privacy
Some stay, tour and gear links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. NSW National Parks entry fees, Park’nPay, Discovery Parks – Lane Cove bookings and official NPWS bookings are never affiliated. Disclosure · Tours hub