Where

Marramarra National Park in Sydney and surrounds

Accessibility

No wheelchair access

Distance

18km return

Time suggested

3.5-5 hr

Grade

Medium

What to
bring

Drinking water, suitable clothing, hat, sunscreen, first aid kit, snacks, sturdy shoes

Please note

• Please read the code of practice for horse riding in parksbefore you set out.
• You can also mountain bike or bushwalk along Canoelands Ridge trail. Cyclists, please give way to walkers and horse riders.

Gaze at panoramic views of the Hawkesbury River and Marramarra National Park’s forested valleys as you horse ride, mountain bike or walk Canoelands Ridge trail.

Starting from Canoelands Road, this relatively remote ride follows Canoelands Ridge trail 18km return, taking you along ridges and via sheltered gullies. There are some challenging steep and gravelly sections.

If you’re into endurance or long-distance rides this is a great training trail, though the trail is shared with bushwalkers and cyclists.

In spring, you’ll see colourful wildflowers on the ridges and crimson waratahs and Gymea lilies in the gullies. The views are lovely all year round, so why not bring a picnic lunch and relax at the end of the trail, before returning the way you came.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Visitor info

Maps and downloads

Learn more

Darug country

Marramarra is part of the traditional lands of the Darug Aboriginal people. Their use and respect of the land can be found in isolated corners of the park. The surviving Aboriginal sites, which provide the only indications of traditional life in the area, are of special importance to local Aboriginal communities. Cave art, rock engravings, grinding grooves, middens, scarred trees, and other occupational deposits and stone arrangements are all part of Marramarra. 

Exploring the land

In the early days of the new colony, Hawkesbury River was a major communication route and supported an active river-based community. European exploration began as early as 1789 when Governor Arthur Phillip took his second trip up Hawkesbury River and camped at Gentlemans Halt. By 1884, there was a small community at Gentlemans Halt and a provisional school had been established; you can still see the foundations of a road and a wharf from this era. Other reminders of European historic heritage include remains of orange orchards along Marramarra Creek and the foundations of a hut, stone walls and a well at Big Bay.

Is it a bird?

Marramarra is home to a great diversity of animals and birds, making it a great place for wildlife spotting and bird watching. You're likely to spot a white-breasted sea eagle, swamp wallaby, possum or kingfisher in your travels. If you're lucky, you might come across some of the more uncommon animals found here such as rails, gang-gang and glossy black cockatoos, and red-crowned toadlets.

Plentiful lands

The sandstone ridges and deep gullies of Marramarra support a wide range of environments. Experience salt marsh and mangrove forests on the shores of Hawkesbury River, to tall open forest and ridge-top woodlands. In spring, the bush turns into a brilliant display of colour as the wildflowers burst in action. Discover the unique plant life and help preserve it – why not participate in the bush regeneration volunteer programs in the park?