Where

Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve in Sydney and surrounds

Accessibility

No wheelchair access

Distance

1.3km loop

Time suggested

30min - 1hr

Grade

Grade 3

What to
bring

Drinking water, hat, sunscreen

Please note

• Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go birdwatching
• It’s a good idea to wear insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing, as ticks are known to be present in the area.

If you’ve ever wondered what Sydney looked like before the city took over, then head to Browns Forest loop trail, in the North Sydney suburb of St Ives. Immerse yourself in unspoilt bushland within Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve by taking advantage of its short and easy walking track. Just 30 minutes north of the CBD, it’s ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts, nature-lovers and botanists, and is a great walk for kids.

You’ll enter a forest of majestic blue gums and magnificent blackbutts that hark back to pre-colonial times with a lush understorey of ferns. Following the clearly signposted path, the kids will enjoy the self-guided series of interpretation signs.

In the spring, the ground cover of native flowers, such as the blue flax lily and pastel flower, burst into a colourful display. Any time of year, you’ll hear the chatter of birds such as rainbow lorikeets, crimson rosellas and king parrots echoing through the bush.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Visitor info

Maps and downloads

Learn more

Aboriginal lands

The reserve is part of the traditional lands of Aboriginal people whose Country stretched from the northern shores of Sydney Harbour to Broken Bay in the north. This fertile bushland would have supported large numbers of grazing animals such as wallabies, making it an important hunting ground.

Best practice bush care

Dalrymple is a showpiece for best practice bush regeneration in blue gum forest. So if you enjoy getting your hands dirty, and want to help preserve this precious tract of bushland, join the regular bush regeneration workings bees. For more information on their regular gatherings, email the Bushcare coordinator or phone (02) 9410 3998.

Botanists ahead

This natural bushland has remained largely untouched since colonisation. This forest is an important breeding ground for a range of animals that hunt and feed at night. Here, you'll find nocturnal species such as possums, sugar gliders as well as both powerful and boobook owls. It's not just a haven for animals and birdlife. Due to its largely undisturbed state, nature enthusiasts, botanists and researchers flock to the area to study this special patch of forest.

Pristine bushland

Named after Richard Dalrymple-Hay, the first Commissioner for forests, he acquired the tract of largely uncleared land for a demonstration forest. When it was discovered, the land was not large enough to log economically, so it was left untouched. Luckily for us, it's preserved for future generations to enjoy.