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Walks
The large open spaces at Sydney Olympic Park provide a powerful complement to the grand sporting and entertainment facilities, with accessible, spacious and tranquil paths and parks. Sydney Olympic Park is more than just about events it’s a place to relax and free your mind. Located within easy reach of the city centre, Sydney Olympic Park comprises 640 hectares of man-made and natural attractions providing visitors an irresistible choice of great scenic walks.
Discover ancient wetlands and mangrove forests that are home to many species of colourful waterbirds as you stroll along the boardwalks at Sydney Olympic Park (access to the boardwalk is via Bicentennial Park). Explore the largest stand of mangrove trees remaining on the Parramatta River.
Relive the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and all its glory by taking a walk around Sydney Olympic Park and be consumed with Australian and Olympic sporting history as you walk your way around structures such as Telstra Stadium, Sydney International Tennis Centre and Aquatic Centre, places where Australian and world sporting champions were born.
During your walk take the time to enjoy your surroundings:
- in Spring look for native flowers and listen for juvenile birds calling from their nests
- in Summer listen for frogs calling and look for migratory shore birds
- in Autumn enjoy the changing colour of the deciduous foliage and keep your eye out for Golden Orb Weaving Spiders
- in Winter look and listen for birds foraging and look for early Wattle blossoms.
Sydney Olympic Park Walks
- The Brickpit Ring Walk - The Ring Walk is an elevated circular walkway that allows visitors to access and view the Brickpit from above while preserving the habitat of the endangered Green and Golden Bell frog.
- Games Trail Walking Tour - Join the 'Games Trail' Walking Tour that celebrates the Park's role in staging the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. See the Cauldron which held the Olympic flame, wander among the forest of interactive poles at the Games Memories installation and chase Cathy Freeman's strides to Olympic Gold. This tour is suitable for individuals or groups.
- Mangrove Boardwalk - located in Bicentennial Park, the boardwalk allows you to discover the wetlands and mangrove environment of the park.
- Short Walks - For your guide to 30-60 minute walks at Sydney Olympic Park, download the Short Walks map (412KB PDF).
Health Tips
Incorporating a short walk of around 30-60 minutes into your daily routine will help you to explore the Park and will:
- increase your concentration levels
- improve your general health and fitness
- relax and re-charge your body and mind
- enhance your overall sense of wellbeing.
Walk Smart
Walking for around 30 - 60 minutes each day will keep you happy and healthy.
What to wear
- Sturdy, lightweight, comfortable walking shoes
- Light, loose comfortable clothing
- Sunglasses & broad brimmed hat
Sun sense
- Avoid walking in the hottest part of the day during summer
- Apply broad spectrum sunscreen SPF 15+
- Remember your hat and sunglasses
Drink
- Drink water before and after your walk
- Carry water with you on longer walks
Stay motivated
- Walk with a friend
- Use your walk time to think or relax
- Plan to walk in advance
- Use a variety of walking routes
Warming up and cooling down
- Warm up with a few minutes of gentle stretches, primarily through your legs. Hold each stretch for about 30 seconds
- Begin walking slowly to continue to warm the body, before picking up speed
- Walk smoothly with your arms swinging by your side
- Find a walking pace that suits you, you should be able to talk or whistle while walking, you may be puffing slightly
- If your breathing becomes uncomfortable slow down or stop
- Gradually slow down near the end of your walk and stretch at the end
- If you have any medical conditions or have been inactive for some time speak to your doctor before beginning a walking program. Don’twalk if you have a fever or a cold
Safety and Security
- Always tell someone where you are walking and when you expect to return
- Park your car in designated parking areas, lock vehicles and secure your valuables
- Walk on designated walkways and take care when crossing roads
- Your safety is our concern, but your responsibility
For more information regarding Sydney Olympic Park and the different areas where you can do recreational walking visit the maps page.
Sport of Walking
If you are a professional athlete involved in the sport of walking then Sydney Olympic Park is the place to be to realise your dream of representing Australia at future Olympic Games. Why risk the dangers associated with walking on busy public roads when you can utilise our numerous walkways around the park where you will have the opportunity to train under safe conditions and enjoy all what Sydney Olympic Park has to offer.
If you are looking to be involved in the sport of walking then visit NSW Athletics.