Beyond the vibrant urban life and rich cultural diversity of Southwest Sydney lies a world teeming with greenery and scenic views.
The region boasts National Parks, picturesque picnic spots, playgrounds, and bike trails. Discover 7 hidden havens perfect for those craving a tranquil escape right in their backyard.
1. Simmo’s Beach
Fifth Ave, Macquarie Fields
A beach in Southwest Sydney? Absolutely! Tucked away in the Georges River Corridor, Simmo’s Beach has long been a cherished escape for locals. Besides its serene surroundings, the beach offers an array of amenities like trails, BBQ spots, a children’s playground, and a kayak ramp. From the main car park, you can soak in panoramic views of the Georges River from a timber deck. For the more adventurous, delve into the walking trails, from the riverside Watergum walk to the 3.9km Simmo’s Track, which loops through the whole reserve.
2. Camden Bike Track
6 Argyle Street, Camden
For nature enthusiasts and fitness buffs alike, the Camden Bike Track offers the perfect escape. As you cycle or walk, you’ll pass through the Westlands Reserve and explore the Kings Bush Bushland Reserve. This trail, approximately 3 km long, is sprinkled with gentle hills, serene picnic spots, playgrounds, and barbecues, making it ideal for a family outing.
3. Plough & Harrow, Abbotsbury
Elizabeth Dr, Abbotsbury
Located within the sprawling Western Sydney Parklands and surrounded by native bushland, there’s so much to love about Plough & Harrow. More than just a picnic and BBQ spot, it has an expansive playground and is adjacent to a restaurant, perfect for those looking for a meal or caffeine fix. Nature lovers can meander through the Plough and Harrow Loop, offering gentle walks suitable for all age groups and fitness levels, or for a more demanding route, there’s the 3km Spotted Gum Trail, offering glimpses of the area’s rich biodiversity along a fire trail/gravel track. It’s also near the Tree Top Adventure Park, for those looking to make a day of it.
4. Keith Longhurst Reserve
Georges River Rd, Minto Heights
Encompassing 76 hectares of scenic bushland, Keith Longhurst Reserve is rich in natural beauty and cultural significance. Formerly ‘The Basin Reserve’, it provides a range of walking trails that lead to the Georges River. One of these, the 2.6km ‘Old Ford Trail’ is a historic road built in the 1880s to cross the Georges River which has a popular scenic waterhole and features a small waterfall feature. The reserve is also home to a myriad of wildlife, with koalas, goannas, and a variety of bird species calling it home.
5. Dawson-Damer Park, Oran Park
O’Toole Ave, Oran Park
Opened in December 2020, Dawson-Damer Park is the Macarthur region’s largest water play space, with water slides, spinners, a splash pad and wet wheelchair hire. Beyond water activities, the 2.5Ha park provides diverse recreational, social and leisure opportunities, including a ninja warrior course, swings, trampolines, basketball facilities, exercise stations and picnic areas.
6. The Woolwash
Woolwash Rd, Airds
Situated at the meeting point of the Georges River and O’Hares Creek, The Woolwash boasts a tranquil setting marked by imposing sandstone boulders. This peaceful reserve is a haven for an array of wildlife, from the Eastern False Pipistrelle to the Brown Thornbill. Whether you’re keen on hiking or mountain biking, or just looking to relax by the river, The Woolwash has something for everyone.
7. Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan
362 Narellan Rd, Mount Annan
Though not exactly a secret, the Australian Botanic Garden in Mount Annan is a must-visit. As Australia’s largest botanic garden, it offers an immersive experience of the country’s unique flora across 416 hectares of rolling hills, lakes, lawns and gardens. Beyond its vast expanse of gardens, the site also has a restaurant and café, BBQ and picnic facilities, a shop, hosts events and offers guided tours.
From hidden beaches to serene bushland, Southwest Sydney invites its residents to immerse themselves in nature without stepping far from home. If you’re contemplating a move into this vibrant region, these hidden havens affirm that buying in Southwest Sydney isn’t just about a home; it’s about a lifestyle.
Ready to make the move? Let our expert team guide you to your dream property in Southwest Sydney.
Prudential Real Estate Campbelltown | (02) 4628 0033 | campbelltown@prudential.com.au
Prudential Real Estate Liverpool | (02) 9822 5999 | liverpool@prudential.com.au
Prudential Real Estate Macquarie Fields | (02) 9605 5333 | macquariefields@prudential.com.au
Prudential Real Estate Narellan | (02) 4624 4400 | narellan@prudential.com.au
