Cooks River Cycleway

Stretching 26 kilometres from Botany Bay to Strathfield, the Cooks River Cycleway is a flat, mostly off-road path that follows the meandering Cooks River through a surprisingly green corridor in Sydney's inner south. It offers a unique perspective on the city's industrial and natural heritage, passing wetlands, parks, and historic sites. This is a favourite for commuters and weekend riders alike, providing a traffic-free escape with plenty of birdlife and river views.

Highlights & What to See

• Botany Bay start: Begin near the mouth of the river at Botany Bay, where you can spot wading birds and watch container ships glide into port.
• Muddy Creek Wetlands: A restored wetland teeming with birdlife – keep an eye out for herons, swans and the occasional turtle.
• Canterbury Racecourse Reserve: A wide grassy space perfect for a picnic break, with views across the river and the racecourse grandstand.
• Kingsgrove to Bexley North section: The most scenic stretch, where the path winds through Casuarina-lined banks and under historic stone bridges.
• Strathfield Park: The western terminus, with cafés and a playground to reward your ride.
• Public art and murals: Several bridges and underpasses feature colourful murals, including Aboriginal art celebrating the river's cultural significance.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow 2–3 hours to ride the full 26 km one way at a leisurely pace, including stops for photos and birdwatching. Many riders do a shorter section – try the 10 km stretch from Botany Bay to Canterbury, which takes about an hour each way. The cycleway is completely flat, so it's suitable for all fitness levels and families with kids. If you're short on time, the best bang-for-your-buck is the 6 km loop around the wetlands and back from the Botany Bay start.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Brighton-Le-Sands: A coastal suburb with a long sandy beach and a strip of cafés and restaurants, just a short detour from the cycleway's start.
• Kurnell: The site of Captain Cook's first landing in Australia, with a museum, walking tracks and great ocean views – a 15-minute drive from Botany Bay.
• Newtown: Sydney's hipster hub, with vintage shops, live music and exceptional food, is a 10-minute drive from the cycleway's mid-point.
• Royal National Park: Australia's oldest national park, offering bushwalking and coastal scenery, is a 30-minute drive south of the cycleway.
• Sydney City: Combine a ride with a visit to the CBD's attractions – the cycleway connects to the Bay Run and other paths that lead into the city.

Please check official sources for current details.