|

Deep into the Bidjigal: Exploring the Burraga Track

Stepping stones across a flowing forest creek surrounded by lush green foliage and mossy rocks on the Burraga Track in Bidjigal Reserve

In my last post, I shared my experience on the Platypus Track here in the Bidjigal Reserve. I finished that post by promising that I would return to explore the other trails in the area, and today, I kept that promise.

I set out to tackle the Burraga Track. While the weather wasn’t exactly ideal – I was caught in a fair bit of rain along the way, the sun thankfully made an appearance, lighting up the forest beautifully.

Trail at a Glance

FeatureDetails
Trail NameBurraga Loop Track
LocationBidjigal Reserve, Castle Hill
Duration Approx. 2 hours for the ~ 4 km loop at a slow pace
DifficultyModerate (Rugged terrain, requires steady footing)
EnvironmentRainforest, creek crossings, ridge line
VibeAdventure, nature immersion, serenity
Dog FriendlinessOn-lead welcome everywhere, though water entry requires a personal safety call

Getting There and Getting Prepared

You can follow the exact same parking and starting directions outlined in my Platypus Track guide.

I didn’t download the track map or do much formal preparation this time, mostly because I had spotted the turn-off while walking the Platypus loop the other week. I started from the same point, following the signs. Once you head down the main path into the gully, simply keep an eye out for the split: the Platypus walk veers left, but for the Burraga Track, you will take the right turn.

The signage is quite reasonable, but if you are new to the area, it might feel a little unnerving if you aren’t prepared. I managed the loop without any issues, but because this track is much longer and leads quite deep into the reserve, I didn’t meet a single other person. It was just me and Monte in total serenity.

There was one section, where you come out on the ridge on the other side just behind the residential houses, that I found a little confusing. I didn’t spot any markers, so I simply followed the grass path along the treeline. Eventually, I found the signpost again, which guided me back into the reserve, down the gully, and safely back onto the Platypus track to head home.

A Word of caution

  • Watch for 1080 Fox Baiting: Be extra vigilant in the area, as 1080 fox bait is extremely toxic to pets.
  • Check with the Council: Check with the Council: It is worth giving the The Hills Shire Council a quick call before your visit to check if any baiting programs are currently running. The sign we spotted had an April to May timeframe noted on it, so timings can vary.
  • Keep Your Eyes Open: Warning signs are often placed in unusual, non-obvious locations, so stay alert and keep a close eye on your surroundings.

The Terrain

AllTrails rates this walk as “moderate,” but I would now classify the Platypus walk as “easy” by comparison. The Burraga Track is definitely more rugged. With uneven terrain, steep climbs, fallen trees to navigate, and several creek crossings, it is a much more active hike.

The rain made the rocks quite slippery and the ground muddy, so I would highly recommend wearing decent footwear for this one.

Because of all the rocks and uneven ground, I honestly wouldn’t recommend taking senior dogs or any dogs that might have joint concerns on this specific loop. Even for smaller breeds, you will likely need to give them a helping hand to get up or down some of the steeper sections.

  • A wooden trail marker post featuring directional arrows and a bandicoot symbol next to Monte on a leash along the Burraga Track in Bidjigal Reserve
    Spotting the bandicoot trail markers along the Burraga Track.
  • Stepping stones across a flowing forest creek surrounded by lush green foliage and mossy rocks on the Burraga Track in Bidjigal Reserve
    Navigating one of the scenic creek crossings along the Burraga Track.
  • Monte on a leash walking along a dirt trail underneath a massive overhanging rock formation on the Burraga Track in Bidjigal Reserve
    Passing beneath the towering sandstone overhangs along the trail.
  • A large fallen tree trunk gracefully arching across a shaded forest stream surrounded by lush green foliage in Bidjigal Reserve
    Spotting this impressive fallen log arching across the creek.
  • Lush moss-covered boulders and fallen logs along a shaded forest stream on the Burraga Track in Bidjigal Reserve
    Exploring the mossy banks and creek beds deep within the gully.
  • A small cascading waterfall flowing over a mossy stone weir and rocks into a calm pool on the Burraga Track in Bidjigal Reserve
    Discovering this charming little waterfall cascading over the rocks.
  • Monte on a leash navigating around large, moss-covered sandstone boulders on a rocky path on the Burraga Track in Bidjigal Reserve
    Navigating the rugged path around massive mossy boulders.
  • A tall, smooth-barked eucalypt tree stretching up toward the sky above the forest canopy on the Burraga Track in Bidjigal Reserve
    Gazing up at the tall eucalypts towering over the gully.
  • A close-up portrait from behind of Monte, a Miniature American Shepherd, looking intently upwards at the forest canopy on the Burraga Track in Bidjigal Reserve
    Pausing to take in the sights and sounds of the gully canopy.
  • Monte on a leash walking along a damp, lush green dirt path winding through the gully on the Burraga Track in Bidjigal Reserve
    Following the winding dirt path deeper into the gully.
  • Miniature American Shepherd on a leash eagerly sniffing around lush green plants and undergrowth on the Burraga Track in Bidjigal Reserve
    Pausing for a thorough investigation of the local bushland scents.
  • Monte on a leash walking along a narrow, muddy dirt path surrounded by tall grasses and dense brush on the Burraga Track in Bidjigal Reserve
    Navigating the dense, overgrown sections along the trail.
  • Monte on a leash walking along a narrow dirt path through a dried-out, dense section of thin trees and needle-strewn ground on the Burraga Track in Bidjigal Reserve
    Passing through the distinct, dried-out transition zone along the trail.
  • A close-up portrait of delicate pink tubular flowers blooming on a slender stem along the Burraga Track in Bidjigal Reserve
    Spotting delicate pink blossoms along the trail.
  • A close-up portrait of a textured, dry banksia seed pod on a slender branch surrounded by serrated green leaves on the Burraga Track in Bidjigal Reserve
    Spotting unique native flora like this banksia seed pod along the dry ridge section.
  • A close-up portrait of bright yellow wattle blossoms and slender green phyllodes against a blue sky on the Burraga Track in Bidjigal Reserve
    Spotting bright yellow wattle blossoms brightening up the trail.
  • A grassy and dirt pathway running along the edge of the treeline near residential houses on the Burraga Track in Bidjigal Reserve
    Following the grassy path along the treeline near the back fences.
  • A dirt trail leading back down into the trees past a trail marker post on the Burraga Track in Bidjigal Reserve
    Spotting the marker post and heading back down into the gully.
  • Monte on a leash walking down a leaf-strewn forest slope back toward the gully junction on the Burraga Track in Bidjigal Reserve
    Heading back down the gully to connect with the Platypus Track for the walk home.
  • A white warning sign attached to a tree trunk reading "1080 Fox Poison Laid in This Area" in red text, surrounded by bushland
    A reminder to stay alert- council pest control signs like this one are sometimes tucked away in unexpected spots along the trail.

Flora & Fauna: The Living Gully

One of the most rewarding aspects of hiking deeper into Bidjigal Reserve is how the ecosystem shifts around you:

  • The Canopy: After rain, the tall eucalypts and thick forest canopy come alive. You will likely hear flocks of cockatoos screeching high above, alongside a constant backdrop of native birdsong.
  • The Understory: Down by the creek crossings, the terrain turns damp and moss-covered, creating the perfect damp-loving microclimate for local frogs and lush fern pockets.
  • The Transition Zone: Higher up on the ridge and behind the residential pocket, the landscape dries out completely, featuring a distinct, rugged vegetation shift that feels almost eerie compared to the lush gully below.
A wooden trail marker post with a yellow bandicoot symbol and directional arrow standing on a dirt path beneath a mossy sandstone overhang on the Burraga Track in Bidjigal Reserve

Fun Fact: The Story Behind the Burraga Track Symbol

If you noticed the little animal silhouette symbols stamped onto the trail markers and wondered why a ‘mouse’ was roaming deep through the Bidjigal Reserve, you aren’t alone!

That little guide isn’t a rodent at all, it’s a Long-Nosed Bandicoot. The track gets its name from Burraga, the traditional Darug word for this clever native marsupial. With their long, pointed snouts and compact bodies, they are notorious for darting through the undergrowth. While we didn’t spot one scurrying across our path today, knowing they call this gully home adds a wonderful connection to the local Indigenous heritage and the rich ecosystem thriving right under the canopy.

Monte’s Perspective

Monte treated the Burraga Track like an absolute playground.

As the terrain turned more rugged, I kept a close eye on him; having his luxating patellas always in the back of my mind, I made sure to give him a helping hand over the larger rocks, while he remained completely in his element investigating every new scent down by the creek.

Keeping a close watch on their physical limits is all part of safely enjoying these more demanding walks.

He loves a trail where he can really stretch his legs. While I stopped frequently to take photos, Monte didn’t mind at all, happily using each pause as an extra sniffing opportunity.
By the time we made it back home, he was completely content, proving once again that a tired dog is a happy dog, ending the day with a very deep, very long nap in his favourite spot.

Final Thoughts

Taking it slow with Monte, and stopping for plenty of photos, the walk took us about two hours. It was an amazing morning, and Monte loved every minute of the exploration.

I will definitely be back. If you are looking for something a bit more adventurous than the standard loops, the Burraga Track is a must-do.

Have you explored the Burraga Track, or do you have a favourite rugged trail you love walking with your dog?
Let me know in the comments below, I am always looking for our next weekend adventure!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *