Iron Cove's Bay Run

Iron Cove's Bay Run

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Posted 2016-01-15 by Barry Jfollow
At the Iron Cove Bridge in Birkenhead Point, this 2-hour, 7km circuit of the inner city has water views throughout.

You'll pass a tempting mix of parks, beaches, historical buildings, cafes and shopping precincts on your stroll. Because it's a jewel of the Canada Bay Council Area, it's well maintained, with dedicated lanes for cyclists.

In August each year, thousands hit the trail for the annual Bay Run .

On New Year's Eve, the park is a perfect vantage point to watch the world's best fireworks .



Popular starting points are near the bus stops at Victoria Rd in the north-east, Rodd Park in the west near First Ave, and Blackmore Park, home of the Wanderers rugby league team, near the Leichhardt Light-Rail in the south.

Starting at Leichhardt Park, head clockwise, saving the best views at the bridge for the finish line.

Walk south with the water at your right shoulder, the gentle waves always within a few metres.

Turn right over short Lilyfield Rd to cross the Hawthorne Canal. Once across, veer right onto the Greenway, flowing onto the Bay Run again.

To fuel your walk, dig into a rower's breakfast from the sunny outdoor seating by the water at the UTS Haberfield Club , served until 10.20am. It's a hearty English breakfast of eggs, bacon, chipolata, mushrooms, tomato and caramelised onions on toast.

With energy to burn, power west past Robson Park. You'll see Timbrell Dr then branch right to cross the water again at Timbrell Park.

The baseball diamond is busy most weekends, as the Five Dock Falcons hit home runs and toss curveballs.

Turn right to continue or take a turn to the left for the child-friendly themed playgrounds at Livvi's Place. Grab a coffee and support a local charity at Livvi's Cafe .



Follow the trail, curving north then east. You're now moving parallel with Henley Marine Dr.

When you hit the cape of Rodd Park, take a sharp west turn, curving east again at Russell Lea.

The park's namesake is remembered by the stone cross and memorial, a former mausoleum for the Rodd family.

Head north-east, the closest you'll get to Rodd Island without a swim.

The island was a test site for viruses to eradicate a rabbit infestation. The feral pest is still a risk to native plants and animals.



Continue through Montague Park, where kids play on the rides while adults are bullied by personal trainers. Turn south-east into Sisters Bay, past the oxymoronic warning, "Gamble Responsibly" at the TAB.

In Brett Park, watch sailors and fishers in yachts and boats, skimming the water.

Turn east to visit Drummoyne Swimming Centre for a dip.

Hovering overhead throughout this walk, you're now at the Iron Cove Bridge. Take your time crossing the new second bridge, built alongside the original steel tress bridge from the 1940s.

Once you're on the eastern shore, turn right into King George Park to escape the traffic again.

Keep walking along Waterfront Dr and past Callan Park. From 1878 – 1914, the park's sandstone buildings were a "Hospital for the Insane".



Before you know it, you're back at Leichhardt Park.

Choose from the rowing club, boot camp or aquatic centre if you've still got energy to burn.

For a break instead (you've earnt it), relax in Hippo Park with a coffee, either sweet berry black label or chocolate and orange single origin, from General & Co. Bayside Cafe .



Where's your favourite spot on the Bay Run? Please let us know with a comment.

#child_friendly
#drummoyne
#five_dock
#free
#haberfield
#inner_west
#leichhardt
#lilyfield
#natural_attractions
#outdoor
#parks
#picnic_spots
#rodd_point
#rozelle
#russell_lea
#south_west
#swimming
#things_to_see
#walks
%wnsydney
126045 - 2023-06-13 02:57:23

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