If you don't live in the Inner West, you may not have discovered Iron Cove. It is affectionately known by locals as the
Bay Run and is a picturesque and sheltered section of the Parramatta River.
There is a popular walkway stretching the 7 km around the whole bay, but be assured there is more to do at Iron Cove than just stretch your legs:
Learn About the Mangroves
Mangroves play a vital role in protecting our coastlines as they prevent erosion and act as a filtering system helping to maintain a healthy habitat for aquatic life.
A long section of Iron Cove is lined by mangroves and they provide a lovely scenic touch, as well as a bit of welcome shade along the walking paths.
Learn about mangroves while you walk the bay
Conveniently, there are informative plaques lining a section of the walking tracks that allow you to learn about the mangrove habitat and the species that call it home. This is a great way to spend family time, get fit, and at the same time teach children about preserving nature while they are in it.
Get Out on The Water
While the bay is not suitable for swimming, it is good for kayaking as the waters are generally calm. Kayak owners often choose to explore the coastlines, but Iron Cove is a good alternative. There are a number of spots along the bay from which you can launch your kayak and once you explore Iron Cove you can paddle even further afield to neighbouring bays.
Walk The Dog
A lot of dog owners bring their pets down to Iron Cove and take them along the walking paths that are so popular, and while this is definitely an option there are a few little spots along the bay run that are particularly fun for dogs to visit.
One such spot is Rodd Point that is a little outcropping of land along the cove. The land here slopes down to the water creating small sandy beaches that are very popular with dogs.
Other parks along the bay also provide good locations for spending time with your dog. Timbrell park is popular with dog owners as it has some covered pathways that are suited for short dog walks.
Cafe Bones is a genuinely dog-friendly cafe
Just off the Bay Run is also the popular Cafe Bones and Hawthorne Canal Reserve Dog Park which is only a slight detour from the cove; use it either as a rest stop on the way, or as the destination at the end of your walk.
Cafe Bones provides for dogs and owners, serving the usual cafe fare, as well as a cafe-style beverage for dogs and dog treats.
Practice Your Photography Skills
I'm no professional, but whenever I go to Iron Cove I just have to take a few shots. At different times of the day the light reflects off the water differently, and can provide a good challenge for amateur photographers.
Take a moment and capture the beauty
There are water birds, old boats and some interesting rock features, so there's plenty to keep you snapping.
Use The Outdoor Fitness Equipment
Like many areas around Sydney, Iron Cove has outdoor fitness equipment that is free to use. The benefit of using it here is that you can couple it with a run, walk or cycle along the scenic walking paths.
The fitness equipment located within
Leichhardt Park is covered by a sunshade, is close to the parking lot and toilet amenities and even the children's playground so it makes it suitable for short visits and also if you choose to bring the family along.
There is a fitness station in King George Park which also allows you to workout with a great view of the bay.
Have A Picnic
You can have a picnic almost anywhere along Iron Cove where there is a grassy space, but there are some particularly good spots that have a view as well as barbeque facilities and other amenities. When it comes to scenery, Rodd Point has to be the best spot for a picnic along the bay.
Covered table and a view at Timbrell Park
In saying that,
Robson Park has a good barbecue set up suited to a young family as it is directly next to a well-shaded children's playground and toilet facilities. Alternatively,
Timbrell Park has a bigger covered area with multiple barbecues and is good for a larger group, although this location is not as scenic.
Is there something you like to do at Iron Cove that hasn't been mentioned? Please share in the comments.
