Keeping fit in the Northern Districts
The Northern Districts are some of the most liveable communities in Greater Sydney, and offer many wonderful recreation opportunities for local residents to keep fit, play a team sport, or just spend some time outdoors.
Here are some that I mention to people looking to buy a home in the area.
Hornsby mountain bike trail
This is a great spot for thrill-seekers. You’ll bike through gorgeous natural bushlands and can get up to some pretty high speeds. A green trail will suit less experienced riders, although even that one is a bit too challenging for beginners. Be sure to wear a helmet and protective gear to avoid injury.
Hornsby Aquatic and Leisure Centre
This recently renovated pool does get busy but is nonetheless a great community asset. You’ll find indoor and outdoor pools, a children’s play area, a cafe, and even a water slide. Equally good for an outing with kids or just a few relaxing laps in one of the three heated pools. Memberships and day passes are available for individuals or family groups.
Hornsby Olympic pool is a great community asset, with heated pools, a children’s play area, a cafe, and a water slide
Brickpit sports stadium
At Thornleigh’s premier sporting outlet you’ll find plenty of recreation options, with courts for basketball, volleyball, netball and badminton. Be sure to check the schedule in advance as the stadium is home to many local teams. There’s also table tennis, preschool sport clubs and even bridge classes!
Thornleigh Golf Centre
Designed by golfers, for golfers, this facility opened in 2012 and is fully equipped to give you a fun day at the range or golfing lessons to improve your game. The hitting bays are covered, providing protection from the sun or wind, and many have automatic tees. You’ll also find a cafe and two mini golf courses with ponds, waterfalls and bridges suitable for all ages, and a big hit with kids.
Berowra Valley national and regional park
For some unstructured recreation and fitness, head to this incredible park. You can do some hiking, strolling or bushwalking, and even camping at Crosslands Reserve. There are numerous trails throughout the park, with options available for all skill levels. And the Benowie trail covers some 25 kilometres of the iconic Great North Walk from Sydney to Newcastle. Running from Pennant Hills to Berowra Waters, it takes two to three days to walk. And there are several campsites along the way if you want to do it all in one go.
Be sure to pick up a map on your way in to ensure you don’t get lost – the park is quite expansive so you want to make sure you know your way back to the entrance!
Head to Berowra Valley National and Regional Park for hiking, strolling and bushwalking for all skill levels
Thornleigh skate park
If your kids are adrenaline junkies, they’ll love doing tricks at Thornleigh’s newest skate park. This concrete park features an open, square bowl and plenty of ledges and rails. Don’t forget the helmets and other protective gear. The park can get pretty busy in the afternoons so it’s best to arrive early.
Brickpit Park, Dartford Road, Thornleigh
Pennant Hills Park
Another beautiful green space that combines native bushland with a busy sports complex – archery, netball, hockey, baseball, tennis and more are all catered for.
Pennant Hills Park, Brittania Avenue, Pennant Hills
Treetops in Cumberland State Forest
Take a break from the screens and give your kids (and yourself) some greentime instead, with a session at Treetops, an adventure playground for all ages set in beautiful state forest. The self-guided course takes you along rope ladders, bridges and ziplines through beautiful gum trees, with heights of up to 25 metres. Pack a picnic lunch or make use of the barbecue facilities once you’ve completed the course.
95 Castle Hill Road, West Pennant Hills
Talk to me
I live in this area and am always happy to talk to people thinking of buying or selling in Thornleigh, Normanhurst, Westleigh or Pennant Hills about the many benefits of living here, whether you’re looking for a family home or are planning to downsize. Get in touch with me today to learn more about what makes the Northern Districts such a great place to live.
