Outdoor life in the Northern Districts
Northern District residents are fortunate to have natural bushland and adventure trails nearby to enjoy on the weekends with the family. Getting into some outdoor activities is a great way to get your teens away from their devices and enjoy some precious family time. Why not join up with another family or two and make a day of it? Here are some fun activities to try.
Mini golf at Thornleigh
For a relaxing and fun afternoon, why not try a round of mini golf at Thornleigh? The course is located at Brickpit Park, 142-178 Pennant Hills Road. It’s open 7 days a week from 8:30 am to 10:15 pm on weekdays and Saturdays, and 7:30 am to 9.45 pm on Sundays. There are two 18-hole putt-putt courses to choose from that wind their way past waterfalls, ponds and rivers.
Bush walks
You’ll find plenty of bushwalking trails within the Hornsby Shire that range from very easy to more challenging. Some, like the Mambara Walk at Pennant Hills and the Mangrove Walk at Brooklyn, are even pram-friendly if you have little ones. On top of that, Hornsby Shire has over 30 trails that are dog-friendly as long as your dog remains on a leash.
Lane Cove National Park has numerous trails to walk. One in particular, the Pennant Hills West Pymble Fire Trail, provides scenic views over Sydney and surrounding bushland.
Treetops Adventure
For the more adventurous, especially those not afraid of heights, a trip to Treetops Adventure located at 95 Castle Hill Road, West Pennant Hills is definitely worth the effort. This high-flying adventure park is located in the Cumberland State Forest and offers nine different tree rope courses. Courses include ten ziplines the kids and thrill seekers in your family will love. As the park does get quite busy, we recommend you book beforehand.
Paintball and laser tag
For paintball enthusiasts, you might want to try the Action Paintball Games at Yarramundi Paintball Park in North Western Sydney. This park boasts ten of the most epic battlefields in
the country.
Younger paintball aficionados in the family might prefer Aim4Fun, which offers mobile laser tag games with several different packages to choose from. These games would be great for that birthday party with a difference and can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Mountain biking or trail riding
Mountain biking or even just trail riding is something the whole family can get involved in. One place to start is the Hornsby Mountain Bike Trail, a purpose-built off-road network of tracks. There’s a track for less experienced riders and also one for more advanced mountain bikers.
Other biking trails within the shire include the Pennant Hills to North Epping trail in the Lane Cove National Park and the Pennant Hills to Cherrybrook trail within the Berowra Valley National Park.
Westleigh H20 Mountain Bike tracks are also terrific and Hornsby Council is in talks to possibly link to the Hornsby Mountain Bike Trail.
Trail riding on horseback
For a different type of trail ride, why not consider one on horseback? Glenworth Valley Wilderness Adventures offers guided horseback tours through native bushland, rainforests and rock pools ‒ all within 20 minutes of Hornsby.
Thrill seekers will enjoy the quad biking also offered at this facility. You’ll also find kayaking, abseiling and archery, so there’s something for the whole family. Bonus: if you want to stay longer, you can enjoy either glamping or a stay in one of the Eco-Villas.
Kayaking on the Hawkesbuy River
Why not take to the water to try Kayaking. Hawkesburyriverkayaks offer single and double kayaks, perfectly suited to exploring the waters and inlets of the Hawkesbury River
Spend just a few hours paddling around Dangar Island, or take a weekend to travel upstream and camp at a secluded beach. Explore beautiful Jerusalem Bay, picnic on one of many small beaches, or have lunch at picturesque Cottage Point.
Local bush care groups
While it might not be an activity for thrill seekers, joining a local bush care group can be rewarding and enjoyable. There are plenty of groups in the Hornsby Shire that would welcome new members of all ages. Most will have activities monthly and they’re usually free.
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Whether you’re planning to sell your home, you’re looking for a new home in the Northern Districts or you need more information about this area, reach out to Page&Co today.
