NOTE: Check train timetables - there does not appear to be any trains stopping at Canley Vale today so you will have to drive, or cycle in to the start location.
A scenic loop through Western Sydney Parklands, Elizabeth Hills and Green Valley Cycleway. Enjoy wildlife, sweeping city and harbour bridge views, and cultural stops.
The ride is a blend of dedicated cyclepaths and quiet suburban roads, offering both safety and variety. From Canley Vale, we head west through Fairfield to Plough & Harrow parkland, where the route brings us to the lakes at Cecil Hills. Here the water glints in the sunlight, framed by pockets of bushland. Around the shoreline, birdlife is abundant — ducks paddling about, and herons stalking the shallows. It’s a refreshing highlight, a natural pause before the climb.
From here, the road rises into Elizabeth Hills, where modern estates and landscaped streets line the way. Crossing the M7, we roll into the Western Sydney Parklands, where wide green corridors and eucalyptus scents create a calm rhythm. The bushland here is alive - it’s not unusual to spot kangaroos hopping amongst the trees, with currawongs and kookaburras calling above.
Rewarding our effort, there are magnificent views — on a clear day, the Sydney skyline and Harbour Bridge shimmer in the distance.
A sweeping descent follows, carrying us smoothly toward Hoxton Park. Here, a stop at Black Elk Espresso or another coffee shop feels perfectly timed — the rush of wind still in our ears as we savour a rich coffee, recharging before the final stretch.
The loop then continues along the Green Valley Cycleway, a connected ribbon of path that guides us back toward Canley Vale. Along the way, it’s worth pausing at the serene Mingyue Lay Buddhist Temple, a striking landmark that offers a moment of reflection amid the kilometres.
Finally, the ride closes with a lively cultural flourish: the ultimate reward is a crisp, fragrant bánh mì from a local bakery — the perfect finish after a ride that balances nature, suburbia, and community flavour.
Rider Suitability:
a) Participants should be comfortable with medium distance, and continuous riding on quiet roads and shared user paths. There are a few busy intersections to be mindful of.
The ride is Undulating with some short steep ascents and descents
There is 100m unsealed packed earth path
b) Suggested precursor rides:
Riders are suggested to be competent with the following rides prior to attempting this one:
1. Me Bahn Mi (Bankstown)
2. Me Bahn Mi (Burwood and Ashfield)
3. Bella Black
Note:
- There are no easy bail out options so riders should be self-sufficient in case of mechanical issues.
- When scheduling this ride take note of public transport connections and trackwork. A number of connections may be necessary. Weekends may be better for train capacity.
Ride duration:
4 hours at a Steady 17 - 19 pace.
Suggested Coffee stop: Black Elk Espresso, Carnes Hill.
Distance: 44.00
Elevation Change: 327
Effort Index: 14
Ride with GPS
Check public transport alerts: www.transportnsw.info/alerts#/metro-train
Risk warning
As a participant in this dangerous recreational activity, you may be exposing yourself to a significant risk of harm.
Bike North, the ride organisers and leaders wish to warn you of the risks and hazards that are an inherent part of cycling,
and to take care to prevent putting yourself, your fellow participants and/or others into danger.
By registering for this ride, you accept the warning as to risk, and you agree to ride in a safe and responsible
manner and to obey all road rules and other legal requirements.
All riders wear an approved helmet and carry water, at least one spare tube plus a pump.
Health Warning
Riders must not attend if sick, have Covid-19, influenza or symptoms of any communicable disease.
Social media
While on Bike North rides and activities, you may be photographed or videoed. Photographs and videos
may be used by Bike North for social media or promotional purposes. If participants do not wish to be
included in social media, they should make it known at the beginning of the activity or as soon as possible
and other participants must respect their wishes.