Sydney’s inner city is getting a green fix, thanks to a brand-new walking and cycling trail that links the Cooks River in Earlwood with Iron Cove in Balmain.
The Inner West is Sydney’s creative hub, known for its converted warehouses, vibrant street art and community spirit. Now, a new six-kilometre ‘GreenWay corridor ’ is injecting the area with a fresh dose of greenery. Designed to make the region more accessible for walkers and cyclists, the long-awaited project is set to change how locals and visitors move through the vibrant region.
Originally conceived over 20 years ago, the GreenWay has been a grassroots project, with the community campaigning for funding for more than a decade. Now, the corridor is nearing completion, promising to deliver better connectivity, recreation and some much-needed green space.
An artist’s impression of the GreenWay, which is designed to encourage walking and cycling around the Inner West. (Image: Inner West Council)
What is the GreenWay corridor?
The GreenWay stretches from the Cooks River in Earlwood to the Iron Cove foreshore walk in Balmain, linking two major waterways and existing trails in the Inner West. It follows the path of the 130-year-old rail line, transforming it into an exclusive pedestrian and cycling thoroughfare. The Inner West is already home to a surprising amount of natural habitat. The Cooks River in particular consists of expansive mangrove ecosystems, where lizards, snakes and more wildlife are regularly spotted.
The GreenWay corridor runs from the Cooks River to Parramatta River, connecting two of the Inner West’s major foreshore walks. (Image: Inner West Council)
The GreenWay will be lined with new green spaces, including dog parks and conservation zones supporting wetland habitats. Once complete, the corridor will offer a scenic, car-free route through some of the city’s most beloved suburbs and change the way locals and visitors interact with it.
According to NSW Premier Chris Minns, “The GreenWay won’t just link two of Sydney’s most popular walks, it’ll become one in its own right, complete with a shared walking and cycling path, public art, playgrounds and cafes for everyone to enjoy."
The GreenWay will connect different precincts in the Inner West to create a six-kilometre continuous pedestrian trail. (Image: Inner West Council)
Jo Haylen, member for Summer Hill, adds: “The shared pathway has a strong connection to the community and the environment… [and] provides a great space for enjoying the outdoors and travelling across our community."
When will the GreenWay corridor open?
The GreenWay links the Cooks River (pictured) with Iron Cove. (Image: Flickr/Martin7d2)
The project is currently 80 per cent complete. The remaining works focus on linking all six precincts of the trail together, and is set to be completed later this year.
Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for Australian Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
Adventure and refined Luxury combine at the stunning Rangelands Outback Camp.
Iconic Australian red dirt, ancient rocky landscapes and bursts of greenery and wildflowers all make the small town of Winton, and its surrounds, a sight to behold. Escape the ordinary and unwind in the Queensland outback, where ancient landscapes and off-grid luxury await at Rangelands Outback Camp.
Unwind in the ancient outback.
About Rangelands Outback Camp
Unforgettable 360-degree views of this 95-million-year-old land await at Rangelands; bathed in style and positioned on top of a jump-up (or mesa), your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting.
Set on the 53,935-square-kilometre Rangelands Station – a working cattle property – the abundant wildlife are your only neighbours; kangaroos, echidnas, eagles and other birdlife all call Rangelands home.
Bathed in style, your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting. Indulge with carefully curated menus, personalised service and supersized luxury tents that guarantee a private experience. This exclusive camp only has a maximum of 12 guests at a time.
Here, the aim is pampering. From tasty menus to supersized tents with all the creature comforts, to a range of guided tours around the property and beyond.
Guests are transferred from Winton or Longreach by a dedicated Rangelands driver.
Soak in 360-degree views.
Rangelands Outback Camp tours
Join small-group tours and enjoy exclusive access to the ancient Rangelands Rifts with your Rangelands hosts. These incredible rock formations were formed by millions of years of erosion, leaving dramatic channels through the rock. Or explore the surrounds with Rangeland’s touring partner, Red Dirt Tours .
Get sunset birds-eye views over dramatic mesa country in a helicopter, from Queensland’s own Three Sisters to Corey’s Range, stopping at the best lookouts along the way.
Get up close and personal with this rugged land on four wheels, with expert drivers and guides leading guests through famous Bladensburg National Park, visiting Gondwana Stars Observatory and more.
The Winton area is famous for its boulder opals (the second-rarest opal in the world, after black opals), and a stop at the mining community of Opalton sheds a fascinating light on the unique fossicking method used to find them.
A trip to dinosaur country is a must, as this is the place that ramped up Australia’s dino contribution after a fossilised footprint was found in 1962; after more exploration, the discovery of 3300 footprints made it clear this was the world’s only evidence of a dinosaur stampede. Those same footprints are still on display today at Lark Quarry Conservation Park , a 90-minute drive from Winton. Also check out Australia’s largest collection of Australian Dinosaur fossils Australian Age of Dinosaurs, just 30 minutes from Winton. Here, join a tour through a working laboratory, dinosaur canyon and more.
A twice-daily transfer into downtown Winton is offered to guests, where they can explore the Royal Outdoor Theatre, opal shops, Waltzing Matilda Centre and more.
Have an exclusive adventure through the Rangeland Rifts. (Image: TEQ)
Sleeping in luxury
After a day of exploring, return to your tranquil tent for a blissful open shower and uninterrupted views from your private deck.
Designed to integrate guests into the surrounding nature, each tent feels like its own private haven. While being off-grid in the outback (in fact, each tent is powered by its own solar panels, with the added support of a backup generator), guests can also luxuriate in comfortable amenities like air conditioning, a supremely comfortable king-size bed and stylish designer touches.
Guests can stroll to the open-air Sunset Deck for breathtaking panoramic views, or to the main lounge and dining tent, where books, on-demand coffee and drinks make it the perfect place to relax after a day in the outback.
Enjoy plenty of space inside, and stunning views outside.
Rangelands Outback Camp dining
As the sun starts to dip below the horizon, gather for drinks and canapés on the expansive Sunset Deck, watching the sun drench the landscape in pinks and oranges as it sinks below the horizon.
Later, head to The Mahal lounge area and dining tent where mealtime magic happens. Savour a gourmet meal made fresh by Rangeland’s onsite chef. The meals use local produce to elevate classic outback dishes, and don’t worry, dietary requirements are happily accommodated.
Enjoy an open bar filled with an expansive hand-selected list of wines and premium beers, with wine pairings offered by Rangelands hosts come dinner time.
