Rouse Hill to Norwest Walking Trail in Sydney (2024)

Exploring the walkway connecting the Rouse Hill and Norwest suburbs takes you through various neighborhoods in the Hills District, which is located in the northwest region of Sydney. Both of these suburbs are relatively new, witnessing ongoing construction of homes. Opting for a local Rouse Hill to Norwest walk without venturing too far for the weekend, I found it to be a refreshing change, addressing my limited knowledge of Sydney’s suburbs.

This walk offers a unique perspective for enthusiasts of expansive houses and ongoing construction projects. It is an ideal route for those seeking a weekly evening exercise routine. The path meanders through the streets of Rouse Hill and Norwest, passing by newly constructed houses, a man-made pond, and several parks. If you appreciate glimpses of impressive residences and enjoy the ambiance of evolving neighborhoods, this walk provides a visually appealing and fitness-friendly experience.

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About Rouse Hill

Situated approximately 43 kilometers from the Sydney Central Business District (CBD), Rouse Hill is a suburb in the Hills District. This area holds historical significance in Australian history, notably serving as the site of the Castle Hill Rebellion during the Irish rebellion.

How to Get to Rouse Hill from Central?

By Public Transport

Accessing Rouse Hill from the Central train station can be a bit intricate, but here’s a guide to simplify the journey:

1. Take a train from Central to Chatswood or Epping. There are regular train services connecting Central and Chatswood/Epping stations.
2. Transfer at Chatswood or Epping to board a metro heading to Rouse Hill. There are frequent metro services between Chatswood/Epping and Rouse Hill.

The entire trip duration is estimated to be up to 60 minutes. You can refer to the Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW) website for further details and the latest information.

About Norwest

Norwest, another suburb in the Hills District, is approximately 35 kilometers from Sydney CBD. Notably, it gained official recognition as a suburb in 2018, marking it as a relatively new addition to the Sydney metropolitan area.

How to Get to Central from Norwest?

By Public Transport

For a smooth journey from Norwest to Central, follow these steps:

1. Board a metro from Norwest to Epping. Regular metro services run between Norwest and Epping train station.
2. At Epping, switch to a train heading to Central. There are frequent metro services connecting Epping and Central.

The estimated duration for the entire trip is 50 to 55 minutes. Please refer to the Transport for NSW (TfNSW) website for additional details and the latest information.

Rouse Hill to Norwest Walking Trail in Sydney

The walk from Rouse Hill to Norwest is effortlessly pleasant, characterized by a flat terrain between the suburbs. It proves to be an ideal weekly stroll, typically taking 2 to 2.5 hours to complete.

Logistics

• Distance: 10 kilometres.
• Time: 2.5 hours.
• Starting point: Rouse Hill.
• Finishing point: Norwest.
• Grade: Easy; the walk is very flat.
• Path: Rouse Hill –> Beaumont Hills –> Kellyville –> Norwest.
• This walk can be extended until Castle Hill. The walk from Rouse Hill to Castle Hill is around 23 kilometres.

Important Information

• Opal Card for Public Transport: Ensure you have an Opal card to pay for public transport. While debit and credit cards are accepted, Opal cards offer fare discounts.
• Sturdy Footwear: Wear sturdy and comfortable shoes, considering it’s a 10-kilometer walk, despite being relatively straightforward.
• Ample Water Supply: Carry sufficient water, as there might not be visible water points. Parks along the route may have facilities to refill water bottles.
• Packed Lunch and Snacks: Bring your lunch and snacks. If needed, detour for snack or lunch purchases along the way.
• Toilet Facilities: Expect one or two toilets along the way, typically in the parks.
• Extra Socks: Carry an extra pair of socks in case of blisters or discomfort during the walk.
• Rouse Hill Shopping Centre: Explore the renowned Rouse Hill shopping centre, considered a must-visit in Sydney for its size and offerings.
• Dining in Rouse Hill: Rouse Hill is famed for its restaurants, allowing one to enjoy a delightful lunch or dinner after completing the walk.

Consider starting the walk from Norwest to Rouse Hill, ending at Rouse Hill for a convenient dining experience at one of the local restaurants.

Are Rouse Hill and Norwest Suburbs Safe for Solo Female Hikers?

Certainly, Rouse Hill is a very safe suburb, characterized by a family-friendly environment, making it perfectly suitable for solo walks around the neighborhoods. Norwest is similarly secure, and I encountered no issues during my walk. However, as a general precaution, it’s advisable to exercise caution and rely on your instincts, particularly during the night.

While these suburbs are generally safe, I would recommend not going alone if asked. Instead, consider walking with a meetup group or walking during the daytime, preferably in the morning. This suggestion stems from my limited familiarity with these suburbs, having completed only this specific walk in both areas.

Additionally, it’s always wise to have a walking or trekking buddy to offer extra security in case of unforeseen or unexpected situations.

Information on Meetup

Connecting with fellow walkers and hikers is made easy through the Meetup platform, which offers a fantastic opportunity to join groups tailored to different hiking levels and walk grades. Numerous walking events are regularly scheduled and organized, providing a simple RSVP-and-go approach. This allows individuals to tag along, enjoy a pleasant walk, and meet new people. It’s an excellent way to explore new places and connect, especially in a new city.

In my case, I participated in this walk with a Meetup group named Aussie Explorers.

Closing Notes

While the Rouse Hill and Norwest walk predominantly traversed suburban parks and roads, I didn’t find it enjoyable. Nevertheless, it serves as a decent long walk, offering glimpses of new and aesthetically pleasing houses under construction. It’s important to note that this walk doesn’t offer spectacular views or breathtaking landscapes, given its suburban nature. The only noteworthy feature encountered was a man-made lake observed at the commencement of the walk in Rouse Hill.

Also, read

• Sydney walks
• New South Wales diaries

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