4 ways to restore your love for winter in Western Sydney Parklands

Published: 4 June 2019 at 12:00 am

If you need some extra inspiration to get off the couch (and off your phone) and into the great outdoors during the cooler months – here’s our top tips for staying warm and active in Sydney’s Biggest Backyard this Winter.  

Set a physical challenge 

A perfect way to keep motivated is staying focussed on a fitness goal. Take on a new personal challenge like the inaugural Western Sydney Parklands Trail Run . It’s a perfect family event with four course options (19km, 11km and 4km Family Run) for runners and walkers of all abilities. Starting and finishing at Lizard Log, the trail snakes through the Parklands taking in the sites of Moonrise Lookout, The Dairy, Cecil Park and Sugarloaf Ridge. The terrain is varied – bushland single track, fire and farmland trails, all feature to challenge and excite the most discerning of trail runners.

Stock up on fresh fruits and vegies for hearty warming meals 

There’s nothing better than enjoying a hearty meal with family and friends when it’s cold outside. Stock up on fresh seasonal fruits and vegies (perfect for soups, baked dinners, pies and casseroles!) straight from the growers at our Horsley Park Urban Farms and enjoy a stroll through the market gardens while you’re at it. 

Raise your pulse with some pedal power 

Get your heart rate up and exert some pedal power at Wylde Mountain Bike Trail. The Cecil Park trail is the perfect destination for thrill-seekers and caters for beginner, intermediate, competent and advanced mountain bike riders (including a Kids Loop, 3km, 6km, 12km, Jump run and Pump Track). It’s free to ride and open daily (weather permitting) from sunrise to sunset. 

Clock up your steps with your furry friends 

An easy way to clock up your daily steps in the cooler months is getting outdoors and exercising with your pets. Like humans, this will also help them avoid the Winter weight gain while having fun at the same time. Warrigal Run in Bungarribee Park is Sydney’s largest off-leash area and a perfect fenced open space for dogs to roam-free and play. There’s also water bowls, waste bags, seating – just a short stroll from the iconic Bungarribee Playground.