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Suitable for:- Rail Trail
- On Road
- Potential Rail Trail
- Other Trail
- Former Railway
- Rail Trail
- On Road
- Potential RT
- Other Trail
- Former Railway
Sydney’s newest rail-side trail: a high standard active pathway between Carlingford and Rosehill racecourse in the western suburbs of Sydney.
The trail follows the northern section of the now-closed Clyde to Carlingford suburban rail line.
This trail is fully paved and suitable for all types of users. It is near the vibrant centre of Parramatta, and is easily accessible from Parramatta River trails and local streets. There are two large bridges on the trail, one over Parramatta River and the other over James Ruse Drive.
From the Carlingford end of the trail, there are great district views to the south.
The trail follows the route of the light rail line that will link Westmead and Carlingford via Parramatta. Light rail services are expected to begin in 2024.
Important note: the trail between Dundas and Tramway Avenue light rail stops (Tramway Ave is near Rosehill) is subject to rolling closures through to 30 September 2023 for light rail construction work. Click here for Parramatta Light Rail shared path updates.
Nearby Attractions
Parramatta is the centre of western Sydney and has a scenic location on the Parramatta River. There are many historic sites around Parramatta.
This rail-side trail is suitable for all types of bicycles and wheeled vehicles, as well as walkers and runners. Dogs on leashes are allowed.
At Dundas, the station building has been preserved. There are also interpretive signs in other locations.
Last updated: 20 September 2023
The trail is easily accessible. From Parramatta, the best access point is the Tramway Avenue light rail stop to the east of the Parramatta CBD. From Clyde railway station, follow James Ruse Drive north to Rosehill Racecourse.
There are many street access points along the trail north of the Parramatta River.
The trail heads north-east from the Parramatta River bridge, and is generally a moderate uphill grade through to Carlingford.
There are water bubblers at each of the light rail stops along the trail. Toilet facilities are available at Parramatta and Rydalmere ferry wharf.
There are cafes and shops along the trail.
Section Guides
The trail is 5km long, from Rosehill Gardens light rail stop north to Carlingford.
From Rosehill Gardens, the active pathway also runs west over James Ruse Drive to the Tramway Avenue light rail stop.
Parramatta River bridge, Carlingford railside trail
Carlingford railside trail
Telopea, on the Carlingford trail
History marker on the trail
Great views to the south from the Carlingford end of the railside trail.
Carlingford light rail stop under construction
Dundas station precinct
Telopea light rail stop under construction, July 2023.
Contact Rail Trails Australia
To contact us about this rail trail, email nsw@railtrails.org.au
Background Information
The suburban railway line that ran from Clyde on the main western line to Carlingford to the north was closed in January 2020, in preparation for the conversion of the section from Rosehill to light rail use. By time of its closure, the Carlingford line was operated as a branch line only.
The railside trail is located within Parramatta Council boundaries.
Sydney’s latest railside trail is open
Posted: 09/07/23
Sydney has a new railside trail, situated in the centre of the western suburbs. The ...
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15 km west of Sydney
0.5 km
Pippita Rail Trail
19 km west of Sydney, near Sydney Olympic Park
Parramatta to Liverpool Railside Trail
25 km west of Sydney CBD
17 km
The Goods Line
2 km from the Sydney GPO
1 km
Como Bridge
20 km south of Sydney
2 km
Lapstone Knapsack Viaduct and Zig-Zag
60 km west of Sydney
1.5 km
Mt Kembla Memorial Pathway
100 km south of Sydney
2 km
Box Vale Tramway Trail
110 km south-west of Sydney, in the Southern Highlands
5 km
Wolgan Valley Rail Trail
Newnes is 190 km West of Sydney
11 km
Awaba – Wangi Wangi Rail Trail
130 km north of Sydney
Fassifern to Toronto Greenway Track
26 km from Newcastle
4 km
Pioneer Rail Trail Oberon
180 km west of Sydney
6 km
Fernleigh Track
135 km north of Sydney, 5km from Newcastle city centre
16 km
Richmond Vale Rail Trail
160 km north of Sydney, 12 km northwest of Newcastle
Glendale to Wallsend Tramway Track
13 km from Newcastle City
8.5 km
One review of “Rosehill to Carlingford Railside Trail”
This trail has only recently opened – it is relatively short at 5km but is high quality throughout. There is plenty of trail width for cyclists and walkers, and good to see water fountains provided at each light rail station.
There are nice district views from the northern end, and plenty of coffee shops along the way. I rode the trail on 2 July 2023, good to see plenty of others enjoying this new pathway.