The Como Heritage Trail is an easy, scenic urban walk with plenty of great places for a pitstop. Multiple playgrounds, bushtrails, cafes and even a pub, it’s a great mix of history, urban convenience and enough bush to get a nature fix, with lots to explore for both you and bub!
The short
| Distance | 4.2km loop |
| Grade | Easy |
| Type | Carrier |
| Time | A couple of hours or less |
| Conditions | A mix of street walking and bush trails, pet friendly |
| Facilities | Toilets, cafes, picnic tables, multiple playgrounds, pub, signage |
| Getting there | Car – Situated in Como, South of Sydney. You can start and finish at any point along the trail that works for you. I recommend parking at the Como pleasure grounds and starting from there. Train – Como station – you can start and finish this walk at the station. |
Total climbing: 158 m
The long
Access
The Como Heritage trail is located in the Southern Sydney suburb of Como, nesting on the George’s River.
As this is a loop walk, you could start or finsh the walk whereever suits best, but i recommend to park at the Como pleasure grounds and start and end the walk from there. There is plenty of free, untimed parking along the street, or try the parking within the Marina.
If using public transport, the walk passes under Como station, so you could conveniently start and finish the circuit at the station.
We acknowledge that this walk is on the lands of the Dharawal people and pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.
The trail
Starting the walk at Como Pleasure grounds is a convenient option, with access to two cafes for a pre walk coffee and toilets (with a change table in the disabled toilet) in case you or your little walker needs a toilet break or nappy change before you get started!
I recommend doing this walk anti clockwise so you have the chance to build up an appetite if you want to stop by the pub for lunch on your walk, and this way gets you into the bush earlier, but either direction is just as easy and pleasant walking!
From the pleasure grounds, walk towards the Como – Oatley bridge but continue through the underpass under the railway. Follow the track markers up the stairs onto the street where you will find your next sign and story.
Following the walk markers to make a right turn down Central avenue, continue to the end where there will be a pedestrian path veering left and up, away from the street into Paruna Reserve.
The track now turns into a bush foot track, continue to follow this through the reserve, with views to the Georges river on your right. Continue following this track until you get to the next story at the end of the reserve.
Alternative route
After a couple of hundred meters into Paruna Reserve, there will be some stone stairs leading down towards the river. Take the stairs down and you will be able to follow a faint track on the rivers edge which will lead you to some large boulders. This is a great spot for a mid walk bush snack stop with bub.
Continuing to follow the rivers edge, the path then makes an obvious connection back to the main bushtrack in Paruna reserve.
Towards the end of Paruna reserve you will start to pass a few properties, another trail story and not long after you will pop out into the residential streets of Como. Continue following the trail markers up onto Burunda street, this is the steepest section of the walk.
Upon reaching Wolger street, turn left and continue on the footpath until you pass the playground at Henry Lawson Reserve. This is a great playground set among the trees, with a toddler section and a bigger kids play area. Walk through the playground and reserve which will take you to a footpath which joins Bulumin steet.
Detour – Instead of turning left onto Wolger street, you could turn right and walk 170m to Como West shopping village for a good coffee and simple lunch. Or pay a visit to the beautiful gift shop – River-folk – next door. Retrace your steps back down Wolger street to rejoin the trail.
Continue to the end of Bulumin street, with glimpses east along the George’s river and turn right onto Como Parade. The street will end, but continue on the footpath which will follow a water main. There are a few sets of stairs as the track makes its way down to rejoin Como Parade.
Once you reach the road again, follow it until you reach Como Station. Pass under the station to the other side of the railway and follow the trail markers to left, onto Cremona road, past Como Public school and eventually to the pub. If you haven’t yet stopped for lunch, Como pub has a great menu with a courtyard with a kids play area and views overlooking the river!
Otherwise continue onto the oval and past the sheds following the signage and markers, finally making your way back to the pleasure grounds, where you started! There’s a beautiful play area here too if bub wants to stretch the legs after being carried, or as mentioned at the beginning, 2 cafes that you could grab a bite to eat. Both with good kids options!
After all the walking, playing and eating on the Como Heritage Trail, you and bub should both be well and truly ready for a nap!
More info – resources
https://www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/Outdoors/Walking-Tracks/Como-Heritage-and-Environment-Trail
