A new bushwalk in Western Sydney is now open to explore, boasting spectacular views to the city and Blue Mountains, as well as a series of unique Aboriginal artwork trees. 

‘Gabrugal Yana’, an 11km return walk through Western Sydney Parklands, is now open to the public and celebrates local Dharug Aboriginal culture by transforming six landmark trees into Aboriginal artworks that represent Dharug seasons. 

First Nations artists Shay Tobin and Djon Mundine OAM worked with Dharug cultural consultants and community members to bring the change of seasons to life through artworks that depict well-known Sydney plants and animals such as the blue tongue lizard and the eel, as well as fire. The trees share Dharug names and language which is accessible through audio which can be heard along the route. 

It is the first walk of its kind in western Sydney and opens up a part of Western Sydney Parklands previously only known to locals. Over the coming decades, the southern part of Western Sydney Parklands, which is eight times the size of Centennial Park, will continue to grow as the backyard for fast-growing communities in Austral, Leppington, Middleton Grange and Cecil Hills. 

Gabrugal Yana means walk of the Gabru or Cabro people, who traditionally lived in the Fairfield and Liverpool area. The walk begins at the Wylde Mountain Bike and BMX hub in Cecil Park before winding south through Cumberland Plain woodland and old farmland to Middleton Grange 

Parking, water stations and amenities are available at Wylde. 

For more information, visit Western Sydney Parklands. 

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said: 

“Gabrugal Yana is set to become one of Sydney’s great bushwalks. It celebrates Sydney’s First Nations heritage and tens of thousands of years of rich culture by sharing Dharug language and stories with many first and second generation Australians who now call western Sydney home. 

“This walk will show off Western Sydney Parklands and the incredible beauty it has to offer. It is also another step towards making sure that future generations in western Sydney can enjoy the best possible recreational spaces as part of our continued focus on housing and infrastructure.” 

Member for Liverpool Charishma Kaliyanda said: 

“Liverpool residents are always looking for more access to green space. The opening of Gabrugal Yana gives them a new opportunity to connect with nature and learn about our rich Aboriginal history. 

“Open and green space is so important for health and wellbeing. The development of the southern part of the Parklands into a sustainable hub for recreation is the start of delivering a more liveable community to south west Sydney.”

Member for Leppington Nathan Hagarty said: 

“I am thrilled to see this project come to fruition. This is a truly unique natural space where the community can come together to learn, explore, and appreciate the beauty of Western Sydney. 

"The residents of Austral, Middleton Grange and throughout Leppington have long called for more recreational and green spaces. With the opening of Gabrugal Yana, we're not only answering that call but also enriching our community's cultural and environmental awareness. 

“Gabrugal Yana represents a critical step towards ensuring our rapidly growing communities in Leppington have access to quality open space for generations to come." 

MEDIA: 

Michelle Wildner | Minister Scully | 0488 666 281 

Liam Thorne | Charishma Kaliyanda MP | 0468 302 419 

Nicholas Petkovic | Nathan Hagarty MP | 0418 273 258