A 9.3km loop walk through tranquil parklands, peaceful ponds and leafy tracks — all in the heart of Randwick.

Centennial Park is known for its wide open spaces and central Grand Drive circuit, but step just beyond the inner loop and a new world opens up. The Ponds and Perimeter Loop offers a quieter, greener 9.3-kilometre trail filled with birdlife, shady groves and calm corners you may not have explored before.

Whether you’re a weekend walker, nature nut or birdwatching buff, this route takes you from tree-lined tracks to tranquil wetlands, without leaving the eastern suburbs.

Getting started

Start your walk at the Randwick Gates and head clockwise. Towering fig trees welcome you in, but keep an eye out for bikes, dogs on-lead and the odd run club sharing the path.

1km

Take a short detour to Busbys Pond, where ducks glide across the water and purple swamphens forage among the reeds. You might spot a cormorant drying its wings or turtles sunbaking on a log. It’s a peaceful spot to stop and watch the water before returning to the main path near Dickens Drive. If time allows, follow your nose to the Rose Garden, especially lovely when in bloom.

2km

The path continues beneath a canopy of tall trees, offering dappled shade and the sound of birds overhead. Soon you’ll pass the Centennial Homestead, a café and popular stop for coffee or lunch. As you continue on, the park opens up into wide lawns with sweeping views of Federation Pavilion — a great spot for a picnic or to stretch your legs.

3km

Just before you reach Musgrave Avenue, stop for a quiet moment by Willow Pond, where graceful tree branches trail into the water and benches invite a breather. This marks the end of the inner loop. At the corner of Darley and York Roads, step off the main track and follow the outer perimeter.

4km

This stretch feels more secluded as you wind along the edge of the park, surrounded by trees and bird calls. Keep an eye out for cockatoos, lorikeets and other feathered locals in the branches above. Soon you’ll return to open space at Model Yacht Pond, framed by native plants and often visited by black swans and waterbirds.

5km

Continue walking toward Woollahra Gates, where you may glimpse the grassy bowl of the Belvedere Amphitheatre in the distance. Shaped like a natural stage, it’s used for open-air performances and events. It’s also a peaceful place to pause and enjoy a rest.

6km

As you reach Carrington Drive, you’ll arrive at the wide open lawns of Reservoir Fields. These fields sit above the Centennial Park Reservoir, still operating today but hidden underground. Surrounded by tall trees and fresh air, it’s a favourite spot for casual sport, group picnics or just a quiet wander. At Paddington Gates, you’ll find a playground, BBQs, toilets and picnic shelters if you need a break.

7km

Step off the main track and meander through Paperbark Grove, a picture-perfect avenue of more than 60 paperbark trees planted in 1899. This is one of the most loved corners of the park, especially in golden light. Nearby, the Busby’s Bore Commemorative Cairn stands quietly among the trees. The sandstone monument marks the end of Busby’s Bore, Sydney’s first major engineered water supply.

8km

Wander past the Ranger’s Residence and down toward the Kensington Ponds. This section is slower and more natural, filled with the sounds of frogs, the flash of dragonflies and the occasional heron lifting from the reeds. It's a part of the park that feels like a retreat — less formal, more wild and well worth exploring.

9km

Follow the edge of Kensington Ponds, then join the Alison Road Shared Pathway for the final stretch. From here, it’s a short and easy return to Randwick Gates, where your 9.3km loop began.