Lime Kiln Bay & Oatley Park Loop
Lime Kiln Bay
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The Lime Kiln Bay & Oatley Park Loop Walk links Lime Kiln Bay, Oatley Baths, Oatley Park and Frog Hollow, with swimming spots, birdlife and picnic areas along the way.
Distance 6 km Time 2-3 hours
Steps 10,000
Level of Difficulty Easy/Moderate -
Oatley Baths — a shark-netted swimming area on the Georges River
Shaded picnic and BBQ facilities at The Castle and Oatley Bush Park
Oatley Bush Park Playground — a destination in its own right for families
This is birdwatching hotspot - look for Powerful Owls in Frog’s Hollow and various wetland species along the river and in Lime Kiln Bay
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Parking: Jinna Road, Pamela Avenue, plus other access points around the loop
Public transport: Oatley Station is about a 20–30 minute walk from the trail
Footwear: There are some rocky and uneven sections so sturdy shoes are recommended.
Mozzies: Insect repellent is recommended, especially near wetlands and mangroves.
Timing: This is a popular local walk; weekdays are generally quieter
After rain: Tracks can be muddy and water quality at Oatley Baths may be affected.
Water: Carry drinking water — there are not many bubblers along the route.
Facilities: Toilets at Oatley Baths and near the football oval in Oatley Park
This walk has a little bit of everything - bush, beach, mangroves, wetlands and one of the best playgrounds I’ve ever seen. It’s a great walk for lovers of wildlife and wildflowers, and it’s easy to adapt for families, shorter walks or slower days.
The Lime Kiln Bay & Oatley Park Loop Walk is a scenic bush and foreshore walk in southern Sydney, combining headland trails, mangroves, wetlands and river views along the Georges River. Starting near Lime Kiln Bay, the loop passes Oatley Baths, Oatley Park and Frog Hollow, with plenty of opportunities for swimming, birdwatching and picnics along the way. It’s a varied and rewarding walk that suits families, locals and visitors alike.
WALKING THE TRAIL
The walk starts at the bridge over Lime Kiln Wetlands. Park in Jinna Road or Pamela Avenue, then follow the path through Yawolloh Reserve to the bridge. (There’s parking elsewhere along the loop, so you can also start from another point if it suits.)
From the bridge, follow the shared path to the right. As the road curves, you’ll see stairs ahead — don’t take them unless you want to walk the loop in the opposite direction. Instead, keep right and follow the road for about 500 metres. Look carefully for a small set of steps on your right (they’re easy to miss); these lead onto the headland track.
Headland Trail to Oatley Baths
The Headland Track is a circular bush trail — a smaller loop within the larger Lime Kiln Bay & Oatley Park Loop Walk. It’s a good option if you’re short on time. The track is mostly level, with some rocky sections and a few stairs.
The trail follows the Georges River and is particularly lovely on a sunny day, with birdsong and seasonal wildflowers. It’s popular with walkers and runners, especially on weekends, so a weekday visit is best if you’re after a quieter walk.
Tall angophoras line the track, providing habitat for nesting birds and possums. You’ll also pass sandstone outcrops once used as shelter by the Bidjigal people of the Eora Nation, the original custodians of this land.
Across the river, you may notice remnants of old oyster beds. Oyster farming began here in the late 19th century and continued until 1994. In earlier times, oyster shells from Aboriginal middens were burnt in kilns along the bay to produce lime for mortar — giving Lime Kiln Bay its name.
As the track curves around the headland, views open out over Lime Kiln Bay and Lugarno, with the old Como Bridge and Oyster Bay visible in the distance.
Oatley Baths & Jewfish Bay
On the far side of the headland is Jewfish Bay, where stairs lead down to the water and Oatley Baths, marked by a shark net suspended just offshore. Oatley Baths has been home to the Oatley Amateur Swimming Club since 1927.
Swimming is popular here and facilities including change rooms and toilets are nearby. Signs advise caution, particularly after rain, when water quality can be affected.
The Castle to Oatley Bush Park
Just above the baths, slightly off the track, is a structure known as The Castle. Somewhat out of place, it resembles a small medieval tower. Built during the Depression as part of an unemployment relief scheme, it was once a kiosk and is now a picnic and barbecue area. A ramp leads to the top for filtered river views.
From here, head back toward the foreshore path. The track follows the water briefly before climbing and re-entering the bush.
You’ll soon reach a road leading into Oatley Park from the main entrance. Cross carefully and continue on the bush track opposite. The path winds through bushland, passing close to a football oval (with toilets), before reaching Oatley Bush Park Playground. If the track is muddy, you can follow the road instead.
Oatley Bush Park Playground to Frog Hollow
Oatley Bush Park Playground
Oatley Bush Park Playground is the kind of playground I wish I’d had access to when I was a kid. It has a 12-metre play tower and slide, flying fox, swings, sandpits and more. Opened in 2019, it occupies the former Steamroller Park — and the old steamroller is still here. Picnic shelters and tables are nearby.
Just beyond the playground is a bush path that takes you off the road and deep into the bush. Keep half an eye on the map here as you follow the meandering trail down into the clearing known as Frog Hollow.
The bushland in this area and the wetlands up ahead are home to some of the many species of birds that live and hunt in Oatley Park. When I was last here, a local birder pointed out a Powerful Owl to me. It’s one of two I’m told that nest annually near Frog Hollow so look out for them.
Return to Lime Kiln Bay
Beyond Frog Hollow, at the lowest point of the walk, the track passes through wetlands and mangroves. This area can be stagnant at times and mosquito repellent is a good idea, especially later in the day.
Cross the creek via the bridge, then follow the bush track, checking the map where paths branch. When you reach the golf course, turn left near the maintenance equipment and continue toward the mangroves.
The boardwalk track over the mangroves is a nice way to end the walk. In good light, the mangroves sparkle with dappled sunlight; later in the day, the low canopy creates a darker, almost eerie feel. Either way, the raised platforms offer excellent views of the mangrove ecosystem — roots, mud, crabs and foraging birds.
Climb one final set of stairs and descend another to finish back at the footbridge overlooking Lime Kiln Bay.
Wildlife and Wildflowers
The best part about this walk, for me at least, is the richness of native fauna and flora.
Mammals recorded here include Ringtail and Brushtail Possums, Echidnas, Grey-headed Flying Foxes and several small bat species. Lizards, frogs and crabs are common, particularly around the wetlands and mangroves.
As far as birds go, this area is a hotspot. According to eBird over 140 species have been recorded in Lime Kiln Bay Reserve with almost as many in Oatley Park itself. From tiny Silvereyes and Fairy-wrens to large raptors and Powerful Owls, this is a great walk for birders and photographers.
The prolific bird life is no doubt helped along by the large variety of trees, shrubs and native flowers present, especially in Oatley Park. Large trees include Coastal Angophoras, Sydney Peppermints, Scribbly and Red Gums. Among the smaller trees and shrubs, Wattle is abundant and you’ll likely see Banksias, Christmas Bush and Blueberry Ash. Throughout the year, various wildflowers help to colour the bush and feed the birds.**
*Among the mostly native trees in Oatley Park is one significant exotic specimen. Near the Oatley Park Avenue entrance to the park, stands a large pine tree, grown from the pine cones of a tree on the Lone Pine Battlefields, Gallipoli. There are plaques at the base of the tree detailing its significance.
**If you want to know went to see what in Oatley Park, the Oatley Flora & Fauna Conservation Society has put together a handy list of Seasonal Blooms.
LAST UPDATED JANUARY 2026