After more than two decades of planning, a 6km car-free corridor for cyclists, pedestrians and nature will open through Sydney's inner west. The GreenWay, linking Iron Cove on the Parramatta River to the Cooks River, will officially open on Sunday 14 December, with celebrations planned at Johnson Park in Dulwich Hill.
The route follows the light rail corridor and the Hawthorne canal, providing an almost entirely off-road path. It includes new tunnels and underpasses beneath five roads, including the six lanes of Parramatta Road. Eight pieces of public art have been installed, two inside the tunnels.
The idea originated in the mid-1990s when environmental planning consultant Bruce Ashley was commissioned by the state government to examine potential cycle rail trails. He sketched the greenway concept in about 20 minutes after a conversation with two men planting native species beside the canal. The project evolved over years of community engagement and collaboration with local councils.
Inner West Council mayor Darcy Byrne said the GreenWay will transform travel in the area, connecting two major waterways. By the end of 2026, it will also connect to the metro at Dulwich Hill when the Sydenham to Bankstown extension opens. The $57 million project is modest compared to the billions spent on WestConnex and metro lines, but could significantly improve Sydney's fragmented cycle network.
Bicycle NSW head Peter McLean described the GreenWay as a beautiful piece of connectivity that will benefit not just the inner west but broader Sydney. The corridor also incorporates rejuvenated green spaces, fulfilling Ashley's vision of creating a high-quality urban environment akin to a national park.
