Where in the world can you find a wobbly swing bridge and an old Weet-Bix factory? You might be surprised to learn that you can see both at Cooranbong in western Lake Macquarie while walking along the banks of peaceful Dora Creek. The Sandy Creek Walk takes in beautiful views of the creek and offers kids an opportunity to immerse themselves in nature.
Tucked away in the backstreets of suburban Cooranbong, the swing bridge is a little hard to find, unless you know where to look for it. The easiest point of access is via the end of the cul-de-sac in Victory Street, Cooranbong. Park on-street and then walk down the concrete driveway between number 19 and 29 Victory Street.
The swing bridge is a beautiful structure, and was originally built across Dora Creek in 1934 to provide access for workers at the Sanitarium factory.
Before the bridge was built, workers had to swim or row across the creek. The factory is now closed, but the bridge is still used by students of Avondale College (which is located next to the old factory) and the general public.
The bridge’s wobble adds a touch of adventure to your crossing. Stop in the middle to appreciate the beauty of Dora Creek. Kids will relish the bouncy walk and the chance to spot fish swimming below.
Low barriers along either side of the bridge contain the small folk, but do keep an eye on them as they cross, to make sure they don’t climb up.
In 2023 a new flood-proof bridge was opened next to the swing bridge, allowing safer passage across Dora Creek and forming part of a 13km walking and cycling track. While the swing bridge still remains, the new bridge is wider, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to share the path in both directions.
At the other side of the bridge is quite a large picnic area with a picnic table and plenty of space to run around or kick a ball. This is a really lovely spot, worth stopping at for some morning tea. From here, you can see the old tree-lined private road to the Sanitarium factory, and the buildings of Avondale College.
If you follow the track along the banks of Dora Creek, you will soon come to the start of the Sandy Creek Walk.
The walk is about 2.5km long (return), and is nice and flat – suitable for a sturdy pram if the conditions are dry.
After heavy rain the path can get muddy in parts, so gumboots are a good idea.
The track forms part of the Avondale University College Parkrun and the views are really delightful. You’ll walk past a couple of fenced off paddocks with cows in the distance and, depending on the time of year, fields covered in wild statice flower.
Part of the track goes through woodland, and there are several access points to the creek where you can peer into the water or skim stones.
In summer, the area is teeming with cicadas. You might be lucky and find some interesting specimens, including translucent ones and enormous ones with colourful patterns. It’s a great experience for kids! Keep a lookout for other wildlife on your walk, including water dragons.
The track continues for about 1.5km and ends at Avondale College. The fastest way back is to walk around the edge of the college, across the sporting fields. There is a signposted shortcut which takes you along a fence and brings you back to the swing bridge.
The Sandy Creek Walk is so accessible for kids and a lovely quiet spot to explore. The swing bridge is a well-known landmark in this part of Lake Macquarie and offers an interesting slice of local history. If you would like to know more about the history of the site, read the Lake Macquarie City Library article.
Good to know
Distance: The Sandy Creek Walk is approximately 2.5km return.
Getting There: Park in Victory Street, Cooranbong. The easiest point of access is via the end of the cul-de-sac in Victory Street, Cooranbong. Park on the road and then walk down the concrete driveway between number 19 and 29.
Bring: Bring morning tea, drinks, sunscreen, insect repellent, hats and gumboots if the weather has been wet.
Amenities: There are no toilets or bubblers along the track. If you are driving from Newcastle, you could stop at Dora Creek or Morriset and use the public toilets before you arrive. There is also a new playground at the Bernie Goodwin Memorial Park in Morriset if you want to visit before or afterwards and make a day of it.