University to Glebe Tramsheds: The Forest Lodge Traverse
City Ride 15: A direct urban link through university grounds and historic Glebe to the Rozelle Bay.
This final explore in the City of Sydney sub-collection is a direct, intentional cut across some of the city's busiest arteries, trading the noise of the Highway for the quiet sandstone of the University and the heritage charm of Glebe. Slicing through the urban grid to find the harbour-side escape this traverse is about efficiency and scenery in equal measure. This may take you a couple of trips to master but the payback might be a coffee at the famous Tramsheds or a further journey to Balmain or Iron Cove.
University and Victoria Park
The ride kicks off at the University of Sydney’s Cadigal Green, where the grand sandstone architecture and wide-open campus grounds set a stately, relaxed tone. It’s a casual start, but you’ll soon reach the edge of the university precinct where the city’s pace picks up. Crossing City Road (Princes Hwy) is the first major “slice”—be sure to use the lights to cross safely before rolling into the leafy sanctuary of Victoria Park. As you pass the pool, the noise of the traffic fades, replaced by the greenery of one of Sydney’s most established parklands. It’s the perfect transition from the academic hub toward the residential heart of Glebe.
Getting to Johnstons Creek
Leaving the park, the route transitions into a solid on-road link via Arundel Street. This is a vital piece of the puzzle for local riders; Arundel is notably two-way for bicycles, allowing you to bypass the heavier traffic of the surrounding main roads. You’ll navigate a quick “dog-leg” through the Forest Lodge streets—crossing a busy Ross St with care and turning at Short Street, moving onto Johnston Street, and crossing Bridge Road using a new crossing. A final run down Hereford Street marks the end of the suburban street-work as the horizon opens up toward the canal.
Johnstons Creek and the Tramsheds
As you join the paths on the Canal Reserve, the atmosphere shifts from urban navigation to a paths under trees and a bridge crossing or two. A dog is likely your biggest hurdle. You’re now following the Johnstons Creek trail, passing right under the massive arches of the 📷 historic (dare I say sewage) aquaduct.
This section is a highlight for families; the area is a terrific for “mini kids” to practice their skills on the easy tracks away from cars. There is a skate park under the Tram Aqueduct
The trail brings you right to the doorstep of the Tramsheds, the beautifully restored heritage site that serves as the area’s premier pitstop for coffee or a meal. The journey concludes at Jubilee Park, the home of local AFL and Cricket, right at the water’s edge. It’s a fantastic spot to end the ride, though keep in mind that this a weekend favorite with the locals.
Distance: 3.8 km | Duration: 18 minutes
Avg Speed: 15 km/h
Total Climb: 15 m | Total Descent: 36 m
Where to next?
If you’ve completed the Forest Lodge Traverse, you are perfectly positioned to link up with several other key routes in the City sub-collection. Ride 15 is a little complex, you may also be well served to retrace your tracks to get used to it.
At the Start: Connect to Ride 7 The beginning of this route near the University puts you right on the doorstep of the Wilson Street Cycleway, a major piece of Ride 7. That ride covers the “Railway Run” from Lewisham West tram stop (The Greenway) all the way to Redfern Station. It’s a bit higgledy-piggledy to start with, but the final stretch along Wilson Street is a genuine cycling treat and a great way to extend your journey toward the inner west or the city south.
At the Finish: Connect to Ride 10 Rozelle Bay is a feature of Ride 10, the meandering best of City photography ride. If you feel like some fish and chips, you can pick up that route to explore the scenic foreshore and the intricate details of the local bays.
