This little journey isn’t going to jump out and win a lot of cycling infrastructure awards. Built in 2022, it follows the classic model of widening the footpath, laying down concrete, and dealing with driveways between you and the finish line. But while it isn’t super exciting, it serves a real purpose: it provides a flat alternative to climbing up Herbert Street and crossing over to Chatswood using Willoughby roads. Let’s cycle! 🚲
This ride is Approx. 5.5 km long and climbs 50m in either direction.
📍 Here are the maps and files for this ride:
RideWithGPS: Pacific Highway Ride 30 and in the Northside Collection
Network View: On the CycleSydney Map (look for St Leonards)
Crows Nest
The ride starts in Crows Nest on West Street at Huntington Street. From here, you follow quiet backstreets—navigating through Devonshire Street, Matthew Street, and Atchison Street. This initial suburban roads section with white bicyle paintings leads you toward the St Leonards commercial district.
St Leonards
When you arrive at St Leonards train station, you transition onto the cycleway running along the edge of the Pacific Highway. Cross over to where the Pacific Highway cycleway becomes a standard concrete shared path—about 3.5 meters wide with dotted lines down the middle if you’re lucky. Following the highway north, you pass Royal North Shore Hospital, the Gore Hill Memorial Cemetery, St Leonards TAFE and a large data centre.
Side Note: This beside-the-highway path offers a flat profile compared to alternative backstreet climbs through Willoughby. However, it is not recommended for teenagers, as motor vehicles travel very close by and there are frequent driveway distractions.
Gore Hill Freeway
As you approach the M2 and Gore Hill Freeway, the path requires extra attention. You will encounter pedestrian signal crossings every 100 meters or so to navigate past car dealerships and commercial driveways. At the Gore Hill Freeway interchange itself, you cross four lanes of off-ramp roads using the pedestrian signals on a wide path.
If you want to branch off here, a wiggly road takes you down to join the Epping Road cycleway (Ride 34). Staying on the north side of the Gore Hill Freeway along the Pacific Highway, you continue past Bob Jane T-Marts and more driveway crossings until reaching Mowbray Road.
The Pacific Highway is a very busy cycling route on weekend mornings. If you are a confident rider, understand that almost everyone rides on the road. The reason for this is geographical. Riders gravity to this less than hilly road (which was probably first used for for oxen in its early days) to get to Centennial Park or Bobbin Heads.
Mowbray Rd & The Chatswood Dive Site
After crossing Mowbray Road, you join the best part of the ride: the new cycleway running through the old Sydney Metro dive site. This area was previously used to prepare drilling equipment for the Metro tunnels. It features a top-grade, wide concrete track running along the edge of the railway line toward Chatswood.
As you roll toward Chatswood Station, you will see a right-hand turnoff that connects to Flat Rock Gully (featured in Ride 26). Arriving at Chatswood Station, prepare to slow down to around 10 km/h as you join the pedestrian crowds. Take your time following the station signs, as there are multiple rail lines and rules in this active hub. It’s a great spot to grab a coffee or some sushi before heading back.
Local Secret: If you want to extend your outing beyond Chatswood Station, head down to Lane Cove National Park and ride across to North Ryde Station to catch the Metro back!
Final encouragement: Give this ride a try once and see how it works for your commute or weekend spin! Respect the busy pedestrian zones near Chatswood, watch out for driveways along the highway, and enjoy the smooth track through the Metro dive site! 🚲
📍 Ride safe: These maps are digital breadcrumbs from personal rides. Infrastructure changes, so trust your eyes over the screen.
Videos of Ride 30 Follow
This the ride from St Leonard to Chatswood in full.
Other Tracks
Here is Cordia Way to the Gore Hill Freeway, a far more entertaining ride towards North Sydney. Epping Rd will be written up in a few weeks in Ride 34.
Ride 26: Chatswood to North Sydney
This is a classic North Shore ride that starts up in Chatswood and weaves its way down through hidden rail trails, quiet residential backstreets, and green parklands before tackling the climb out of Flat Rock Gully into North Sydney. We’re actively avoiding the worst of the main road traffic by utilizing dedicated cycleways, underpasses, and community-w…
Infra:- A very promising North-South ride is being pushed by council that heads from the Dive Site down Hampden Road. Follow and support it here