Dr Charles McKay Reserve
Dr Charles McKay Reserve is a 15 hectare open space corridor in Rooty Hill on a small hill known as The Ridge. Its standout feature is a picnic area with a rotunda called The Lookout, and the reserve also has Cumberland Plain Woodland remnants, three man-made ponds and bush tracks.
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About Dr Charles McKay Reserve
Picnic Area and The Lookout at Dr Charles McKay Reserve
Dr Charles McKay Reserve has a small picnic area with a few picnic tables and a rotunda called The Lookout. The rotunda is the reserve's named lookout point and gives visitors a roofed spot to sit. The picnic area is set on The Ridge, a small hill that rises above the surrounding streets, so visitors can enjoy a meal with views across the bushland and its natural vegetation.
Walking Paths and Bush Tracks at Dr Charles McKay Reserve
Dr Charles McKay Reserve has internal pathways and bush tracks for walking. The internal pathways cross the open space corridor and suit everyday strolls on foot. The bush tracks run through the reserve's natural vegetation, including remnants of Cumberland Plain Woodland. Dr Charles McKay Reserve therefore offers two types of walking route on one site: formal paths for easy walks and bush tracks for walking among native woodland.
Bushland and Wetlands at Dr Charles McKay Reserve
Dr Charles McKay Reserve protects significant remnants of Cumberland Plain Woodland on land that was once part of Dr Charles McKay's estate. Three man-made ponds function as wetlands and add a water feature to the bushland setting. Bushcare meet-ups are held at Dr Charles McKay Reserve from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and new volunteers are welcome to join the bush care work.
Facilities at Dr Charles McKay Reserve
Visitor tips for Dr Charles McKay Reserve
- ✓Use the Beames Avenue entrance for the most direct route to the picnic area and rotunda.
Getting to Dr Charles McKay Reserve
The main entrance to Dr Charles McKay Reserve is on Beames Avenue, with secondary access from George Street and several neighbouring residential streets. The reserve is bordered by Frank Street and the Western Railway Line at Old Mt Druitt, and Mount Druitt railway station is nearby.
Open in Google Maps →Nearby Rooty Hill
- 📍St John the Beloved Maronite Catholic Church
- 📍St Johns Catholic Church
- 📍St Johns Anglican Church
Frequently asked questions about Dr Charles McKay Reserve
Are there picnic tables at Dr Charles McKay Reserve?
Yes, a few tables sit in the small picnic area beside the roofed rotunda.
Are there walking paths at Dr Charles McKay Reserve?
Yes, there are formal paths for easy walks plus bush tracks through native woodland.
Where is the entrance to Dr Charles McKay Reserve?
Enter from Beames Avenue, or use the side access off George Street.
Can I volunteer at Dr Charles McKay Reserve?
Yes, Bushcare groups meet there in the mornings and welcome newcomers.