Bishop Bird Park: Another Surprisingly Decent Suburban Walk

I cannot lie, my son Pepper has proven to be very useful during this December break.

He’s a man who strongly believes mornings should start later than necessary - unless absolutely forced by life (or his mother), but he does enjoy a bit of the outdoors.

So on the last day of the year, I dragged him to something that had been sitting on my “one day” list forever: Bishop Bird Park in Centurion.

Shoutout to Boris and his human, Basil, who unknowingly sent me spiralling down a rabbit hole of dog-friendly trails that I enthusiastically added to my list… before realizing Boris is a strictly off-lead kind of guy.

Which means I now have an impressive collection of on-lead trails and no on-lead dog to hike them with.

So naturally, I’ve had to start roping other people in to help me tick them off.

Team effort, really.

Late Starts, Rain Threats & Zero Commitment

Anyway… I picked this because we didn’t have to leave at sparrow’s fart (yes, you, Pepper) and we didn’t need to emotionally commit to a full-blown hike - especially with an almost 100% chance of rain.

There was no rain.

Again.

This weatherman clearly needs a hobby.

First Impressions

I’ll be honest: I expected more park and less trail, but was pleasantly surprised.

Bishop Bird Park is tucked right into the heart of Suburbia, yet it offers clean and well defined walking trails.

There was tall, overgrown greenery lining the sides.

Now… was this intentional landscaping, or the result of the most aggressive rainfall and full-blown "Dezemba"?

Hard to say.

Possibly both.

Either way, it worked.

The Trails

The trails loop and intersect, offering plenty of options without ever landing you into full survival-mode confusion.

We definitely didn’t walk every single path, but you could keep going for as long as you like if step counts are your goal.

The Unexpected Highlight

We found a charming little spot - up a short set of stairs, onto a wooden landing with a perfectly placed bench tucked beneath towering trees, clearly waiting for you to sit.

Birds were tweeting up a storm and in full performance mode

If you’re a bird watcher, you’ll love this place. If you’re a dog owner (on lead), your dog will love it. Joggers, casual walkers, nature lovers - it caters quietly to all of them without trying too hard.

Is It Worth A Visit?

Is it the most scenic place in the world?

Not even close.

But it's peaceful, green, easy and perfect for a quick nature fix

No doubt those that live in the area use this as a daily dog-walking spot.

Being a December weekday, we were virtually alone. I can’t vouch for weekend crowds, but I imagine it gets busier - because honestly, it deserves to.

Trail Information

AREA

Centurion

COST

Free

Trail Details

TRAIL DIFFICULTY

Easy

TRAIL LENGTH

As long as you want.

TRAIL MARKERS

There are no trail markings, but it is virtually impossible to get lost.

I mean, this was me and Pepper - both famously directionally challenged - and yet, somehow, we made it back to the car without needing a compass, a prayer, or Google Maps.

ABLUTIONS

A long drop - but spotless.

SAFE FREE PARKING

AMENITIES

None

WILDLIFE & BIRD LIFE

We mostly just heard birds. I suspect you need to be one of those actual bird watchers to know where to look - but it still sounded heavenly.

NOTE TO SELF

Bribing Pepper with “nature” only works if snacks are involved.

FAMILY FRIENDLY

Yes

PET FRIENDLY

Yes - on lead

ON A FINAL NOTE

Bishop Bird Park won’t blow your mind, but it will get you outside, calm your nervous system and let you hear birds instead of traffic

(TO)SOLO OR (NO)SOLO

(NO)SOLO for me - unless I knew there were a few more people around (not "Saturday morning race start" busy, but not "I’m alone in my thoughts and the bushes" quiet either.)

That said, I imagine plenty of people do it solo.