GABRUGAL YANA - WESTERN RIDGES WALK
Dharug, Middleton Grange NSW
‘Enhancing Community Access to Nature with an Immersive Cultural and Eco-centric Walking Trail’
Moir Studio collaborated with the Western Sydney Parklands Trust to develop the detailed landscape master plan and construction documentation for Gabrugal Yana, formerly Western Ridges Walk. This initiative responds to the Greater Sydney Region Plan's urbanisation challenges by enhancing equitable access to open spaces crucial for community well-being in Western Sydney.
Gabrugal Yana spans 11 km of walking trails on Dharug Country, embodying millennia-old coastal and mountain clans’ routes. It is a gateway to 390 hectares of Western Sydney Bushland, offering a unique journey from Wylde Mountain Bike Park to Cecil Hills. The design integrates Indigenous consultation, heat mapping, and site analysis to highlight natural features like ripline planting and shaded areas, ensuring a comfortable user experience.
Five strategically placed lookouts capture expansive views of Sydney CBD and the Blue Mountains. The trail is designed with a 'light touch' philosophy to minimise environmental impact and facilitate future relocations. Aboriginal artworks along the trail, depicting Dharug seasons, local flora, and fauna enrich the cultural narrative, supported by thoughtful signage and navigation markers.
Gabrugal Yana exemplifies an eco-centric approach, prioritising sustainability and cultural celebration to honour and preserve Dharug Country's beauty and significance.