Field of Mars Reserve is a protected bushland reserve in East Ryde. Best way to start exploring the reserve is to use the main entrance along Pittwater Road. There's ample free parking when you get off the roundabout. There is a Visitors Centre nearby, which is open during weekends.
From the reserve entrance, you have a choice of four walking trails. The shortest is Doyle Loop, which 1.2 kilometers, 45 minutes return with a grade of medium. Next shortest is the Warada Loop - 1.9 kilometers, 60 minutes return, easy grade, which is the one we tried. You can find the walking trail map here.
We found the track (relatively) slow-going, and the kids didn't like the occasional spider web. So instead of taking the return loop, we pushed on north and took the Cressy Road exit. From there, we took the long way to the parking lot. If you intend to do the same, there is a cafe called Fox and Bird along Moncrieff Drive, in case you need some refreshments along the way.
Across the street is the Buffalo Creek Reserve. Had to give this a visit, as the kids spotted the shaded playground. Further beyond is a walking/bicycle track around a cricket oval. We almost missed it as we walked around the oval, but I knew what I was looking for.
On one side of the oval, you'll find access to The Great North Walk, which goes from Sydney to Newcastle. Of course, no 250-km. walk for us. We took the mangrove boardwalk loop and headed back to the oval.
