List of Bushwalks in Sydney Harbour National Park

Environment

This short walk follows a set of sandstone steps from the narrow streets of Vaucluse to the small, isolated Queens Beach on Sydney Harbour. The beach has great views across the top of Rose Bay to the city and Sydney Harbour Bridge. A great place to wet the toes and enjoy a peaceful lunch by the water. Although the walk is short, the only flat section is on the beach. Let us begin by acknowledging the Cadigal & Birrabirragal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Queens Beach

130 m return

5 min to 10 min

Environment

This is a short walk down to Castle Rock Beach, tucked into the rocky shores of Middle Harbour. The walk is mostly along boardwalk or footpath through rainforest vegetation. The foliage surrounding the track is topped by a closed canopy which provides shade, before opening out onto the sunny beach. Let us begin by acknowledging the Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Castle Rock Beach

165 m return

5 min to 10 min

Environment

Spend some time relaxing and exploring Camp Cove - the first landing place for Europeans in Australia. On this walk, you will head across the northern end of Camp Cove Beach, up some steps to follow an old sandstone cobbled road. This road leads to a great vantage point, with views over the Sydney Harbour to the city. This spot is also host to a large (disused) gun, that once defended these shores. Plenty of history and beauty. Let us begin by acknowledging the Cadigal & Birrabirragal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Camp Cove Cannon

400 m return

10 min to 15 min

Environment

Queens Beach to Hermit Point

Queens Beach to Hermit Point

580 m return

15 min to 20 min

This short walk explores a memorable section of the Hermitage Foreshore Walk. Starting from Queens Ave, this walk heads down the fairly steep stone steps and enjoys a short side trip to Queens Beach. From the beach, this walk heads back up the steps a short way, then follows the main walk around to Hermit Point. Hermit Point is a great place for a picnic and to enjoy the water views. There is access to the water, natural shade, and picnic tables. A short walk with great harbour views. Let us begin by acknowledging the Cadigal & Birrabirragal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

On this short walk, you will follow a series of footpaths to Shark Bay and head up some sandstone steps to the great views of Shakespheres Point. Since you are up on this headland, it is worth doing a loop around before heading back down to the main area of Nielsen Park. Make a day of it by staying for a swim and a bite to eat. Let us begin by acknowledging the Cadigal & Birrabirragal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Shakespheres Point Loop

650 m circuit

15 min to 30 min

Shakespheres Point Loop

Environment

This walk provides some of the best views in Sydney. This pleasant stroll and wheelchair-accessible walk starts from the car park at the end of the North Head Scenic Drive, and follows the asphalt footpath as it loops around the tip of North Head. Enjoy views of the entrance to Sydney Harbour, the coastal cliff line and a historic gun emplacement. The stunning lookouts provide great views all year round and a popular vantage point for whale watchers. The whales pass by twice annually, heading north in June and July, and again when they return to the Antarctic in August and October. Let us begin by acknowledging the Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Fairfax Walk

760 m circuit

20 min to 30 min

Environment

South Head Heritage Trail

South Head Heritage Trail

1.7 km circuit

40 min to 45 min

This walk explores the tip of Sydney Harbour's South Head. On this walk, you will visit several historic and scenic places, following a footpath most of the way. You will start at Camp Cove, the first landing place for Europeans in Australia, and also visit a number of gun emplacements, designed to protect the shores from the threat of invasion. Also enjoy the panoramic ocean and harbour views from the cliff line at Hornby Lighthouse. A wonderful walk for those wanting to explore wide open views and get a glimpse of history. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

The walk around Bradleys Head is packed with great views and cultural heritage. The views over Sydney Harbour can be enjoyed from many vantage points. There are a number of places of historic significance, including HMAS Sydney's Mast and Athol Hall. Athol Hall has a wonderful, grassed lawn with excellent views over the city, a great place for a coffee or picnic. Let us begin by acknowledging the Borogegal & Cammeraigal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Bradleys Head Walk

1.8 km circuit

40 min to 1 h

Environment

The Hermitage Foreshore Walk is a wonderful way to explore Sydney Harbour from the perspective of South Head. This walk starts from Nielsen Park and follows a well maintained track along the narrow strip of harbour-side bushland to Bayview Hill Rd. Along the way, you will visit some secluded beaches and visit the historic Strickland House. A great walk exploring the history and natural beauty while enjoying a new perspective of the city. Let us begin by acknowledging the Cadigal & Birrabirragal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Hermitage Foreshore Walk

2.2 km oneway

50 min to 1 h

Hermitage Foreshore Walk

Environment

The Gap Bluff and Green Point Circuit

The Gap Bluff and Green Point Circuit

2.3 km circuit

45 min to 1 h

This circuit walk explores the great sea cliffs of The Bluff on the ocean side of South Head, before heading to the scenic and historic Camp Cove and Green Point on Sydney Harbour. During this walk, you will visit several historic military defense systems for the harbour, as well as enjoying some of the natural beauty of the region. For much of the year, especially in spring, you will see some lovely coastal wildflowers as well. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Walking around Dobroyd Head is a fantastic experience. The heath vegetation high up on the walk provides many opportunities to view flowers and insects close up, whilst still enjoying plenty of views out to the sea. Reef Beach is a great place to stop for a snack or lunch and to get the feet wet before heading back to the road. Let us begin by acknowledging the Guringai people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Dobroyd Head Walk

2.5 km circuit

1 h to 2 h

Environment

Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk

Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk

3 km oneway

1 h 15 min to 1 h 30 min

3 km

Oneway

Walk

1 h 15 min to 1 h 30 min

This walk explores a great section of Sydney Harbour. Starting with some historic points at Bradleys Head, you can enjoy views of Sydney's Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The views will continue to delight as you explore bushland and the bays along the way. The pleasant walk ends at Clifton Gardens, where you will find a kiosk and equipment for the kids to play. Let us begin by acknowledging the Borogegal & Cammeraigal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

On this walk, you will explore historically significant and majestic sections on the tip of Sydney Harbour's South Head. Explore the confronting sea cliffs at The Gap, visit the first landing place for Europeans in Australia and climb through some of Sydney Harbour's military defense systems. You will also enjoy great views from Hornby Lighthouse and there are a few chances to grab a drink or a bight to eat along the way. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

South Head Tour

4 km circuit

1 h 30 min to 1 h 45 min

1 h 30 min to 1 h 45 min

Environment

Taronga Wharf to Chowder Bay

Taronga Wharf to Chowder Bay

4.4 km oneway

1 h 45 min to 2 h

Starting at Taronga Wharf, this walk passes many icons of Sydney, including Taronga Zoo, HMAS Sydney Mast, Chowder Bay. The walk also provides views across the water to the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Fort Denison and the city skyline. The walk has many brilliant vantage points over the harbour with some spots to stop for a coffee and lunch. A great walk to see Sydney Harbour from a different view. Let us begin by acknowledging the Borogegal & Cammeraigal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Cafe

Environment

Taronga Zoo & Clifton Gardens via Sirius Cove

Taronga Zoo & Clifton Gardens via Sirius Cove

6.8 km circuit

2 h 30 min to 3 h 30 min

6.8 km

Circuit

Walk

2 h 30 min to 3 h 30 min

This walk winds along the coast of Sydney Harbour with many beautiful views across to the city and of the bush surrounding the track. Bacino Bar at Clifton Gardens is worth a visit for a coffee before walking through the streets over to Sirius Cove. The walk passes Taronga Zoo, which could be added to your walk to make a great day out. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach

Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach

7 km oneway

2 h 45 min to 3 h

This walk explores a great section of Sydney Harbour. The walk starts at the Taronga Zoo ferry wharf with views of the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The spectacular views continue as you explore bushland and the bays along the way. The walk also explores a historic section of the harbour, including the fortifications at Bradley's Head and Chowder Bay. Some sections of this walk are closed at night. There are a few places to get food along the way, and many great places to eat your own packed lunch. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Starting from the southern tip of North Steyne Beach, this walk loops through North Head in Sydney Harbour NP before finishing at Manly Wharf. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

SHCW: North Head Loop

8.6 km oneway

2 h 30 min to 4 h

SHCW: North Head Loop

Environment

Spit Bridge to Manly (Manly Scenic Walkway)

Spit Bridge to Manly (Manly Scenic Walkway)

9.2 km oneway

3 h 15 min to 3 h 45 min

9.2 km

Oneway

Walk

3 h 15 min to 3 h 45 min

The Spit to Manly walk is a classic bushwalk on Sydney's Northern Beaches. The walk follows a well-maintained track and provides beautiful views over Middle Harbour. This walk is great for those looking for exercise or just a stroll along the shoreline of Sydney Harbour. If you have time, the sidetrips down to Grotto Point and up to Arabanoo Lookout are definitely worth the effort. There are also a few places to get a bite to eat along the way. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Taronga Zoo to Spit Bridge

Taronga Zoo to Spit Bridge

10.4 km oneway

3 h 45 min to 5 h

This is a scenic and culturally rich walk with views over Sydney Harbour and many interesting heritage buildings along the way. The start at the zoo allows for a possible visit. The walk then passes the Bacino Bar on the way through the military heritage buildings. This is an excellent walk to do on a hot summer's day, with access to beautiful beaches along the whole walk. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment