Sydney Beaches Archives - LIFE OUT & ABOUT

Lawry Plunkett Reserve

Balmoral History

The Lawry Plunkett Reserve adjacent to the southern end of Balmoral Beach has a shady walking track through natural bushland and an impressive rock cutting, a remnant of the Balmoral tramway system which operated from 1922 to 1958. Until the 1950s, trams rattled down this cutting to Balmoral Beach! Once overgrown and inaccessible, the cutting now forms part of this beautifully developed walking track connecting The Esplanade at Balmoral Beach with Mulbring St.

I usually do a 30-40 minute loop walking down Mulbring St and then follow the bush track through the reserve to Balmoral Beach. For an extra workout, I take the stairs at the end of Botanic Rd back to Mulbring St (the stairs are well hidden). The surrounding streets with their lush gardens and stylish homes make this a real tropical paradise!

Church Point Pittwater Walk

Idyllic Water Views

The weather was perfect when my friend and I did the Church Point Pittwater walk. We started at the Bayview Reserve for the easy 30 minute stroll along Pittwater to the Waterfront Café at Church Point. The café is a must if you’re in the area but check their offerings during COVID-19 restrictions. The track follows the water’s edge, affording fabulous views over Pittwater on one side and architect designed homes, palms and lush vegetation on the other. We enjoyed the waterside sculptures along the way… a very inspiring walk!

South Mosman to Sirius Cove

Idyllic Urban Walk

This walk offers some of the most spectacular harbour views in Mosman. The route takes you along leafy streets past grand homes with well cared for gardens and down hidden pathways to charming bays. While the bush tracks along the harbour are well known and frequented by many, the street walks around Mosman offer a quieter perspective of this special suburb.

The Knoll of Northbridge

Out of Sight

Somewhat hidden at the north eastern end of the Northbridge Peninsula is Broomham Park, popularly known as The Knoll. This small park is located atop an impressive rocky outcrop of large lichen covered boulders surrounded by native bushland. It is a peaceful park and a destination in itself, having extensive views, attractive bush and only the sounds of the birds. Down the hill is the lovely shady Clive Park with picnic tables and BBQ facilities, as well as a secluded beach with overhanging trees.

Mosman’s Elegant Lighthouse

Since 1911

Hidden in the bush on Parriwi Road Mosman and overlooking Middle Harbour is the delightful Parriwi Head Lighthouse (aka Rosherville Lighthouse). The lighthouse was constructed in 1911 and is still active. It is said to be designed by Maurice Festu in a style referred to as “Disney Castle”, a perfect way to describe it!

This walk incorporates the lighthouse and the foreshore below, as well as Rosherville Reserve and some of the surrounding streets. If you have the energy for more walking, Parriwi Park above Parriwi Rd has expansive views over The Spit Bridge area.

West Head to Resolute Beach

Surrounded by Water & Views

Not only is the West Head Lookout in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park an ideal place to experience magnificent water views, but it is also the start of a beautiful walk to the secluded Resolute beach. The bush track descends from the lookout to the beach, winding its way through tall gums, ferns and striking grass trees, past moss and lichen covered boulders and down stairs that have been carved into the natural rocks.

If you have time, the Waterfront Café at Church Point ferry wharf is an idyllic location for brunch or lunch… just 30 minutes drive away.

Mosman Short Walks

Garden Suburb Hidden Paths

Mosman is considered by many to be one of Australia’s premier suburbs, surrounded by water on three sides and dotted with stunning bays, beaches and parklands. Not only is Mosman a natural beauty, but it is also home to some superb harbourside restaurants and cafes, boutique shops and impressive heritage sites. Many of the leafy streets showcase contemporary and heritage architecture set within well loved and cared for gardens. A number of streets also reveal hidden pathways that lead to new discoveries… and some with very spectacular views!

Georges Heights Lookout to Clifton Gardens

On High

One of the most spectacular Sydney Harbour views can be experienced at the Georges Heights Lookout in Headlands Park Mosman. Perched high above the harbour the lookout offers unparalleled views to Manly, Vaucluse and the Sydney CBD.

Crater Cove Huts & Walk to Manly

The Hidden Path

Clinging precariously to the rock ledges of Crater Cove lies a small scattering of historic fisherman’s huts which have been constructed from locally found materials such as beach rocks, driftwood, old timber, corrugated iron and vintage bottles. Their rustic appeal attracts a few adventurous hikers, like those who persist in finding the hidden path! This outing includes the historic huts at Crater Cove, as well as a section of the much loved Spit Bridge to Manly walk.