Things to do Lower North Shore Archives

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!

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.

Kirribilli Urban Walk

Iconic Harbourside Stroll

There is so much to enjoy on this walk around Kirribilli, from leafy streets and historic homes to superb harbour views. While I’m always impressed with the harbour and city views, it is the charming streetscapes that really capture my attention. In particular, I adore the grand mansions and stylish terrace homes, many with fine Victorian lacework balconies. My favourite street would have to be Fitzroy street, especially in the Autumn…. although Summer and Spring are very special too!

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!

Historic Gladesville Hospital

Grand Structures & Hidden Ruins

An afternoon’s exploration of the historic Gladesville Hospital complex was filled with many surprises! Not only did we discover beautifully maintained buildings, but also a large forgotten structure… an ornate ruin consumed by nature, tangled in a mass of vines and covered in moss and lichen. Gladesville Hospital is certainly a memorable destination, a place with an interesting history, character buildings and peaceful surrounds with water views.

Beauty Point Foreshore Walk

The Beauty Point Foreshore walk in Mosman follows the Middle Harbour foreshore between Quakers Hat and Pearl Bay/The Spit. Much of the track is just metres from the water’s edge as it winds its way through tall gums, ferns, palms and striking grass trees.

Flat Rock Gully Walks

Tranquility & History

Flat Rock Gully in Willoughby is home to a network of cool tranquil bush walks, some with clear views to the impressive Long Gully Bridge, high overhead with historic stone towers. The walk described below explores the ‘Wilksch Walk’, as it winds its way from the top of the gully to Flat Rock Creek and the harbour.

Lindfield Rocks & Trails

Hidden Lindfield Revealed

The Lindfield Rocks area with its multi-coloured wall of rocks topped with large gum trees make this an inspiring bush setting. Below the rocks is the well-known Two Creeks Track that follows Gordon Creek, a creek of mossy boulders and rock platforms… and a few surprises too!

Harold Reid Reserve

Stunning Views High & Low

Harold Reid Reserve in Middle Cove is a particularly beautiful reserve with a fabulous foreshore walk through gums, ferns and grass trees… and a lookout with spectacular views up Middle Harbour!

The Gore Cove Track & Berry Island

Rain Forest & Moss

The Gore Cove Track in Wollstonecraft winds its way through a hidden oasis, a rain forest valley of palms, ferns, tall gums, wattle and mangroves. At the base of the valley is Berry Creek with large moss and lichen covered boulders, little pools and miniature waterfalls.

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.

The Incinerator – Willoughby

Ashes to Art

The iconic Incinerator building in Willoughby Centennial Parklands was designed in the 1930s by the famous architects Walter Burley Griffin and Eric Nicholls. It functioned as an incinerator until 1967 and then lay dormant until the 1980s, after which time it was converted into a restaurant and office space. Today it houses a fabulous cafe with outdoor eating areas and the Willoughby City Council’s contemporary art gallery, the ‘Incinerator Art Space’.

Secret Garden Lavender Bay

Enchanted

The Wendy Whiteley Secret Garden is one of the many attractions at Lavender Bay. By the waters edge lies this hidden sanctuary. What was once a neglected and overgrown bushy wasteland has been transformed into an enchanting garden of winding paths, lush foliage and intimate picnic nooks.

Sirius Cove to Taronga Zoo

Mosman Hideaway

Sirius Cove is a quiet hideaway in Mosman, surrounded by lush coastal vegetation, a small well protected beach and a number of quaint boatsheds. Adjacent to the Sirius Cove beach is a park area that attracts plenty of locals… and their dogs too! It’s one of those parks where dogs can roam free, and they do. Continue reading “Sirius Cove to Taronga Zoo”

Cremorne Point Hidden Oasis

Harbourside Gardens & Pool

Cremorne Point is well known for its superb harbourside walk and city vistas, yet many locals are totally unaware of the beauty that lays just below the main paths. On the eastern side of Cremorne Point is the Lex and Ruby Graham Garden, a hidden oasis of exotic plants and flowers, miniature trails and stone cut stairs. Then off the western path, concealed by overhanging trees is one of the best view swimming pools in Sydney, the Maccallum Seawater Pool.

Harbourside Eateries

Be Inspired

One of life’s most enjoyable experiences is sharing delicious food in beautiful surrounds. Sydney’s Lower North Shore with it’s leafy harbourside suburbs offers an abundance of inspiring places to eat and drink… below are some of our favourites!

Continue reading “Harbourside Eateries”

Waverton Harbourside Transformed

Creative Redevelopment

Nestled between the harbourside suburbs of McMahons Pt and Wollstonecraft sits the beautifully transformed Waverton Peninsula. What was once an ugly industrial area has been redeveloped into a large parkland of walking tracks and lookouts. To add to the character, some of the industrial remnants have been left in tact, such as the old Coal Loader tunnels and crumbling wharves. While the bushwalks and harbour views are reason enough to visit the area, the quarterly Artisan Market at the Coal Loader provides an additional incentive! Continue reading “Waverton Harbourside Transformed”

Castlecrag’s Hidden Paths

Designer Homes & Secret Paths

Castlecrag’s architect designed homes sit perfectly in their natural bush settings, surrounded by old stone walls, gum trees and lush foliage, while bushy cul-de-sacs hide the access to a maze of meandering pathways.

The suburb was originally planned by husband and wife team Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin. Their vision was to prevent unsympathetic development in the area, as well as protect the native flora and fauna.

McMahons Pt Village Café Life

Village Vibe

McMahons Pt village has much to offer with it’s lively café scene, harbour views and leafy suburb walks. While it has a great selection of cafés, restaurants and bars, it is also a beautiful place to explore on foot. In addition, the charming Wendy Whiteley Secret Garden at Lavender Bay is only minutes away. Wherever you wander in this area you will be delighted, it is truly one of Sydney’s hidden gems!