Sydney Strolls

During our time in Sydney, we have greatly benefited from a book lent to us by an Australian friend called “Sydney’s Best Harbour and Coastal Walks”, which features 36 walks in and around the Sydney area.  They take you to places not usually frequented by the casual tourist, and provide a glimpse into what it’s like to actually live in Sydney. These photos help to memorialize some of the highlights of these walks, most of which begin with a ferry ride out of Circular Quay. 

The ferries must often make their way past large and imposing cruise ships.

The walk from Cremorne Point to popular Taronga Zoo takes you past idyllic Shell Cove.  Hard to believe the area was known for scandalous masked balls in gardens that had to be shut down in the early 1890’s. 


It meanders past various examples of Federation Arts and Crafts houses, including The Laurel (1907).

Continuing through Little Sirius Cove leads to the ferry wharf at the zoo, where the animals (particularly those with long necks) have a great city view as well.

In the other direction from the zoo, you pass through Chowder Bay and the former Army Maritime School to reach Balmoral, which has a lovely old-fashioned pavilion and beach.

It’s also possible to reach the north Sydney by walking over the Sydney Harbour Bridge (about 1.5 km) to reach Kirribilli on the and swing around through the Luna Park amusement park to arrive at chic Lavender Bay. 

Further on, a stop at McMahons Point provides a great view back to the city.

Back over to Circular Quay, one can explore the Rocks, an older area of city that is now buzzing with tourists.

It’s apparently a destination for newlyweds, like these who discovered an alternative to the traditional sharing of wedding cake.

Across the head to Watson’s Bay, going south takes you to Vaucluse, a very elegant area with great views back to the city from hidden coves.

The walk round Hen & Chicken Bay is described as “a pleasant and peaceful suburban stroll . . . with plenty of locals out jogging, walking the dog, or watching children at the playground.”  This walk starts in Abbottsford, goes past a former quarantine reserve for animals, and continues through residential areas and parks skirting the water’s edge.

Very attractive modern housing along the way in Cabarita has been located on former industrial sites, some of which remain as a reminder of the past.

The walk gives a good idea of how easy it is to live near the water in Sydney and take advantage of the views and ambiance it affords.

Also to the west of the city is Balmain, which (according to the book) was “once a working class suburb that was home to dockworkers, stevedores, and marine engineers.  Their 19^th century cottages are now worth a fortune to those who love Balmain’s proximity to the city.” 

A site that was formerly a Caltex fuel depot has now been redeveloped into a harborside park by the Sydney Foreshore Authority, and has an unusual display of personalized engraved locks on chains around the sandstone walls.

A walk down Louisa Road takes us past lovely older as well as new houses, a bit reminiscent of Georgetown in Washington.

The Olympic swimming champion Dawn Fraser lends her name to a pool in the neighborhood.

The route also passes a former Colgate Palmolive building, an industrial building successfully converted into desirable apartments.

The ferry wharf at Birchgrove also offers great city views.

A short ride from Balmain across the harbor takes you to Greenwich, where a walk to Manns Point provides yet another fantastic viewpoint back to the city skyline.

But there’s no place like home, even a temporary one.  For us, that means savoring the quirky charm of Potts Point. 










Which means ascending all 112 of the McElhone steps to get there…