Try these five iconic summer walks on the North Shore
Luna Park foreshore walk
This beautiful harbourside walk from Milsons Point to Lavender Bay offers sites of historical interest as well as perfect views of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks. The route forms part of North Sydney Council’s Milsons Point History Walk.
Starting at Milsons Point train station, walk down Alfred Street parallel to the iconic Harbour Bridge, around and past Luna Park’s iconic gate and along Art Barton Park. Continue walking to reach the beautiful and historic old Lavender Bay Baths and ferry wharf sites.
From there, you can take a quick wander up to Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden, one of social media’s favourite hidden gems.
Sirius Cove to Athol Bay
This walk starts at the beautiful but secluded Athol Bay, which offers views of the city, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the city skyline. You can access it from Bradleys Head Walking Trail or from the restored Athol Hall in the Sydney Harbour National Park.
You then skirt below the iconic Taronga Zoo site, passing the route taken by the Curlew Artists’ Camp established by Arthur Streeton. Following the bush track leads you to Sirius Cove Reserve, a dog friendly beach with off-leash access all day on weekdays and select hours on holidays and weekends.
You can find a map outlining the route on the MyMosman app, under the ‘Cultural Walk’ section.
North Arm walking track
The North Arm walking track joins HC Press Park, Castle Cove with Harold Reid Reserve, Middle Cove, passing through some of Sydney’s most beautiful harbourside bushland.
The start of the North Arm walking track leads off the end of Cammaray Road down a steep sealed track. The track is then divided into different sections – Leucopogon, She-Oak, Flannel Flower, Mangrove and Kookaburra – as well as being marked by posts.
It’s important to note that due to much of the walk running by the water, parts of the track may be inaccessible depending on tides and other weather conditions. As a Level 2 Wildlife Protection Area, leashed dogs are allowed to join you on your walk, but it might be a bit challenging for younger children to complete.
Balls Head Reserve
Recently added to the Harbour’s ‘green necklace,’ Balls Head Reserve offers a moderate walk of about thirty minutes around the headland, where visitors can see many historic locales alongside the natural beauty. Aboriginal sites, dedication plaques,
foreshore caves and a historic flagpole marking the highest point west of the Harbour Bridge, are among some of the highlights.
The walk links to the Coal Loader parklands and Centre for Sustainability, which contain a bushfood garden, Aboriginal engravings and many other points of interest. Carradah Park also sits on the east side of the Waverton Peninsula, the park having been reinterpreted as a public parkland without forgetting its heritage as an industrial site.
Flat Rock Gully walking track
Covering approximately 10 hectares, Flat Rock Gully is rich in both natural and cultural heritage. The name originates from the large flat rock where the creek was crossed – this is now hidden under the Flat Rock Bridge.
Boasting beautiful views, incredible natural beauty and taking in both Flat Rock and Cammeray bridges, the track fully encapsulates the key elements that make up the Northbridge area.
Two main bush walking tracks traverse the gully. Wilksch Walk travels along the northern face, while the Dawson Street track passes along the southern side. The two tracks meet near the old sandstone retaining walls along Flat Rock Creek.
See the Willoughby Council website for more information.
