Bushwalks 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!

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.

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!

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.

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”

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”