Hermitage Foreshore Track
Download & Print Map and Notes
1 Hr
2.2 km One way
123 m
Moderate track
(0km) Greycliffe Ave Car Park → Nielsen Park Cafe
200 m
3 mins
0m
-7m
Very easy
From the lower end of the car park on Greycliffe Ave, this walk heads around the gate and along the sealed path (driveway) towards the water, passing the ‘Sydney Harbour National Park’ sign[1]. After ≈50m, the path leads to a four-way intersection just past the garbage bins.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads towards the water following the wide path[2]. The path soon bends left (near the toilet block, on the right[3]) and heads behind the beach, past the large information sign[4]. Soon the path heads over the ‘Dressing Pavilion’ tunnel[5] and, ≈50m later, comes to the front of the Nielsen Park Cafe[6] with it’s great water views[7].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads towards the water following the wide path[2]. The path soon bends left (near the toilet block, on the right[3]) and heads behind the beach, past the large information sign[4]. Soon the path heads over the ‘Dressing Pavilion’ tunnel[5] and, ≈50m later, comes to the front of the Nielsen Park Cafe[6] with it’s great water views[7].
Shark Bay
Located at the northern end of Nielsen Park, this beach faces north across Sydney Harbour. The sandy beach offers a swimming net enclosure[8], public toilets[9][10] and change rooms[11], showers[12] and is a popular place for people to simply relax. The beach is a focal point of Nielsen Park and also boasts a cafe[13]. Protected by the harbour, there is no surf at this beach. The beach is not patrolled. This is a lovely spot, with natural shade not far from the beach.
Nielsen Park Cafe
Open 8-5 daily, this historic cafe offers inside seating and a range of meals, including breakfast, sandwiches and hot food. This is one of a number of buildings in Nielsen Park which are available for functions. For further enquiries, contact 9337 1574. More info.
(0.2km) Nielsen Park Cafe → Degaussing range
150 m
3 mins
12m
0m
Easy track
Continue straight: From Nielsen Park Cafe, this walk heads the short distance along the path in front of the cafe and behind the beach (keeping the water to your right)[14]. The path heads past the ‘William Albert Notting’[15] and ‘Niels R.W. Nielsen, MLA’[16] memorial[17] (on your left) to soon find a four-way intersection (at the base of some steps) at the eastern end of Shark Bay[18].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Hermitage Foreshore Walking Track’ sign[19] up the stairs. The path soon flattens out though the open grassy area, and heads up a few more steps to come to an intersection with a road (driveway) next to the fenced degaussing range (on your right)[20].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Hermitage Foreshore Walking Track’ sign[19] up the stairs. The path soon flattens out though the open grassy area, and heads up a few more steps to come to an intersection with a road (driveway) next to the fenced degaussing range (on your right)[20].
Degaussing range
This degaussing range, found at Steele Point, was constructed in 1960 and is still operated by the Royal Australian Navy today. Degaussing is the process of removing (or at least reducing) a magnetic field. This degaussing range services four areas in the harbour (about 500m from the building), where metal ships passing over will be automatically de-magnetised. Why? Mostly to prevent the triggering of seabed mines. More info.
(0.35km) Degaussing range → Steele Point Gun Emplacement
50 m
1 mins
0m
-7m
Easy track
Turn sharp right: From the intersection, this walk heads up the driveway, keeping the degaussing range fence just to your left[24]. At the end of the driveway, the walk heads across the grass[25] to find the Steele Point Gun Emplacement[26] just behind the degaussing range. Beware of the unfenced drop into the emplacement[27]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.
Steele Point Gun Emplacement
Construction of this initial emplacement took about three years and was completed in 1874. The sandstone pit once had a steel dome (to protect from shells) and was part of a series of gun emplacements protecting from the threat of invasion. Today, you will find a series of tall sandstone channels[29] and the circular pit where the main gun once stood[30]. A set of un-railed steps leads into the pit – please take care in the area, as the pit is not fenced.
(0.35km) Degaussing range → Steele Point int
30 m
1 mins
4m
0m
Very easy
Steele Point Cottage
Why not make a weekend of it? Built in 1880, this one-time gunners’ barracks has been restored as a one bedroom getaway. Managed by NPWS, you can hire this cottage (found on Steele Point) from $330 per night (two night min). Great for a romantic weekend away for two. More info.
(0.38km) Steele Point int → Steele Point Lookout
60 m
1 mins
1m
-4m
Easy track
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Hermitage Foreshore Walk’ sign[34] down the sandstone stairs (with handrail). At the bottom of the stairs, the track leads past a ‘Surviving in the city’ information sign[35] and â25m later, comes to an unnamed, fenced lookout with good water and city views[36].
(0.44km) Steele Point Lookout → Surviving in the City sign int
390 m
9 mins
21m
-28m
Moderate track
Turn left: From the lookout, this walk follows the NPWS arrow up the steps[39] (keeping the water to your right). The track leads past a couple of handrails and a sandstone overhang[40] and, at the bottom of some steps, comes to a minor intersection, marked with warning sign[41] (on your right). (This short side track leads to an unfenced view of the harbour[42] – heed the warning). The walk continues along the main track, past another handrail section with more views[43] and â90m later, the track heads down some steps to the foreshore with some interesting rock formations[44]. From here, the walk follows the handrail past the small inlet[45] and along the coastline. After a further â150m, the track comes to a faint intersection marked with another ‘Surviving in the City’ information sign[46].
(0.83km) Surviving in the City sign int → Milk Beach
250 m
6 mins
12m
-17m
Moderate track
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads down a few steps, keeping the water to your right. The track soon leads through a fairly weedy section[47], with great harbour views[48]. The track then leads up some steps over a rise, coming to a minor intersection near a gap in the black wire fence[49]. (The track to the left leads into the northern end of the Strickland House property). Here, the walk turns right and heads down the hill[50], where the track then tends left and down some steps[51] onto the northern end of Milk Beach[52].
Milk Beach
Milk Beach is a small, secluded, sandy beach in Sydney Harbour National Park, on the inside of South Head. In the ‘back yard’ of Strickland House[53], this beach is a memorable spot along the Hermitage Foreshore Walk[54]. The beach is about 50m wide and faces south-east. The views across the water to the city and to Shark Island are great[55]. A seat on the grassy clearing behind the beach makes a very inviting offer to sit[56] and enjoy for a while. This is also a great place to get the toes wet.
(1.08km) Milk Beach → Strickland House picnic area
100 m
2 mins
9m
-2m
Easy track
Veer left: From Milk Beach, this walk heads to the south-eastern end of the beach[57] (the far end, with the water on your right), and heads up the steps to the bench seat[58] and a large ‘Hermitage Foreshore Walk’ sign[59] behind the beach. Here, the walk turns right and heads up the stone stairs[60] and past a NPWS arrow marker [61] to find a large grassy clearing[62] and some picnic tables[63] at the back of Strickland House[64].
Strickland House
First established in 1913 and named after Sir Gerald Strickland (Governor of NSW 1913-1917), Strickland House was a women’s convalescent home until 1989. Today, the house and gardens are hired out for private functions, however, if just walking through, this is a great spot to take a break, enjoy the views and rest from the walk. For more information, phone Strickland House on (02) 9337 5999.
(1.17km) Strickland House picnic area → Top of Tingara Beach track
100 m
2 mins
3m
-5m
Easy track
Continue straight: From the Strickland House picnic area, this walk heads along the open grassy area, keeping the water to your right[67]. The walk heads past a ‘Hermitage Foreshore Walk – Tingara Beach’ sign[68] ≈35m before coming to the end of the lawn and a gap in the fence.[69] The walk heads through the gap in the fence and, ≈20m later, comes to an intersection at the top of Tingara Beach track (on your right)[70].
(1.27km) Top of Tingara Beach track → Tingara Beach
30 m
1 mins
0m
-5m
Hard track
(1.27km) Top of Tingara Beach track → Ralph Newboult Lookout
120 m
3 mins
6m
-12m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads along the path, keeping the house up to your left. After ≈25m, the track comes to a minor intersection (with steps on the right[73] that lead down to a small beach[74] with good harbour views[75]). From here, the walk continues along the main track for another ≈20m to a three-way intersection (with sandstone steps on the left[76] that lead up to Tingara Ave).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down the few sandstone steps[77] (keeping the water to your right) and then heads through a grassy section behind the houses[78]. The track soon heads down some steps (with a handrail) then mostly up the next set of stairs to turn right onto a large rock with a handrail[79]. Soon, the walk heads past a sandstone wall and down the brick then sandstone steps[80], to find a bench seat[81] and fenced Ralph Newboult Lookout[82].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down the few sandstone steps[77] (keeping the water to your right) and then heads through a grassy section behind the houses[78]. The track soon heads down some steps (with a handrail) then mostly up the next set of stairs to turn right onto a large rock with a handrail[79]. Soon, the walk heads past a sandstone wall and down the brick then sandstone steps[80], to find a bench seat[81] and fenced Ralph Newboult Lookout[82].
Ralph Newboult Lookout
This lookout boasts great views as well as being home to a bench seat and memorial to Ralph Newboult[83]. The lookout is a shaded spot with great views across the harbour to the city. Ralph was a keen bushwalker who lead walks most Wednesdays for the National Parks Association of NSW. His sudden death whilst walking on 8 November 2000 was a great shock to the many who walked with him and especially to his family. More info.
(1.4km) Ralph Newboult Lookout → Hermit Bay beach
80 m
3 mins
12m
-6m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From Ralph Newboult Lookout (keeping the water on your right), this walk follows the railing around to the left and heads up the steps[86]. The track leads directly behind the houses[87] then down the brick steps[88] to follow the track behind Hermit Bay beach to a shady spot just before the small bridge[89], near some interesting rock formations[90].
Hermit Bay beach
This secluded beach in Hermit Bay (just north of Hermit Point) is home to a 40m-wide, east facing sandy beach. Behind the beach is the Hermitage Foreshore walk track[91] and a few houses through the trees. The beach is lined with some natural sandstone sculptures of interesting form[92] and is a quiet place to enjoy the wide harbour views[93].
(1.48km) Hermit Bay Beach → Hermit Point
110 m
2 mins
2m
-9m
Easy track
Hermit Point
Hermit Point hosts a grassy open area and is surrounded by a sandstone sea wall[98]. The sea wall has been shaped to host some boat pens[99], a launch[100] and a timber wharf[101]. The area is now protected as part of the Sydney Harbour National Park. Here, you will find a number of picnic tables[102], a small sandstone cave[103], natural shade and some great water views[104]. The headland, bay and ultimately the Hermitage Foreshore Walk, derive their names from the large home behind this point. The Hermitage was originally built in 1840 by Alexander Dick, then in the 1870’s, Edward Mason Hunt undertook some significant renovations, turning it into a Victorian Rustic Gothic house.
(1.59km) Hermit Point → Queens Beach
250 m
5 mins
16m
-9m
Moderate track
Veer left: From Hermit Point, this walk follows the concrete path up the hill[106] (keeping the water to your right). Soon, the walk turns left and heads up the steps [107]. The track then leads behind some houses[108], over a small creek[109] and down some steps to a three-way intersection (above Queens Beach).
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the steps towards the beach. The track then comes to a boardwalk[110], a ‘Hermitage Foreshore Walk – Queens Beach’ sign[111] and a short set of steps leading down to the beach[112].
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the steps towards the beach. The track then comes to a boardwalk[110], a ‘Hermitage Foreshore Walk – Queens Beach’ sign[111] and a short set of steps leading down to the beach[112].
Queens Beach
Queens Beach is a small, 50m wide sandy beach that faces west, near Queens Ave Vaucluse. The beach has the Hermitage Foreshore walk[113] running behind it. The beach is protected from the ocean surf and is not patrolled. There are great views across the harbour to the city and Harbour Bridge[114]. A quiet spot, providing an excuse to enjoy the view and splash the feet.
(1.84km) Queens Beach → End of Bayview Hill Rd
330 m
8 mins
25m
-18m
Easy track
Continue straight: From behind Queens Beach, this walk follows the timber boardwalk[115], keeping the water and beach to your right. The walk then follows the handrail[116] past some more harbour views[117] then up a series of sandstone steps[118]. About 40m from the top of the steps, the track passes behind the fenced Convent of the Sacred Heart Cemetery[119]. A further ≈35m beyond the cemetery, the walk passes a minor intersection (the steps on the right lead down to some old sandstone foundation at the water’s edge[120] with good views). The walk continues along the main track and after ≈90m, follows the concrete path[121] which soon bends left and leads to the end of Bayview Hill Road[122].
Maps for the Hermitage Foreshore Track walk
You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.
| Sydney Heads | 1:25 000 Map Series | 91302N SYDNEY HEADS | NSW-91302N |
| Sydney | 1:100 000 Map Series | 9130 SYDNEY | 9130 |
Cross sectional view of the Hermitage Foreshore Track bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Hermitage Foreshore Track
Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001
Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.
| Length | 2.2 km | ||
| Time | 1 Hr | ||
| . | |||
| Grade 3/6 Moderate track |
AS 2156.1 | Gradient | Short steep hills (3/6) |
| Quality of track | Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6) | ||
| Signs | Clearly signposted (1/6) | ||
| Experience Required | No experience required (1/6) | ||
| Weather | Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6) | ||
| Infrastructure | Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6) |
Some more details of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk
Gradient
1km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 570m is flat with no steps. The remaining (570m) has short steep hills.
Quality of track
990m of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 800m follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (380m) follows a smooth and hardened path.
Signs
This whole walk, 2.2km is clearly signposted.
Experience Required
This whole walk, 2.2km requires no previous bushwalking experience.
weather
Around 2.1km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 80m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.
Infrastructure
This whole walk, 2.2km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).
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Plan your trip to and from the walk here
The Hermitage Foreshore Track walk starts at the Greycliffe Ave Car Park (gps: -33.850846, 151.26857)Your transport options to Greycliffe Ave Car Park are by;
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.(get details)
The Hermitage Foreshore Track ends at the End of Bayview Hill Rd (gps: -33.863479, 151.26964)
Your transport options to End of Bayview Hill Rd are by;
Bus. (get details) Car. There is free parking available.(get details)
Short URL = http://wild.tl/hfw
Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)
Special Maps/ brochures
* A3 topo maps
* PDF with Lands Topo map base
* PDF with arial image (and map overlay)
I wanted to get the main site live first, this extra stuff will come in time.
Happy walking
Matt 🙂
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