This short walk follows a set of sandstone steps from the narrow streets of Vaucluse to the small, isolated Queens Beach on Sydney Harbour. The beach has great views across the top of Rose Bay to the city and Sydney Harbour Bridge. A great place to wet the toes and enjoy a peaceful lunch by the water. Although the walk is short, the only flat section is on the beach.

Total climbing: 18m

The Hermitage Foreshore Walk is a wonderful way to explore Sydney Harbour from the perspective of South Head. This walk starts from Nielsen Park and follows a well maintained track along the narrow strip of harbour-side bushland to Bayview Hill Rd. Along the way, you will visit some secluded beaches and visit the historic Strickland House. A great walk exploring the history and natural beauty while enjoying a new perspective of the city.

Total climbing: 123m

Starting from Vaucluse Rd, you will head down past the stately Strickland House to the small but lovely Milk Beach on Sydney Harbour. There are several interesting buildings in the Strickland House complex as well as some interesting open exotic gardens to explore. From behind Strickland House, you will then turn right and head along a short section of the Hermitage Foreshore Walk down to Milk Beach, where you will find more great harbour and city views.

Total climbing: 31m

On this short walk, you will follow the footpaths through Nielsen Park, visiting some of the historic buildings. Walking past the beautiful Shark Bay, you may be temped to take a dip or at least stop and enjoy the blue water and sandstone boulders. Climbing up the stairs, you will then be able to explore the historic Steele Point Gun Emplacement and Greycliffe House before wandering back down to Shark Bay where you can grab a drink from the kiosk.

Total climbing: 25m

This walk explores the bushy interior section of Nielsen Park. On this walk, you will visit historic Greycliffe House and the Steele Point Gun Emplacement. The walk climbs over the Mount Trefle summit. At just over 40m above sea level, I suspect most walkers will not consider it much of a mountain, but an enjoyable walk all the same. Most of this walk follows concrete and sealed paths, and there are some great harbour views on the second half of this walk.

Total climbing: 58m

On this walk, you will stroll along the shore of Sydney Harbour, discovering many great views and the secluded Milk Beach before visiting the grand Strickland and Greycliffe Houses. This is a great way to explore the natural beauty, as well as some stately gardens, at the northern end of the Hermitage Foreshore Walk. Allow extra time to simply roam around the yards and enjoy the views from the many vantage points along the way.

Total climbing: 104m

With much to offer, this walk is a great way to explore the history, water, views and bushland of Nielsen Park. This walk first leads past Shark Bay – a great place for a swim – with the chance to enjoy the views and grab a bite to eat from the cafe. Then, it’s up some steps to visit the historic gun emplacement and onto Greycliffe House. Then you head up through the bush over ‘Mt Trefle’ and take a short walk along Vaucluse Rd, bringing you back into Nielsen Park.

Total climbing: 54m

On this short walk, you will follow a series of footpaths to Shark Bay and head up some sandstone steps to the great views of Shakespheres Point. Since you are up on this headland, it is worth doing a loop around before heading back down to the main area of Nielsen Park. Make a day of it by staying for a swim and a bite to eat.

Total climbing: 24m

The walk around Bradleys Head is packed with great views and cultural heritage. The views over Sydney Harbour can be enjoyed from many vantage points. There are a number of places of historic significance, including HMAS Sydney’s Mast and Athol Hall. Athol Hall has a wonderful, grassed lawn with excellent views over the city, a great place for a coffee or picnic.

Total climbing: 83m

This walk explores a great section of Sydney Harbour. Starting with some historic points at Bradleys Head, you can enjoy views of Sydney’s Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The views will continue to delight as you explore bushland and the bays along the way. The pleasant walk ends at Clifton Gardens, where you will find a kiosk and equipment for the kids to play.

Total climbing: 161m

Start with a ferry ride, enjoy some great food, incredible views and visit some very significant historic sights. Starting at Watsons Bay, you will stroll along a few narrow roads before visiting the historic Camp Cove and its gorgeous beach. From here, walk up the old cobblestone road past more great views, then follow a clear path to the tip of Sydney Harbour’s South Head and Hornby Lighthouse.

Total climbing: 93m

This walk explores the coastal cliffs near The Gap on Sydney’s South Head. The main focal point for this walk is the view from the rocky bluff. The cliff makes for very spectacular scenery and the views extend from North Head along the coast, and even peer across the harbour to the city. This walk starts from Watsons Bay and follows a well used footpath all the way. There is much history in the area and the couple of side trips described in this walk open up some more places to explore.

Total climbing: 43m

On this walk, you will explore historically significant and majestic sections on the tip of Sydney Harbour’s South Head. Explore the confronting sea cliffs at The Gap, visit the first landing place for Europeans in Australia and climb through some of Sydney Harbour’s military defense systems. You will also enjoy great views from Hornby Lighthouse and there are a few chances to grab a drink or a bight to eat along the way.

Total climbing: 144m

This circuit walk explores the great sea cliffs of The Bluff on the ocean side of South Head, before heading to the scenic and historic Camp Cove and Green Point on Sydney Harbour. During this walk, you will visit several historic military defense systems for the harbour, as well as enjoying some of the natural beauty of the region. For much of the year, especially in spring, you will see some lovely coastal wildflowers as well.

Total climbing: 84m