Hermitage Foreshore Track

Download & Print Map and Notes

1 Hr

2.2 km One way

123 m

Moderate track

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.

Path leading through Nielsen Park towards Shark Bay

Interesting rock formation at the western end of Shark Bay

New steps at the northern end of Hermitage Foreshore Walk

Information sign on the Hermitage Foreshore Walk

Hermitage Foreshore Walk near the waters edge

Interesting rock formation beside the Hermitage Foreshore Walk

City view beside the Hermitage Foreshore Walk

Hermitage Foreshore Walk beside the water

Weedy section of the Hermitage Foreshore Walk

Steps between Milk Beach and Strickland House

Hermitage Foreshore walk leading close to some houses

Hermitage Foreshore walk south of Hermit Point

Hermitage Foreshore Walk near Bayview Hill Rd

(0km) Greycliffe Ave Car Park → Nielsen Park Cafe

200 m

3 mins

-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].

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.

(0km) 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].

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.

(0km) Degaussing range → Steele Point Gun Emplacement

50 m

1 mins

-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.

(0km) Degaussing range → Steele Point int

30 m

1 mins

0m Very easy

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads along the road, keeping the degaussing range[31] to your right. Just after the 'Steele Point Cottage' sign[32], the road comes to an intersection marked with a large 'Hermitage Foreshore Walk' sign[33], in the grassy clearing on your right.

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.

(0km) Steele Point int → Steele Point Lookout

60 m

1 mins

-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].

Steele Point Lookout

Informally named, this fenced[37] lookout is the most northern lookout on the Hermitage Foreshore Walk. There are great harbour views to the city[38] in this well-shaded spot.

(0km) 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].

(1km) 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.

(1km) Milk Beach → Strickland House picnic area

100 m

2 mins

-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.

(1km) Strickland House picnic area → Top of Tingara Beach track

100 m

2 mins

-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].

(1km) Top of Tingara Beach track → Tingara Beach

30 m

1 mins

-5m Hard track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads downhill along the rocky steps, directly away from the house[71]. The track soon leads to Tingara Beach[72]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

(1km) Top of Tingara Beach track → Ralph Newboult Lookout

120 m

3 mins

-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].

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.

(1km) 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].

(1km) Hermit Bay Beach → Hermit Point

110 m

2 mins

-9m Easy track

Veer right: From Hermit Bay Beach, this walk crosses the small bridge[94] and follows the foreshore, keeping the water to your right[95]. The walk heads through the grassy clearing with a few picnic tables[96] and sandstone boat pens to come to the signposted 'Hermit Point'[97].

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.

(2km) 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].

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.

(2km) 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

Altitude analysis for 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).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Hermitage Foreshore Track walk.

Queens Beach

108 m Return, 10 mins

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 wate

Total climbing: 18m

Moderate track

Queens Beach to Hermit Point

552 m Return, 20 mins

This short walk explores a memorable section of the Hermitage Foreshore Walk. Starting from Queens Ave, this walk heads down the fairly steep stone steps and enjoys a short side trip to Queens Beach. From the beach, this walk heads back up the steps a short way, then follows the main walk around to

Total climbing: 39m

Moderate track

Shakespheres Point loop

661 m Circuit, 15 mins

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

Total climbing: 24m

Easy track

Strickland House and Milk Beach

706 m Return, 25 mins

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

Total climbing: 31m

Easy track

History of Nielsen Park

896 m Return, 20 mins

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 e

Total climbing: 25m

Easy track

Mt Trefle

1.7 km Circuit, 40 mins

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,

Total climbing: 58m

Easy track

Nielsen Park Circuit

1.8 km Circuit, 40 mins

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 gu

Total climbing: 54m

Easy track

Nielsen Park and Strickland House loop

2.5 km Circuit, 1 Hr

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 Hermita

Total climbing: 104m

Moderate track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Hermitage Foreshore Track walk.

Bradleys Head Walk

1.7 km Circuit, 1 Hr

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 exc

Total climbing: 83m

Moderate track

Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk

2.8 km One way, 1 hr 30 mins

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,

Total climbing: 161m

Moderate track

Watsons Bay to Hornby Lighthouse

2.8 km Return, 1 hr 15 mins

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 gr

Total climbing: 93m

Easy track

Gap Bluff Lookout

886 m Return, 30 mins

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 s

Total climbing: 43m

Hard track

South Head Tour

4.1 km Circuit, 1 hr 45 mins

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 wi

Total climbing: 144m

Hard track

The Gap Bluff and Green Point loop

2.5 km Circuit, 1 Hr

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

Total climbing: 84m

Hard track

Green (Laings) Point Loop

243 m Circuit, 15 mins

On this walk, you will circumnavigate Green Point (also known as Laings Point), on Sydney Harbour's South Head. The point is surrounded in history and great harbour views. Starting from the end of Pacific St, you will head through some open parkland and a short side trip leads to Camp Cove, the fir

Total climbing: 10m

Easy track

Chowder Head

548 m Circuit, 20 mins

This loop walk is the shortest way to access the views from Chowder Head. The optional side trip leads to an informal lookout on an unfenced rock platform. A great spot to enjoy the sailing boats on Sydney Harbour. In spring, this walk is particularly spectacular with a wide range of wildflowers on

Total climbing: 36m

Moderate track

Camp Cove Cannon

358 m Return, 15 mins

Spend some time relaxing and exploring Camp Cove - the first landing place for Europeans in Australia. On this walk, you will head across the northern end of Camp Cove Beach, up some steps to follow an old sandstone cobbled road. This road leads to a great vantage point, with views over the Sydney H

Total climbing: 14m

Easy track

Lady Bay Beach

992 m Return, 30 mins

This walk leads to a popular nudist (clothing optional) beach on Sydney Harbour's South Head. The walk follows the clear footpath / old roads past several significant historic and beautiful sites before climbing down a set of steps to find the beach. The beach is protected from the main surf on the

Total climbing: 38m

Moderate track

South Head Heritage Trail

1.7 km Circuit, 45 mins

This walk explores the tip of Sydney Harbour's South Head. On this walk, you will visit several historic and scenic places, following a footpath most of the way. You will start at Camp Cove, the first landing place for Europeans in Australia, and also visit a number of gun emplacements, designed to

Total climbing: 64m

Easy track

Chowder Bay to Georges Heights Lookout

842 m Return, 30 mins

Chowder Bay to Georges Heights Lookout is a fantastic walk to burn off a coffee from the Bacino Bar. The walk passes the Bacino Bar and enjoys the view from an old gun emplacement at George Heights Lookout. The sandstone seats and shaded grassy areas make this a perfect walk for a picnic too.

Total climbing: 60m

Moderate track

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)

Bus. (get details)

Car. There is free parking available.<br /> (get details)

The Hermitage Foreshore Track ends at the End of Bayview Hill Rd (gps: -33.863479, 151.26964)

Bus. (get details)

Car. There is free parking available.<br /> (get details)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Sydney Harbour National Park

One of Sydney's most diverse parks, Sydney Harbour National Park is formed from 11 pockets of harbour islands and shoreline. Highlights include coastal walks and swimming, breath-taking viewpoints, tours of colonial buildings and Aboriginal cave art.

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