Nielsen Park and Strickland House loop

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1 Hr

2.5 km Circuit

104 m

Moderate track

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.

Path leading through Nielsen Park towards Shark Bay

Path between Shark Bay and the Degaussing Station Range

New steps at the northern end of Hermitage Foreshore Walk

Hermitage Foreshore Walk beside the water

Weedy section of the Hermitage Foreshore Walk

Steps between Milk Beach and Strickland House

Gates at the top of driveway to Stricland House

Looking down onto Greycliffe House from Mt Trefle Track

(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 → Western end of Shark Bay

90 m

1 mins

0m Very easy

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].

(0km) Western end of Shark Bay → Degaussing range

70 m

2 mins

11m

0m Easy track

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].

(1km) Strickland House picnic area → Strickland House

90 m

2 mins

0m Easy track

Turn left : From the picnic tables[65], this walk heads across the lawn up to the large, white Strickland House[66]. The walk then heads around the left side of the building[67] to the driveway and front of the house[68][69].

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 → Top of Strickland House Driveway

160 m

3 mins

15m

0m Very easy

Turn left: From the front of Strickland House[72], this walk heads uphill along the driveway, keeping the open gardens and water views to your left[73]. This walk follows the main driveway up[74] and, soon after bending right, the driveway passes a caretaker's cottage[75] (to your right) and heads through the gates[76] to find a footpath beside Vaucluse Rd[77].

(1km) Top of Strickland House Driveway → Boomgate on Vaucluse Rd

100 m

2 mins

-1m Very easy

Turn left : From the gate[78] at the top of Strickland House Driveway, this walk follows the footpath, keeping Vaucluse Rd to your right and Strickland House to the left[79]. At the end of the fence, the walk comes to an intersection marked with a large 'Sydney Harbour National Park - Nielsen Park' sign[80] and a boom gate.

(2km) Boomgate on Vaucluse Rd → NP Workshop driveway

60 m

1 mins

0m Very easy

Turn left : From the intersection, this walk heads past the 'Sydney Harbour National Park - Nielsen Park' sign[81] and around the boom gate. Soon this road leads to a three-way intersection with the 'Workshop' driveway[82] (on your right).

(2km) NP Workshop driveway → Greycliffe House

540 m

12 mins

12m

-30m Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Workshop' sign[83] up the concrete driveway towards the workshop. Just near the fence of the workshop, this walk turns right and follows the wide trail[84] as it bends around the workshop's perimeter (bending left at each corner). The path leads past a view of some houses on Vaucluse Rd[85]. Here the walk tends left and heads behind the workshop to find and follow the 'Greycliffe House' sign[86] along the narrower (but still clear) track. This track meanders over Mt Trefle (the high point, but not very high). Soon the track comes beside Greycliffe House and passes a 'Surviving the City' information sign[87], before coming to a four-way intersection at the bottom of some sandstone steps, in front of Greycliffe House[88].

Greycliffe House

Greycliffe House was completed in 1851 by John Reeve, son-in-law to the explorer W C Wentworth. The house was unoccupied between 1898 and 1911, when it was taken over by the State Government and used as a baby hospital and Tresillian mothercraft home in to the 1930s. Many of the plantings are from this era. Today, the building is home to the Sydney Harbour South office of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, and is one of few remaining examples of gothic architecture in Sydney. More info.

(2km) Greycliffe House → Greycliffe Ave Car Park

370 m

7 mins

-14m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection (in front of Greycliffe House[90]), this walk follows the path past the 'Greycliffe House' information sign[91] (with the house on your right). The path almost immediately bends left and heads down the steps towards the water and beach. Near the bottom, the path heads past the sandstone toilet block[92] (on your left) and comes to a four-way intersection at the eastern end of Shark Bay.
Turn sharp right: From the intersection, this walk follows the flat, wide path, keeping the beach and water to the left. The path soon passes the 'William Albert Notting'[93] and 'Niels R.W. Nielsen, MLA'[94] memorial[95] (on your right) and, not much further along, comes to the front of Nielsen Park Cafe[96].
Continue straight: From Nielsen Park Cafe, this walk heads along the path, keeping the beach and water to your left. After ≈50m, the path heads over the 'Dressing Pavilion' tunnel[97] and soon passes a large information sign[98]. At the sign, the path bends right and then comes to a four-way intersection near a large number of garbage bins[99].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the wide sealed path (driveway) directly away from the water, past the garbage bins. The path soon leads past the 'Sydney Harbour National Park' sign[100] and through the gate to Greycliff Ave.

Maps for the Nielsen Park and Strickland House loop 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 Nielsen Park and Strickland House loop bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Nielsen Park and Strickland House loop

Altitude analysis for Nielsen Park and Strickland House loop

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	2.5 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	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		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

1.2km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 910m is flat with no steps. The remaining (390m) has short steep hills.

Quality of track

1.1km of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path and another 790m follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (640m) follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

This whole walk, 2.5km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 2.5km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 2.5km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 2.5km 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 Nielsen Park and Strickland House loop walk.

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

Hermitage Foreshore Track

2.2 km One way, 1 Hr

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

Total climbing: 123m

Moderate track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Nielsen Park and Strickland House loop 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

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

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Nielsen Park and Strickland House loop walk starts and ends at the Greycliffe Ave Car Park (gps: -33.850846, 151.26857)

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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