Five Best Family Nature Walks Sydney Harbour
Hermitage Foreshore Track, photo credit: D Finnegan
Where are you taking the kids for a walk this weekend?
Ever since I’ve had kids, walks in nature been both a pleasure and a sanity saver. Getting out with the stroller used to be a real necessity, and once the kids were old enough, we’ve been enticing them to join us on longer and longer walks.
It’s not always easy to get the kids up and going. Generally they will say they don’t want to walk. But a bit of firmness and the promise of a lavish picnic gets them started and then they ALWAYS have a great time.
Why we walk
Walks are free, they’re great for the health of all the family and they come with the added bonus of lashings of fresh air. And some even throw in a free history or ecology lesson.
So don’t just sit there, pack a wee picnic and try out one of these Sydney Harbour National Park family-friendly walks listed below.
You’ll find each suggestion has a link to click for more information.
Views from South Head Heritage Trail: photo credit D Finnegan
Five Family Nature Walks On Sydney Harbour
- Hermitage Foreshore track
This easy track in Vaucluse is one of Sydney’s great coastal walks. The views over Sydney’s harbour, islands and icons, such as Shark Island, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the grounds of Strickland House are breathtaking.
There’s a family-friendly beach to enjoy at Nielsen Park, as well as lots of grass to spread out a picnic blanket for lunch. We loved this walk when my oldest son was a wee boy in a backpack and must get over to the East to do it again.
- South Head Heritage trail
This short trail starts at Camp Cove in Watsons Bay and takes walkers past historic gun emplacements, before reaching the distinctive red and white striped Hornby Lighthouse at South Head.
The views are mesmerising with Sydney Harbour to the west, Middle Head and North Head to the north, and the expansive Pacific Ocean to the east. Afterwards a stop in Watson’s Bay is always a pleasure, not least for the fish and chips.
- Bradley’s Head to Chowder Bay walk
This gentle bush track weaves around the harbour headlands from Taronga Zoo Wharf around Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay and provides spectacular views.
Walkers will see the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, boats on the harbour, military relics at Bradley’s Head (my kids love running around and playing on these and pretending to be defending Australia from assorted baddies.
- The Fairfax Walk, North Head
This is a short walk that is fabulous f0r families with young children in strollers and for wheelchairs users too. There are several lookouts with glorious sweeping views over the Harbour, the Heads and far out to sea. Then there’s all sorts of historical things to learn about too. And even better, there’s a cafe close by for a refreshing cuppa at the end of the walk, plus the delights of Manly just down the road.
From the Spit to Manly, this gorgeous walk meanders through bushland and around headlands and along some very beautiful beaches. It’s a 9.5km walk one-way and has steep steps and twists and turns, so it’s recommended for older children rather than little ones. This walk can take a half day or whole day if you stop and swim at one or two of the little beaches, and to have a picnic. And why wouldn’t you?
To plan more walks within other National Parks too, visit www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/naturewalks
Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay Walk, photo credit: D Finnegan
Remember to be prepared when setting out on a family walk by applying sunscreen, wearing a hat and taking drinking water.
Forty Baskets Beach on the Manly Scenic Walkway
Can you share your favourite family walk in Sydney with other readers?
If you have photos that you’d like to share, do email me: seana at seanasmith dot com
Hope you enjoy some walking, running and playing with the kids this weekend.
And a lovely family walk too.
Take it easy
This post has been brought to you in collaboration with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
Check out more of the NPWS family walks here.