Hermitage Foreshore Walk

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Safer Bushwalks Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.

Getting There Transport options and directions

Segment	This is part of longer journey and can not be completed on it is own.
Start	At the intersection of Promenade Road & Greycliffe Avenue (-33.8508408,151.2685607)
Mode	Bus Car (There is free parking available.)
Directions	From New South Head Road, Vaucluse. Turn on to Vaucluse Road then drive for 1.4 km Turn left onto Greyville Avenue and drive for another 310 m
Finish	(-33.8634613,151.2695342)
Mode (end)

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
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. After ≈50m, the path leads to a four-way intersection just past the garbage bins.
From the intersection, this walk heads towards the water following the wide path. The path soon bends left (near the toilet block, on the right) and heads behind the beach, past the large information sign. Soon the path heads over the 'Dressing Pavilion' tunnel and, ≈50m later, comes to the front of the Nielsen Park Cafe with it's great water views.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Promenade Road & Greycliffe Avenue Start heading along Promenade Road (a service road).
	After another 20 m (at the intersection of Promenade Road & Fig Tree Road) continue straight, to head along Promenade Road.
	After another 45 m turn right. After another 25 m pass the toilet (20 m on your left).
	After another 15 m turn right, to head along Promenade Road. After another 110 m pass the toilet (50 m on your left)., male. Then pass the toilet (50 m on your left)., female. Then find the "Shark Bay" (20 m on your right). 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, public toilets and change rooms, showers and is a popular place for people to simply relax. The beach is a focal point of Nielsen Park and also boasts a cafe. 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.
	After another 30 m continue straight, to head along Promenade Road. Then find the "Nielsen Park Cafe" (20 m on your left). 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. After another 40 m pass the pay phone (15 m on your left). After another 55 m pass the "Public Toilets" (30 m on your left). Then pass the toilet (30 m on your left).
	Continue straight, to head along Promenade Road. After another 15 m head down the steps (about 75 m long)
	Continue straight. After another 60 m find the "Steele Point Gun Emplacement" (55 m on your 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 and the circular pit where the main gun once stood. A set of un-railed steps leads into the pit - please take care in the area, as the pit is not fenced. Then find the "Degaussing range" (10 m on your right). 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.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. Optional sidetrip to Strickland House. To start this optional side trip turn sharp left here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below. Continue straight, to head along Steele Point Road. After another 20 m find the "Steele Point Cottage" (15 m 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.
	After another 3 m (at the intersection of Steele Point Road & Hermitage Foreshore Walk) turn around, to head along Steele Point Road.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. Optional sidetrip to Strickland House. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 25 m turn around, to head along Steele Point Road.
	After another 25 m (at the intersection of Steele Point Road & Hermitage Foreshore Walk) turn right, to head along Hermitage Foreshore Walk (a footpath). After another 65 m find the "Steele Point Lookout" (on your right). Steele Point Lookout Informally named, this fenced lookout is the most northern lookout on the Hermitage Foreshore Walk. There are great harbour views to the city in this well-shaded spot.
	After another 350 m (at the intersection of Hermitage Foreshore Walk & Fishermans track) turn right, to head along Hermitage Foreshore Walk. After another 235 m find the "Milk Beach" (on your right). 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, this beach is a memorable spot along the Hermitage Foreshore Walk. The beach is about 50m wide and faces south-east. The views across the water to the city and to Shark Island are great. A seat on the grassy clearing behind the beach makes a very inviting offer to sit and enjoy for a while. This is also a great place to get the toes wet.
	After another 35 m veer right, to head along Hermitage Foreshore Walk.
	After another 185 m (at the intersection of Hermitage Foreshore Walk & Tingara Avenue) continue straight, to head along Hermitage Foreshore Walk. After another 70 m find the "Ralph Newboult Lookout" (10 m on your right). Ralph Newboult Lookout This lookout boasts great views as well as being home to a bench seat and memorial to Ralph Newboult. 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. After another 90 m find the "Hermit Bay beach" (8 m on your right). 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 and a few houses through the trees. The beach is lined with some natural sandstone sculptures of interesting form and is a quiet place to enjoy the wide harbour views. After another 115 m find the "Hermit Point" (15 m on your right). Hermit Point Hermit Point hosts a grassy open area and is surrounded by a sandstone sea wall. The sea wall has been shaped to host some boat pens, a launch and a timber wharf. The area is now protected as part of the Sydney Harbour National Park. Here, you will find a number of picnic tables, a small sandstone cave, natural shade and some great water views. 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. After another 190 m head up the steps (about 25 m long)
	Continue straight. After another 15 m find the "Queens Beach" (8 m on your right). 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 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. A quiet spot, providing an excuse to enjoy the view and splash the feet. After another 150 m pass the cemetery (25 m on your left). After another 140 m pass a seat (on your right). About 85 m past the end is a viewpoint.
	The end.

Optional sidetrip to Strickland House.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start heading along Steele Point Road.
	After another 125 m continue straight, to head along Steele Point Road. After another 5 m (at the intersection of Steele Point Road & Mount Trefle track) continue straight, to head along Steele Point Road.
	After another 75 m come to the end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 205 m to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Hermitage Foreshore Walk

Grading

	Class 3/6 Moderate track
Length	2.2 km
Time	50 min to 1 h

Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage	Clearly signposted (1/6)
Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)
Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Some facilities on route

Toilet: There are 5 on route, on average they are 360 m apart with the largest gap of 1.8 km.

Seat: There is one 2.1 km from the start.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Toilet	90 m	[toilet]
Toilet	200 m	[toilet]
Toilet	215 m	[toilet]
Toilet	335 m	Public Toilets
Toilet	335 m	[toilet]
Seat	2.1 km	[seat]

Articles Discover more details to thrive on track

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, public toilets and change rooms, showers and is a popular place for people to simply relax. The beach is a focal point of Nielsen Park and also boasts a cafe. 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.

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.

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 and the circular pit where the main gun once stood. A set of un-railed steps leads into the pit - please take care in the area, as the pit is not fenced.

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.

Steele Point Lookout
Informally named, this fenced lookout is the most northern lookout on the Hermitage Foreshore Walk. There are great harbour views to the city in this well-shaded spot.

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, this beach is a memorable spot along the Hermitage Foreshore Walk. The beach is about 50m wide and faces south-east. The views across the water to the city and to Shark Island are great. A seat on the grassy clearing behind the beach makes a very inviting offer to sit and enjoy for a while. This is also a great place to get the toes wet.

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.

Ralph Newboult Lookout
This lookout boasts great views as well as being home to a bench seat and memorial to Ralph Newboult. 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.

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 and a few houses through the trees. The beach is lined with some natural sandstone sculptures of interesting form and is a quiet place to enjoy the wide harbour views.

Hermit Point
Hermit Point hosts a grassy open area and is surrounded by a sandstone sea wall. The sea wall has been shaped to host some boat pens, a launch and a timber wharf. The area is now protected as part of the Sydney Harbour National Park. Here, you will find a number of picnic tables, a small sandstone cave, natural shade and some great water views. 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.

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 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. A quiet spot, providing an excuse to enjoy the view and splash the feet.

Get more information
Wildwalks

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Bondi Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon
  
  Tuesday 17 September
  
  20°C
  Mostly sunny.
  20% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. Light winds.
  
  Fire Danger Rating: Moderate
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 9:10am to 2:20pm, UV Index predicted to reach 5 [Moderate]
  
  Wednesday 18 September
  
  11°C → 25°C
  Sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. Light winds becoming west to northwesterly 20 to 30 km/h in the morning then becoming light in the evening.
  
  Thursday 19 September
  
  15°C → 27°C
  Sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. Winds northwesterly 25 to 35 km/h tending westerly 25 to 40 km/h during the day then becoming light during the evening.
  
  Friday 20 September
  
  14°C → 23°C
  Sunny.
  5% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. Light winds becoming west to northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the afternoon then becoming light during the evening.
  
  Saturday 21 September
  
  13°C → 23°C
  Partly cloudy.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. Light winds becoming westerly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning.
  
  Sunday 22 September
  
  14°C → 23°C
  Mostly sunny.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Mostly sunny. Winds northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h tending westerly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning.
  
  Monday 23 September
  
  13°C → 20°C
  Sunny.
  10% chance of rain
  
  Sunny. Light winds becoming east to northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Sydney Harbour National Park alerts
  Closed areas: Bradleys Head - Booraghee Amphitheatre closed
  Bradleys Head - Booraghee Amphitheatre is closed for an event on Tuesday 17September 2024.
  These areas will remain open:
  
  Athol Hall lawn and Athol Beach
  
  HMAS Sydney monument
  
  Rifle wall and military relics
  
  Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk
  
  Athol Hall and Rifle Wall parking areas
  
  Amphitheatre parking area will be open with limited spaces
  
  Amphitheatre toilets
  
  For more information, contact the local NPWS office.
  
  Closed areas: Shark Beach, Kiosk and promenade at Nielsen Park closed
  Shark Beach at Nielsen Park is closed while the concrete seawall, bleachers and promenade are under construction. The Nielsen Park Kiosk, Halbert Pavilion and former surf club are closed for renovation. For more information on these projects, please visit the project webpage or email or phone the NPWS Sydney South office on 02 9337 5511.
  
  Closed areas: Notice of pest control operation at North Head and Middle Head
  Night pest control operations will be conducted at Middle Head from 7:00pm, North Head from 9:30pm and Q Station from 11:00pm on Monday 16 September depending on favourable weather conditions. Operations may be conducted on Tuesday 17 September as an alternative. Please obey all signage and directions of NSW National Parks staff.
  
  Other planned events: 1080 pest management operation
  NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will be conducting a baiting program using manufactured baits, fresh baits and Canid Pest Ejectors (CPEs) containing 1080 poison (sodium fluroacetate) for the control of foxes.
  The program is continuous and ongoing between Thursday 1 August 2024 and Friday 31 January 2025 in the following areas of Sydney Harbour National Park:
  
  Chowder Bay
  
  Dobroyd Head
  
  Bradleys Head
  
  Georges Head
  
  Middle and North Head (North Head includes the adjoining land of Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, Australian Institute of Police Management, and Quarantine Station).
  
  Please don’t touch baits or ejector devices. All baiting locations are identifiable by signs.
  Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW national parks and reserves. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
  Fox baiting in these reserves is aimed at reducing their impact on threatened species.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local park office on:
  Middle Head: 02 9960 6266 (business hours)
  NPWS after-hours call centre: 1300 056 294 (after hours)
  North Head Sanctuary, Manly (Harbour Trust Lands): 02 8969 2128 (business hours).
  
  Closed areas: Reef Beach amenities closure
  The Reef Beach amenities building will be closed for upgrades from Monday 5 August to the end of October 2024.
  The nearest alternate amenities are located at Forty Baskets Beach.
  The trail will remain open for the duration of the works.
  For more information contact the Sydney North Area office 02 9960 6266.
  
  Closed areas: Bluefish Point closed
  The Bluefish Point bushland area is closed to public access for public safety and to protect the landscape and important plant and animal communities. Access to rock pools is difficult and dangerous. Please stay on sign-posted walking tracks when visiting Sydney Harbour National Park for your safety and observe warning signs in the area.
  
  Other planned events: North Head Scenic Drive gate opening times
  The North Head Scenic Drive gate opening times are:
  
  AEDT From 1 October 2023 to 7 April 2024 - from 5am to 8.30pm
  
  AEST From 8 April 2024 to 6 October 2024 - from 6am to 6pm
  
  Closed areas: Fort Denison closed
  Fort Denison is currently closed.
  Conservation and upgrade works are currently underway. Key elements include the construction of a new accessible wharf and maintenance and upgrade to buildings and services. Fort Denison will be closed to visitors until these works have been completed.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance.
  Standard work hours during the construction phase will be between:
  
  7am and 6pm Monday to Friday
  
  8am and 1pm on Saturday
  
  For more information, visit the project webpage or email us. Visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.
  
  Closed areas: North Head partial closure
  Some parts of North Head in Sydney Harbour National Park are closed due to fire damage and geological instability. The closed areas include:
  
  Bluefish Point
  
  Wastewater Treatment Plant emergency access road
  
  The following areas, and the bushland surrounding them, are also closed due to steep and unstable ground:
  
  Old Man's Hat
  
  Cannae Point
  
  Quarantine Head
  
  Do not enter the closed areas.
  Open areas include:
  
  Q Station
  
  North Head Sanctuary and Bella Vista Cafe (entry via North Fort)
  
  The track between Shelly Beach and Bluefish Drive
  
  Bluefish Drive to the Avenue of Honour
  
  Collins Flat Beach
  
  Fairfax track
  
  Burragula and Yiningma lookouts
  
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the National Parks Contact Centre on 1300 072 757 or Sydney North area office on 02 9451 3479 between 9.30am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service

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