Sydney Harbour Federation Trust

Walks

Plan your own adventure!

Our sites are easy to explore by foot and we provide signage and maps to help you navigate your way. Some of our larger sites also have their own visitor centres and volunteers on hand to help with information. Choose from the following great walks around our harbourside lands.

Headland Park

One of Sydney's most beautiful urban parklands, Headland Park offers harbourside walking tracks, water views, a sculpture trail, historic military fortifications and a magnificent lookout. Don't miss Chowder Bay, a picturesque old Submarine Miners' depot and a great place to take a break if you are walking from Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach.

North Head Sanctuary

Girl walking at North Head

Walking shoes have now replaced the military boots that once walked North Head. Previously a School of Artillery where Army gunners lived and trained, the headland is now a sanctuary with a visitor centre and walking tracks. Discover natural beauty and stunning views of the city, harbour and ocean, as well as military history and art deco buildings.

Cockatoo Island

Once a convict prison, then an industrial school for girls and finally Australia's biggest shipyard, Cockatoo Island is a remarkable place to explore. Take a ferry to the largest island in Sydney Harbour and discover its original convict buildings and the impressive industrial remnants of its shipbuilding days. Drop into the Muster Station Visitor Centre after you disembark to find out more about this walk through Sydney's convict and maritime history.

Macquarie Lightstation

Walkers at Georges Heights

Take a scenic walk to Australia's longest continuously operating lighthouse. Spectacularly located on the cliff top as a guiding light showing the entrance to the harbour, Macquarie Lightstation is a Sydney landmark. The grounds are open to the public and its eastern boundary is skirted by a coastal walking path providing spectacular views.

Woolwich Dock and Parklands

Walkway at Woolwich

A maritime hub with a working dock, Woolwich Dock is also a great place to visit. Carved into the sandstone cliff-face, the dock is located at Clarkes Point, near where the Parramatta and Lane Cove rivers meet. Woolwich Dock serviced ships from all around the world for nearly 100 years. You can walk around the dock and observe boat repairs or enjoy views from the Goat Paddock in this wonderful foreshore precinct.