HERMITAGE FORESHORE WALK – SYDNEY HARBOUR’S ROSE BAY TO WATSONS BAY

For those of you not keen to venture into big waves at Bondi or Manly there’s plenty of harbour beaches in Sydney where you can get off the beaten track, have a swim or just sit and take a break and watch the ferries go by experiencing many a local Sydney lifestyle.

From Potts Point  head to Circular Quay and catch the ferry to Rose Bay, (or bus it from William Street, near the Coca Cola sign to the end of the Rose Bay shops).

To find the start of the Hermitage Foreshore Walk head up the hill around Rose Bay, and about one third up the infamous “heartbreak hill” turn down Tivoli Avenue to the Hermitage Foreshore Walk which is well signposted.

Then it’s a magical walk around the harbour enjoying an incredible view of yachts zigzagging in front of the Manly Ferries, discover Stand Up Paddle Boards and locals who kayak from one side to the other.   It’s an hour’s walk to Neilsen Park, where you’ll find beautiful hidden harbour beaches that a very easy to swim and stop for a picnic; Hermitage Beach, Queen’s beach, Milk Beach (busy on a Sunday with teen parties jumping off the rocks).  Then onto Neilsen Park which is a safer beach to swim because it’s netted.

For a longer walk you continue around the streets of Vaucluse beach across the old footbridge of Parsley Bay and finally end the day at Watson’s Bay to enjoy a bucket of prawns and a schooner or a glass of wine at the famous Watto Bay pub!  Then pop on a ferry back to the Rose Bay, Double Bay or Circular Quay and walk back to your bed for a very well earned rest.

This is also part of the mammoth MANLY BEACH TO BONDI BEACH WALK