The scenic Sydney bushwalk you’ve probably never heard of.
Tucked away in scenic northern Sydney, there’s a bushwalk that feels more like a scene from a storybook than a stroll through suburbia. The Fairyland Loop Track lives up to its name, offering a quiet escape from the city where towering gums, tweeting birds and a fascinating past weave together a touch of everyday magic. Weekend plans? Sorted.
The location – where is it?
The Fairyland Loop Track sits within Lane Cove National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)
Sydneysiders are truly blessed when it comes to walking trails. Thanks to our city’s unique position between the ocean and mountains, we’ve got access to some truly spectacular coastal hikes and bush walks. But as outdoor-loving folk, many of them have become more crowded corridors than peaceful paradises.
Yet among the well-trodden trails, a few enchanting corners remain relatively untouched, including the Fairyland Loop Track. Hidden within Lane Cove National Park on the Traditional Lands of the Cammeraygal people, this stunning bushwalk feels like its own little slice of serenity.
The history – why is it called Fairyland?
The walk inherited its name from the Fairyland Pleasure Grounds. (Image: Destination NSW)
The walk gets its name from the historic Fairyland Pleasure Grounds. Purchased by the Swan family in the late 1800s, the land was originally used to grow crops of strawberries and watermelons. But after noticing the success of other pleasure grounds downstream, the family transformed the area into a recreational retreat.
They planted evergreens and palms, painted fairytale figures on trees and scattered wood-carved characters across the grounds, which became known as Fairyland. A slide in the shape of a sleeping giant soon followed, as well as a kiosk, flying fox, wooden pirate ship and a netted area for river swimming.
The park sits among urban sprawl but retains its peaceful charm. (Image: Destination NSW)
Accessible only by ferry, the site drew crowds for decades until the 1960s, when a series of floods forced its closure. Although by then, it had already begun to lose its magic. The once-remote setting had been increasingly encroached on by expanding suburbs, the rise of motor cars and the opening of nearby Epping Road Bridge.
In the late 1970s, the land was acquired by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service , which began restoring the abandoned plot and regenerating the overgrown vegetation. Today, nature has almost completely reclaimed the site; a pair of rusted gateposts is all that remains.
The experience – what’s it like?
Keep an eye out for native wildlife, including adorable echidnas. (Image: Getty/Tracie Louise)
Starting and ending at Fullers Bridge, the Fairyland Loop Track meanders 5.3 kilometres and takes roughly an hour to complete. And while it’s great for getting your steps up, the walk is also an invitation to slow down and reconnect with nature.
You’ll wander under ancient eucalypts along well-marked paths down to the river, where a boardwalk winds along the water’s edge. There, you’ll find plenty of quiet spots to sit and admire the view, so be sure to pack a picnic lunch.
Lane Cove National Park is also a haven for local flora and fauna. Native species thrive here – from scribbly gums, flannel flowers and old man banksias to kookaburras, swamp wallabies and even echidnas. Not only that, but the river provides a wetland ecosystem that allows swamp wallabies, ducks, green tree frogs and a range of saltwater fish species to flourish.
A plethora of bird species call the national park home. (Image: Destination NSW)
It’s also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with a plethora of native bird species calling the national park home. Bring your binoculars to spot kookaburras, superb fairy wrens, sulphur-crested cockatoos, azure kingfishers, crimson rosellas and tawny frogmouths – the official 2025 Australian Bird of the Year.
The details – how do I get there?
The Fairyland Loop Track sits within Lane Cove National Park, about a 25-minute drive from Sydney’s CBD. Entry costs $8 per vehicle, per day. Start at Koonjeree Picnic Area, where you’ll find public toilets and plenty of parking just a short stroll from the trailhead.
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
Sydney’s south finally has its own slice of luxury.
Stepping into The Brighton Hotel Sydney – MGallery Collection feels like swapping the streets of the CBD for a breezy beach-club mood without losing practical access to the city. Perched opposite Botany Bay and just 16 kilometres from Sydney’s CBD, the hotel pairs resort-style serenity with a resolutely urban ease. With 307 rooms and suites, sweeping bay views, sun-washed balconies and design inspired by the coast and local Greek-Australian heritage, it delivers a fresh take on luxury in the south of Sydney.
Where is The Brighton Hotel Sydney – MGallery Collection?
The outdoor pool wouldn’t look out of place in Mykonos. (Image: Ryan Linnegar Photography)
When I first pulled up to The Brighton Hotel, I couldn’t believe I was only 20 minutes from the city centre. Set in Brighton-Le-Sands on the edge of Botany Bay, the hotel feels worlds away from the bustle of the CBD, yet still close enough that you can swap skyscrapers for sea breeze in the time it takes to finish a podcast episode.
It’s directly opposite Brighton Beach – a golden strip of sand lined with palm trees and buzzing restaurants – so you can stroll across the road for a swim or sunset walk. The airport is just a 10-minute drive away, making this the kind of hotel where you can land, drop your bags and be sipping a cocktail overlooking the water before your boarding pass has time to crumple.
If you’re craving a coastal escape without the long drive north or south, this location nails the balance between convenience and holiday mode.
What is the style and character of The Brighton Hotel Sydney – MGallery Collection?
The interiors channel the area’s Greek heritage. (Image: Ryan Linnegar Photography)
From the moment I stepped into the light-filled atrium, I felt more like I’d arrived at a modern Mediterranean resort than a Sydney hotel. The interiors lean into a palette of sea-foam green, sand and soft timber, channelling the Greek heritage woven through the Brighton-Le-Sands area. There’s a hint of coastal glamour, too – think curved lines, warm lighting and textured fabrics that catch the late afternoon sun.
As part of Accor’s MGallery Collection, every detail feels considered but never fussy. Each of the 307 rooms comes with its own balcony, most with views stretching over the bay, and it’s clear the design team wanted guests to feel the ocean connection wherever they are.
What facilities does The Brighton Hotel Sydney – MGallery Collection have?
Sands Bar’s vibes lure you into lingering a little longer. (Image: Ryan Linnegar Photography)
You could happily spend a full weekend here without leaving. The outdoor pool faces the water, fringed by palms and striped umbrellas that wouldn’t look out of place in Mykonos. There’s also a heated indoor lap pool for cooler days, along with a sauna and steam rooms to complete the wellness circuit.
The gym is airy and modern with Peloton bikes, free weights and a functional fitness space. I started my morning with a quick workout before rewarding myself with the buffet breakfast at Sands Bar – the ideal kind of balance.
Business travellers and eventgoers are well looked after too, with 11 meeting spaces, including two elegant ballrooms that can host up to 600 guests. Whether you’re here for a conference, a wedding, or simply to unwind, it’s clear the hotel’s designers have thought about how each type of guest uses the space.
What are the rooms like at The Brighton Hotel Sydney – MGallery Collection?
A room with a balcony overlooking Botany Bay. (Image: Ryan Linnegar Photography)
I stayed in a Terrace Suite with bay views – and the outlook was as soothing as you’d expect. My balcony looked straight over Botany Bay, the water catching light in different ways throughout the day, from soft silver mornings to fiery pink sunsets. You can even watch the planes taking off and landing without hearing a sound.
Inside, the room felt spacious and serene: curved furnishings, light-filled spaces and a generous bathroom with a freestanding bathtub and a walk-in rain shower. A coffee machine, soft robes and slippers, and a dreamy bed (one of the most comfortable I’ve had in Sydney) rounded things out.
Room types range from compact 28 m² Superiors to sprawling 125 m² Penthouses with terraces, fireplaces and panoramic ocean views. Families can book the Family Suites that connect two rooms to sleep up to six, while couples will love the Junior Suites with freestanding bathtubs overlooking the bay.
What dining facilities does The Brighton Hotel Sydney – MGallery Collection have?
Ammos reimagines classic Greek cuisine by incorporating modern twists. (Image: Steven Woodburn)
The food offering alone makes The Brighton worth a visit. At the signature restaurant Ammos Brighton, renowned chef Peter Conistis pays tribute to the area’s Greek roots with dishes that are both refined and familiar. My pick? The 11-hour slow-roasted Sovereign lamb shoulder. YUM.
For something more casual, Coco’s on the Beach opens right onto the promenade with an all-day menu, cocktails and late-night bites (open until 3 am). It’s the kind of place that feels like summer even in the depths of winter.
And then there’s Sands Bar, where I found myself spending the afternoon nursing a spicy mango margarita as the sky turned tangerine. The food is also incredible. Modern Mediterranean menu, a little more casual than Ammos, but so tasty. The twice-cooked octopus taramasalata with grilled pita hasn’t left my mind since I tried it. The vibe is relaxed but polished, the kind of Sydney bar where you can drop in with wet hair and still feel a touch glamorous.
Does The Brighton Hotel Sydney – MGallery Collection have access for guests with disabilities?
The Brighton is a comfortable stay for people of all abilities. (Image: Ryan Linnegar Photography)
Accessibility has clearly been considered. The Brighton offers wheelchair-friendly access throughout the property, including ramps and lift access to all levels. Several rooms are designated as accessible, such as the Deluxe Room Accessible, 1 King Bed, Bay View, which features wider doorways, roll-in showers, and grab rails.
The hotel also notes that prams and mobility aids can move freely through public areas, and event spaces are fitted with accessible entrances. While there isn’t detailed information online about hearing- or vision-specific adaptations, the team confirmed that accessible rooms can be requested at booking, and additional assistance is available on request.
For travellers with reduced mobility, it’s a genuinely easy and comfortable stay.
Is The Brighton Hotel Sydney – MGallery Collection family-friendly?
Family Suites sleep up to six. (Image: Ryan Linnegar Photography)
Despite its boutique polish, The Brighton welcomes families with open arms. The Family Suites, sleeping up to six, are perfect for larger groups, and kids will love the proximity to the beach.
There’s plenty of nearby fun too – the beach, bike paths, and gelato shops all within walking distance. For parents, the balconies offer a quiet retreat once the kids are tucked in. It’s rare to find a hotel that caters so well to both couples and families without compromising on style, but this one pulls it off.
The verdict
The spaces are perfect for those looking for a scenic stay away from the city centre. (Image: Ryan Linnegar Photography)
It’s been a long time since Sydney unveiled a coastal hotel of this calibre. The Brighton Hotel has given the city’s south the kind of elegant stay it’s been missing – a true bayside escape where you can dip between city life and beachside calm in a single afternoon.
Whether you’re here for a staycation, a seaside wedding, or simply to soak in the golden light bouncing off Botany Bay, The Brighton feels like the beginning of a new era for Brighton-Le-Sands. And honestly? I’m already planning my next check-in.
Details
Best for: Couples chasing a luxe beach-style stay close to the city; families wanting space and style; business travellers who prefer sea views to skyline ones. Address: Corner of Princess Street & The Grand Parade, Brighton-Le-Sands, NSW 2216 Cost: From around $349 per night. Rates fluctuate seasonally.
