A new coastal walk has opened in the Sutherland Shire.
For those planning to make the most of Sydney’s fabulous weather and the Christmas holidays, there’s great news: Sutherland Shire has officially opened a new walking trail, Hungry Point Cliff Top Walk, thanks to $6.9 million in NSW Government grant funding.
Following the coast between Cronulla Esplanade and the southern point of the scenic Hungry Point Reserve, a boardwalk allows hikers to wander along the actual clifftops from Salmon Haul Bay to the headland at Hungry Point, similar to the Coogee to Bondi walk. The views are spectacular and uninterrupted.
Stop on purpose-built viewing platforms. (Image: Sutherland Shire Council)
“Hungry Point Reserve provides a scenic and relaxing coastal environment for locals and visitors to enjoy natural beauty with panoramic views across Port Hacking to Bundeena and Maianbar," said Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully. “It is exciting to see this stunning walkway already in use, providing another iconic coastal walk for southern Sydney."
The walk is an extension of the already popular 4.5-kilometre Cronulla Coastal Walk, with a few added features like accessible platforms, interpretive signage and landscaping.
“Hungry Point Reserve is truly one of the hidden gems of the Sutherland Shire, with this new walkway unlocking access for people to enjoy a stroll in the stunning natural surrounds and take in sweeping views over the beautiful Port Hacking," said Sutherland Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Jack Boyd.
“With the Hungry Point walkway effectively linking with much-loved Esplanade walkway along our Bate Bay coastline, local residents and visitors to our community will now be able to come down and experience what has to be one of the best coastal walks to be found anywhere in Australia," he continued.
Details
Address: 196-202 Nicholson Parade, Cronulla to Hungry Point Reserve .
Getting there: Public transport to Cronulla is available, but slow. Driving is easiest. Level: Easy, mostly flat with some stairs. Parking: There is public parking at either end, near Cronulla Esplanade or Hungry Point Reserve Accessibility: The walk isn’t accessible, but there is an accessible viewing platform.
Other Sydney Walks
Wander through bushland in some parts. (Image: Sutherland Shire Council)
Still have itchy feet? Sydney has no shortage of coastal and bush walks, so keep your laces tied. Try the America Bay Walking Track in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park with incredible views over the still waters of America Bay. Stay at Ku-ring-gai for the popular Resolute Beach Circuit Walk for access to secluded beaches, or the Sphinx Memorial to Bobbin Head Loop – the striking sandstone Sphinx Memorial makes for an easy path indicator.
Or head to Lane Cove National Park for lush bushlands and riverside trails (it’s also the perfect picnic spot) along the Riverside Walking Track . The Curra Moors Loop Track at Royal National Park is great for a mostly flat walk with coastal views and scribbly gums. Visit in season to spot whales on their migration path.
Want more options? We’ve rounded up our favourite Sydney walks.
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.
For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.
From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.
These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.
1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko
Stand atop Mt Kosciuszko at full moon.
There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.
Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.
The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.
Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.
3. Lunar Eclipse Hike
See dazzling celestial displays.
What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.
It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.
Book now for 3 March.
4. New Moon Hike
Catch the changing skies of a new moon.
A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.
Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.
6. Merritts Nature Track
Stop at swimming holes along the way.
On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.
The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.
7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour
Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.
While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.
The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.
8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience
Join a two- or three-day experience along Snowies Alpine Walk.
If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.
The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.
