hero media

Sydney just opened a new clifftop walk in time for summer

Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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.

Hungry Point Cliff Top Walk viewing platform
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 Cliff Top Walk
Enjoy cliff-top ocean views. (Image: Sutherland Shire Council)

“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.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

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

Hungry Point Cliff Top Walk bush
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.

Want to see more stories from Australian Traveller in your Google search results?

  1. Click here to set Australian Traveller as a preferred source.
  2. Tick the box next to "Australian Traveller". That's it.
Kassia Byrnes
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.
View profile and articles
People having brunch in Sydney
Sydney

Your ultimate guide to the best bottomless brunches in Sydney

The best bottomless brunches in Sydney involve gathering with your besties for a bit of fun and a few bevvies to boot.

Read more
Transport NSW says Sydney Ferries will not be free after all
Sydney

Transport NSW says Sydney ferries will not be free after all

Transport for NSW has disputed the Maritime Union of Australia’s claim that Sydney Ferries will be free for passengers from 11 September to 6 October.

Read more
View of Sydney Harbour from Cockatoo Island at sunrise
Sydney

Sydney’s best NYE view can cost $208 a night – if you win a ballot

A free ballot decides who stays on Cockatoo Island this New Year's Eve. It closes soon.

Read more
Legendary doughnuts served piping hot with a dusting of cinnamon sugar from Berry Donut Van
Sydney

You don’t have to run 42 kilometres to get a Berry donut this weekend

The South Coast's most famous donut van is parking at Circular Quay for Sydney Marathon weekend – no bib required.

Read more
hero media

7 Lake Macquarie secrets the locals don’t want you to know

Credit: Beau Pilgrim

    Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
    Continue
    An untapped side to this popular holiday spot is hiding in plain sight.

    Laidback Lake Macquarie draws in holidaygoers and day trippers with its casual coastal allure and raw beauty. But even though it’s just 90 minutes from Sydney, most visitors have only scratched the surface of what this region has to offer.

    Foodie hotspots, quaint towns, tranquil waterways and compelling art are all waiting to be discovered. You just need to know where to find them.

    1. Most visitors don’t make it to the western side

    Explore beyond the western side. (Credit: Beau Pilgrim)

    While there’s no harm in walking the well-worn path in this idyllic pocket of the world, the area west of Lake Macquarie is defined by stretches of ancient rainforests and quaint towns with a more local feel. Toronto is the largest town on this side and features a golf course and sailing clubs, while peninsula-based Wangi Wangi is fantastic for bushwalking and swimming.

    2. There’s a booming arts scene

    Museum of Art and Culture, YAPANG
    Discover the Museum of Art and Culture, YAPANG.

    Lake Macquarie is a must-visit destination for creatives. Discover the Museum of Art and Culture, YAPANG; this modern gallery is set on a five-hectare sculpture park and showcases a free rotating program of exhibitions and events, with a strong focus on contemporary Aboriginal art. In Wangi Wangi, explore the Wangi Owl Trail, which includes Dobell House, the preserved home of prolific artist Sir William Dobell. And enjoy live music every Saturday evening at the recently renovated Toronto Hotel.

    3. It’s a nature lover’s paradise

    three people swimming in lake macquarie
    In and out of the water, find a natural paradise. (Credit: Beau Pilgrim)

    Lake Macquarie is a playground for nature lovers. It’s home to Australia’s largest saltwater lake, a 110-square-kilometre haven for swimming, fishing, boating and sunset views. Another oasis is the Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area, a 761-hectare protected reserve with wildflowers, Second World War heritage sites and spectacular views to Pulbah Island. The upgraded Toronto baths, complete with jetty decking and netting, make for a sheltered spot for a refreshing dip, while the Awaba Mountain Bike Park gives adrenaline junkies their fix.

    4. The dining scene is unbeatable

    8 at Trinity lake macquarie
    Treat yourself to 8 at Trinity.

    Gourmands are well looked after in Lake Macquarie. At Emerson’s on the Lake in Toronto, the modern Australian fine dining menu spoils seafood lovers with the freshest ocean produce and stunning lake views. Sitting on Trinity Point’s waterfront, 8 at Trinity is another standout offering, serving Mediterranean fare in an open-air setting. For a more relaxed affair, the microbrewery trail lets craft beer enthusiasts sip on inventive brews from The Yard, Lake Mac Brewing and Bread & Brewery.

    5. There are hidden coves and waterways

    kayakers on lake macquarie local secrets
    Get out onto the lake. (Credit: Beau Pilgrim)

    There’s no better way to experience Lake Macquarie than directly on its waters, and in doing so you’ll discover a world of hidden coves and secluded waterways. Jump in a kayak for a tour with the friendly team at School of Yak and paddle to Cockle Creek, Awaba Bay, Green Point and Fennel Bay, discovering underwater life along the way. Or go all in and stay the night on one of Lake Macquarie Houseboats’ spacious vessels or hire a BBQ pontoon boat for the day from Lake Macquarie Boat Hire to enjoy a feast in the sunshine while admiring the marine life and picturesque waterscape.

    6. It’s a birdwatcher’s paradise

    ll blue wren sitting on a tree branch
    Keep an eye out for local birdlife. (Credit: Walter Coppola)

    Twitchers are in for a real treat as hundreds of fascinating bird species such as Australian pelicans, black swans, white-bellied sea-eagles and superb fairy-wrens call this area home. Take a self-guided tour around top spots including Bird Cage Point and Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area (near Morisset) or be guided in a clear-bottom kayak through the waterways with Lake Macquarie Kayak Adventures, observing feathered friends as you go.

    7. The lake has islands

    sail lake macquarie
    Charter a boat to see Lake Macquarie’s islands.

    Hop on a private boat, kayak or charter around the lake to discover the plethora of small islands peppered around Lake Macquarie. The largest is Pulbah Island, a 69-hectare nature reserve home to goannas and sugar gliders with secluded beaches. Sandy islands such as Spectacle Island and Pelican Island have a tropical lagoon-like look to them as they sit in the tidal path of Swansea Channel, which filters the sand and creates a pristine environment. Stop by for a dip and a picnic.

    Start living like the locals at visitlakemac.com.au.