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Sydney just opened a new clifftop walk in time for summer

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.

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.
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After dark: 6 experiences along the Murray lighting up the night

(Credit: Serena Munro)

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
    See the Murray region in an entirely different light by exploring its night-time experiences and attractions.

    By day, the mighty Murray River is a majestic and ever-changing sight, with river red gums and wetlands stretching along 2500 kilometres. But by night, its cities, towns, villages and landscapes totally transform.

    From Albury Wodonga to Mildura, and everywhere in between, you’ll be in for a multi-sensory and memorable treat encompassing mesmerising light shows, guided ghost tours and vibrant celebrations that capture the nocturnal magic of the river.

    This is no ordinary nighttime adventure; the region becomes an entirely different world when the sun sets. Discover six must-do activities along the Murray that can only be enjoyed after dark.

    1. Share in ghostly tales

    Port After Dark tour Murray at night
    Hold on to your nerve when learning local ghost stories. (Credit: Campaspe Shire Council)

    If you’re up for something a little more spine-tingling, Port After Dark in Echuca is your best bet. Rumour has it that the Port of Echuca Wharf and the buildings around it have long been home to lingering ghosts and mysterious events – like the vengeful woman said to haunt an old tramway bridge and spirits searching for stolen money through the town centre.

    You can hear all about them on this guided lantern tour, which takes place on Wednesday and Saturday nights after dark. The stories are atmospheric and intriguing – you may even spot a ghost or two yourself. If you’d like a more intimate experience, private tours are also available to groups of 15 or more.

    2. Wander art installations

    Bruce Munroe's Fibre Optic Symphoinic Orchestra Murray at night
    See Bruce Munro’s immersive art installation. (Credit: Serena Munro)

    Right near the Perry Sandhills, sits an experience that feels almost otherworldly. Artist Bruce Munro (of Uluru’s Field of Lights fame) has created a Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra, a network of 80 Hills Hoists illuminated with fibre optic light combined with the sounds of an orchestra. The clotheslines glow and pulse in time to the specially composed score, immersing you in a dreamscape of light and sound.

    For a different light experience, you’ll find stillness at Trail of Lights, also curated by Munro. Located just 30 minutes away on Lock Island in Mildura, thousands of lights stretch over the landscape, spotlighting both the river and a series of Munro’s sculptures. The trail is intended to be a peaceful and meditative setting for wandering and reflecting.

    3. Learn through lasers

    Heartbeat of the Murray at night
    Travel 30 million years into the Murray’s past at Heartbeat of the Murray. (Credit: Ewen Bell)

    Discover a fascinating history in this dual act of lights and projections on the banks of the Little Murray River. Legends of the Mallee is a multimedia show combining lasers and lights, which tells the story of the region’s rich past. Learn about the Wamba Wamba and Wadi Wadi Peoples who first inhabited the area, as well as the figures and events that shaped the Mallee of today.

    The river steals the spotlight in the Heartbeat of the Murray, a multimedia spectacle inside the Pioneer Settlement encompassing lights, lasers, sound and special effects against the natural backdrop. Through a sequence of large-scale animated projections, you’ll go back 30 million years to explore the Murray River’s formation before travelling to the present to learn how it supports modern communities.

    4. Light up the lake

    Lake Mulwala Laser Light Show Murray at night
    Watch the lights and lasers of Lake Mulwala. (Credit: Mulwala Water Ski Club)

    Travelling with kids? Head to Yarrawonga Mulwala and nearby Lake Mulwala for the family-friendly Laser Light & Sound Show. Lights and lasers are projected over the lake and onto curtains of fog, creating a colourful and high-energy visual display. The show suits all ages and tastes, set to a mix of songs that everyone knows and loves.

    You can take in the spectacle from either the grassy banks of the lake or book a table at the Mulwala Water Ski Club’s Malibu Deck Cafe, serving pub-style food and refreshing drinks, including excellent classic cocktails. If you’re watching from the foreshore, the show is entirely free, making it a great budget-friendly option.

    5. Be captivated by local culture

    Bullanginya Dreaming Murray at night
    Soak in the culture of the Bangerang People. (Credit: Laser Vision)

    Set aside an evening to explore Bullanginya Dreaming in Cobram Barooga – you’ll want ample time to take in the stories and symbolism of this immersive laser light and sound trail. The 1.8-kilometre trail explores the storytelling and culture of the Bangerang People, who have long cared for the lands around Bullanginya Lagoon in Barooga. The trail features 12 activations – each telling a different story – and combines dramatic lights and lasers with water and fire.

    Intertwined with the visual displays are Bangerang narratives, giving you meaningful insight into the area’s Indigenous heritage. It’s designed to be explored over 90 or so minutes, encouraging you to move slowly and thoughtfully.

    6. Discover a winter glow

    winterglow festival
    See the streets of Albury Wodonga come to life after dark. (Credit: Visit Albury Wodonga)

    Albury Wodonga comes alive as the weather drops, with an annual celebration of the season on Saturday, 15 August. WinterGlow takes over the CBD and features a vibrant program of things to see, do, learn, eat and drink.

    Take part in hands-on workshops that let you try different art forms and crafts. Feast on street food and winter warmers from local eateries. Browse for artisan wares at the night markets. Watch musical acts on the main stage. Or get involved in different activations, including a silent disco and giant maze. Artificial snow will be falling to add to the festive atmosphere.

    Even wandering the streets and laneways and soaking up the late-night energy will leave you feeling enchanted.

    Start planning a day-to-night adventure along the Murray at visitthemurray.com.au.