Things To Do In Sydney

Barrenjoey Lighthouse - Palm Beach, the Northern most tip of Sydney.

We really enjoyed our day trip to the lighthouse, even though it is expensive. The views from the headland top over Pittwater, Palm Beach, and looking North to the Central Coast are spectacular. We even saw a whale breaching & splashing about, but it looks small unless you bring binoculars.

The walk:
From the car park to the lighthouse takes about 30 minutes with 2 different tracks to choose from:
- Barrenjoey Track is wider (more of a road) that accommodates service vehicles, easier paved flat rocks, but longer than the Smugglers Track. It took me about 20 minutes to walk to the top from the start and I stoped a few times to take photos. We went up Barrenjoey Track then returned via Smugglers Track.
- Smugglers Track is slightly more scenic (ocean views) with some extra photo opportunities but it is steeper and narrower with steps. Some sections you will have to wait for other people to pass by, depending on how busy it is. Both tracks start from the same place or you can climb up the rocks from the massive sand dune that touches the headland.

Costs/Transport/Tour:
Northern Beaches Council car parking is very expensive @$10 per hour. I spent $22 just to park the car while we walked up and back down (~2 1/4 hours), ouch that is probably more expensive than parking in Sydney city. You may find a few spots along Beach Road but street parking is generally not good in the area. Also the distance is about 900+ metres between Beach Road to the car park where you start the walk (on the beach) to the lighthouse.
Another transport option is to catch the bus from Wynyard or Manly, B1 / 199 routes.

Optional lighthouse tour takes about 20 - 30 minutes:
$10 Adult | $8 Concession | $5 Children
Tickets can be booked online (link below) or on the day at location (depending on quantity capacity). I'm still confused about the workings of the tours, online they are run on the hour but at the headland they do tours between, every 1/2 hour. Then the sign said next tour starts at 11:45am for example. We went on the hour and really just got let into the lighthouse. No guide to tell us anything about the lighthouse on this occasion, was disappointing.
The extra height makes for even better views from the lighthouse balcony although it was windy. I liked seeing inside the lighthouse and it really does add to the overall experience.
You can also check out the 'keepers’ cottages' which acts as a small museum after the tour. It has large printed photographs and snippets of historical facts about the lighthouse, Aboriginal inhabitants, and the area.

Take:
- Hat, sunscreen
- 1+ Litre water
- Small picnic, sandwiches
- Closed shoes (better option over thongs)
- Camera/phone
- Binoculars
- Backpack

Suggest:
Going early in the day. We arrived at the car park around 11:00am and it was already starting to get busy. By the time we left around 1:00pm it was hectic.
Look out for 'Alf Stewart' and the 'Home and Away' cast/crew if visiting during weekdays.

We had a nice time and definitely worth a visit. Pack your swimmers to have a dip & cool down after the walk.

Shelly Beach Cronulla

Visiting Cronulla Beach is great but the car parking is totally inadequate. Another option is to keep following road around to Shelly Beach where it is far less busy.

Shelly Beach has a rocky shoreline but with some patches of sand. You could snorkel in the water over the submerged rocks but the ocean rock pool is where almost everyone swims. I imagine when the swell is big the pool would be quite rough with waves coming in, but on a calm day it is perfect.

The swimmers change pavilion is unique and has a direct pathway down to the pool. I love the fresh water shower on the rocks right next to the pool entry. There is a concrete path for disabled wheelchair access to the water but it had sand over some sections when we went.

The Esplanade Walkway goes all the way along the ocean edge from North Cronulla Beach to Hungry Point with spectacular views of the water. The whole walk is long, around 4km, 1 hour, one way.

Other features of the area include:
- Massive grassy park area with lots of shady trees and a couple of barbecues
- Large fenced kids playground
- Picnic shelters next to the water (first served basis)
- Café and Food options

I really enjoyed our visit, and it has plenty of potential for other activities.

Google Map - Shelly Beach Ocean Pool
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Atx2ZrBsXBXccciz5

Google Map - The Esplanade Walkway
https://maps.app.goo.gl/fpAoXJo5YcUCe62c8

Restaurant
https://thenunspool.com/

Cafe/Shop
https://www.facebook.com/shellyparkshop/

Council article - Shelly Park:
https://www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/play-and-explore/the-outdoors/parks-and-reserves/all-parks-reserves/shelly-park-cronulla

New recreational precinct 'Barton Park', 92/96 Bestic Street, Banksia, Sydney (just South of Sydney Airport).

I knew this new park upgrade project had been going on for a number of years, but I didn't realise the scale. I was impressed, and I didn't even see it all. You would want a positive reaction for $51.7 million dollars spent.

New facilities include:
- 2 Basketball Courts
- 4 Tennis Courts
- 3 (or more) Soccer Fields
- 3 Pingpong Tables
- Large Kids Playground
- Execise Area (difficult to find)
- Ammenities Block
- Picnic Tables
- Large Car Park
- Cycle Path (see route on Google Maps: Linked below)

One thing I didn't see was any BBQ's, just picnic tables. You may have to prebook the tennis courts (link below). We arrived about 9:00am on a Sunday morning and the tennis courts were free to use.

You can't see the execise area from the car park, it is hidden by a large grass mound. If you follow the cycle path North you will see it on the left side of the path (Google Map pin lnked below).

The cycle path follows the edge of 'Muddy Creek', you can see glimpses of the water and boats moored. I didn't go far along the path but it looks well made, nice and wide, and with bridge sections over the mangroves/water.

If anyone sees an endangered 'Green or Golden Bell Frog' around the park area, please post it here.

I will be going back soon, taking my basketball to shoot some hoops with the little guy. Check it out.

GOOGLE MAPS - Cycle/bike/walking route:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ADj9fP7NcnNcKQx19

GOOGLE MAPS LINK (Old satellite view without the new upgrades):
https://maps.app.goo.gl/teXdsr1cLk5Bq5eT7

GOOGLE MAPS - Exercise Area Location (approximate):
https://maps.app.goo.gl/9BDc2p9bXUPcm3mx7

BAYSIDE COUNCIL - Barton Park Officially Open
https://www.bayside.nsw.gov.au/news/barton-park-officially-open

BAYSIDE COUNCIL - Book Tennis Courts
https://bayside.bookable.net.au/ #!/search?venueTypeId=5&date=2023-05-19&showMoreSearch=false&showMoreAttribute=false

BAYSIDE COUNCIL - Barton Park Recreational Precinct upgrade project
https://www.bayside.nsw.gov.au/your-council/city-projects/barton-park-recreational-precinct-upgrade-project

Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout (South-East Pylon).

Spectacular views of Sydney Harbour but over priced entry fee. Ouch prices: $30 Adults, $24 Concession, $15 Children (no cash sales).

I enjoyed my visit with family and my little boy really enjoyed the adventure. The pylon has around 200 steps to the top but is somewhat broken up with the 3 separate levels and rest spots/seats.

We caught the train to Wynyard station and walked along Cumberland Street until you reach the 'Bridge Stairs', they are almost exactly opposite the Glenmore Hotel. There is also now an elevator going up to the bridge deck walkway. This was handy for us as we took the pram with us. You can also go from Circular Quay but I think it is easier (flat) from Wynyard.

Once up on the deck it takes about 7 minutes to reach the pylon. You will pass the reworking construction of the controversial Sirius Building. The views even from the bridge deck are very good.

Doors open at 10:00am, on the first level you pay the entry fee, see museum exhibitions and can watch a short video about the full process of building the bridge.

On the second level it has some more exhibiton pieces, a gift store with drinks and snacks and toilets. Couple of small balconies but they are closed/locked.

The third level is the viewing level. Open space inside, the external balcony wraps around the entire edge offering 360 degree views of Sydney Harbour and surrounds. This level is almost as high as climbing the bridge itself, but here you can take your camera and many photographs. We took some sandwiches and had a little picnic lunch inside the top level.

Overall you could spend 30 minutes - 60 minutes for your visit. Definitely a memorable experience and I think worth at least one visit.

Afterwards we walked to Circular Quay Station via the Rocks. I love all the quirky parts of 'Old Sydney Town'. We didn't have time to visit on this ocassion but I can recommend:

- Glenmore Hotel, it gets very busy on the rooftop lookout for lunch/dinner, arrive early or book - https://www.theglenmore.com.au/
- Australian Hotel - https://www.australianheritagehotel.com/
- Hickson Road Reserve - Excellent views of the bridge and across Sydney harbour, take a picnic or just chillout on the grass - https://www.sydney.com/destinations/sydney/sydney-city/the-rocks/attractions/hickson-road-reserve
- Cumberland Street Archaeological site (beneath Sydney Harbour YHA) - https://www.therocks.com/editorials/butchery-bigamy-and-booze
- The Observer Hotel - https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Observer-Hotel-100069297634000/
- Museum of Contemporary Art - https://www.mca.com.au/

Other links:

Google Maps Wynyard Station walking route link:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/PkvocQaE78HAzn3J9

Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout Website
https://pylonlookout.com.au/

Wikipedia - Sirius Building
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sirius_Building

Dining inside Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout
https://www.bridgeclimb.com/climbs-prices/whats-on/lukes-table-at-the-pylon-lookout

What's on in your local area?

Local council and community area activities are fun for both adults and children. Most events are free or are low cost.

I went the other week to the 'Open Print Exchange' presentation/event at 'Hurstville Museum & Gallery'. It was inspiring to see the wide diversity of subject matter and print making techniques used in the exhibition. The presentation was also interesting watching the demonstration of press printing with various drum/cylinder machines and hearing about the 'Open Press' project (see photo text) https://openpressproject.com/

Afterwards we made our own (plastic) basic print plate. My little owl print came out better than expected. It was great to be hands-on creative (no computer), and the prints were very quick to produce.

A few months ago I went to the same gallery with with my little boy for 'Mythical Creatures' - School holiday program session. We both had fun making a 'Minotaur' mask (see photo) and a small dragon statue.

I'm going to be booking myself into more of these types of workshops. Checkout your local council area event calendar. It might be a bit late at this stage for school holiday (kids) event bookings.

If I have left any Sydney areas off the list below, please post them here. Have a safe, enjoyable Easter all.

Bayside:
https://www.bayside.nsw.gov.au/area/event-information

Blacktown:
https://www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/Events-and-activities

Burwood:
https://www.burwood.nsw.gov.au/For-Residents/Events-and-Activities/Events-directory

Camden:
https://camden-events.bookable.net.au/ #!/

Campbelltown:
https://www.campbelltown.nsw.gov.au/Whats-On

Canada Bay:
https://www.canadabay.nsw.gov.au/whats-on

Canterbury - Bankstown:
https://www.cbcity.nsw.gov.au/events/community-and-council-events

Cumberland:
https://www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/whats-on

Fairfield:
https://www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au/Whats-on

Hornsby:
https://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/lifestyle/events

Hunters Hill:
https://www.huntershill.nsw.gov.au/Community/Events

Hurstville:
https://www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/Whats-On
https://www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/Community/Events/What%E2%80%99s-On-Event-Information/Battle-of-the-Beats-Council-Led-Event

Inner West:
https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/explore/whats-on #/

Ku-ring-gai:
https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Things-to-do/Events-and-festivals

Lane Cove:
https://www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/Events-directory

Liverpool:
https://www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au/community/major-events

Mosman:
https://events.mosman.nsw.gov.au/

North Sydney:
https://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/events

Northern Beaches:
https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-do/whats/event-calendar

Parramatta:
https://www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/events-overview

Penrith:
https://www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/upcoming-events

Randwick:
https://www.randwick.nsw.gov.au/community/whats-on

Ryde:
https://www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/Events

Strathfield:
https://www.strathfield.nsw.gov.au/play/events/

Sutherland:
https://www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/events

Sydney:
https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/

Waverley:
https://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/recreation/events

Willoughby:
https://www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/Events

Wollondilly:
https://www.wollondilly.nsw.gov.au/home/whats-on/

Woollahra:
https://www.woollahra.nsw.gov.au/Events

Cremorne Point
A nice place to visit but not a lot to do. We should have combined our visit with a swim at Maccallum Seawater Pool. Anyway we still had a very nice time, great to get out on the water and see somewhere new.

The ferry ride (F6) from Circular Quay to Cremorne Point departs on the hour on weekends. It is a short trip of 10 minutes or so. The 225 bus service is also available.

Once you arrive at the wharf or the bus stop head up the stairs. There is a kids playground, nice park area with grass, palm trees, a few bench seats to rest and public toilets . There isn't much of a view from the park, the bushes need to be trimmed.

Take the concrete path out the end of the point. You will pass a strange looking cairn, a picnic table and an information placard.

The concrete path circles back but you can continue walking to the end vantage point. You can see the navigation light (mini lighthouse) below and great views North/East of the harbour, and back towards the city.

I let our little boy climb down the fisherman's ladder with me to the rock shelf so we could get closer to the navigation light. It looks like a good spot for fishing.

We took the ferry back to Circular Quay indirectly (optional). The ferry stops at South Mosman Wharf, Old Cremorne Wharf and finally Mosman Bay Wharf. On the way back the ferry stops again at all wharf points. There are some nice houses and it was interesting to see around this area from the water. You can take the ferry directly back to Circular Quay from Cremorne Point Wharf. The wharf has a small café/kiosk for snacks and drinks.

We had a fun time but you could make a day of it by combining with a visit to Maccallum Seawater Pool. I think Bradley's Head is a nicer spot for a picnic.

Google Maps - Maccallum Seawater Pool
https://maps.app.goo.gl/o1sW8yfb7Yg1iaYR8

F6 Ferry - Circular Quay to Cremorne Point Wharf (we departed from wharf 4 but I'm not 100% if it always leaves from here)
https://transportnsw.info/routes/details/sydney-ferries/f6/090f6

225 Bus - Cremorne Point Wharf to Neutral Bay Wharf
https://transportnsw.info/routes/details/keolis-downer-northern-beaches/225/29225

Bicentennial Cairn - Clan Donnachaidh
https://monumentaustralia.org.au/themes/landscape/settlement/display/90204-bicentennial-cairn-clan-donnachaidh-

Facebook - Cremorne point wharf kiosk
https://www.facebook.com/cremornepointcoffee/

North Sydney Bushcare Groups
https://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/bushcare

Dark Spectrum - Wynyard Train Tunnels
Vivid Sydney 2023

This was a cool experience but different from what I was imagining. I didn't see any rats and it was pretty clean.

If you arrive early with tickets pre-booked, head to the Northern end of Wynyard Park and find a park bench on the inner perimeter path of the park. You can also buy tickets on site.

The queue of people builds very quickly and the single line around the edge of the park gets very long. You go through a security tent where they check your bags and scan tickets.

From there you are split up into groups of 80 - 100 people and head down a few flights of stairs down into some hidden old areas of Wynyard Train Station. You have to watch a safety/overview video then the experience begins.

There are 8 different rooms/sections/journey includes: Separation, Construction, Pressure, Unseen, Reflection, Unfamiliar, Interaction, Revelation. All very different from each other.

If you like photography or weird selfie lighting it's epic. Don't get too carried away or you will miss taking it all in. I don't want to spoil it any any further and just posting one section picture, enjoy.

Overall I really enjoyed the experience but it's pretty pricey at $45 each. Vivid must be cleaning up? For our 12:00 midday session I estimate at least 200 people (or more).

That's 200 x $45 = $9000 per hour. I'm sure it is a lot of expense to design, setup, insurance, space hire, staff etc. but couldn't they make it a bit more reasonable, cost per person?

We went to Hotel Sweeney's for lunch & bevs after. Quaint little pub with many levels, I like it. They have nice Thai food or the regular pub grub.

The rooftop area was pretty much empty when we went. Mondays are apparently the quiet day. Normally the rooftop is packed, the other levels are nice enough as well if you can't get a table up top.

VIVID - Dark Spectrum
https://www.vividsydney.com/event/light/dark-spectrum

Google map pin - The queue starts here in Wynyard Park:
https://goo.gl/maps/mStyakkGgU6hMWG29

Google map - Hotel Sweeney's
https://goo.gl/maps/bQv5yaMqb1ibekS79?coh=178571&entry=tt

Hotel Sweeney's
https://hotelsweeneys.com.au/

Being a tourist in Sydney is so much fun, even if you're just pretending to be a tourist (living in this city). We have been wanting to take the harbour ferry ride between Circular Quay and Manly for a long while now and we finally committed.

The trip takes between 20 - 30 minutes depending on the ferry class (ship type) you take. The scenery and views are spectacular on a nice sunny day. Checkout all the secluded bays, beaches and picnic spots around Bradleys Head and the whole of Sydney Harbour. The best public transport trip you can take in Sydney, price ranges from $8.04 - $9.70 each way.

As the ferry passes the small section between Sydney Harbour Heads you can expect some pitch, roll and heave of the ship depending on ocean swell conditions. If you know you are prone to sea sickness check the swell forecast before boarding. On the flip side some people might enjoy the thrill. The day we went was almost perfect with small swell, low winds and sun shine.

Arriving in Manly it feels like you are on holiday. As the saying goes “Seven miles from Sydney and a thousand miles from care”.

We had a quick ocean swim inside the protective shark netting at Manly Cove Beach. The water was super clear and a good temperature. The big Norfolk Island Pine trees shade some sections of the beach in the early morning. A great time for families with small children, avoiding too much sun exposure.

Plenty of tables are available around Manly Cove Beach promenade for a picnic or just rest and soak up the scenic atmosphere. Large grassy areas are also available on the Eastern side of Manly Wharf for picnics.

We visited Manly early Sunday morning with not too many people around. It can get very busy later on in the afternoon and the ferry ride back to Circular Quay can be congested/packed. On our trip we just visited the Manly Cove Beach, met up with a friend for a short while, then returned to Circular Quay.

If you want to take more of a whole day trip some suggestions are:

- Head through Manly Corso to the Manly Surf Beach
- Have lunch at the Hotel Steyne rooftop (book or arrive early)
- Have lunch overwater at Manly Skiff Club (book or arrive early)
- Take the water edge walking track to Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve/Shelly Beach (take your mask and snorkel)
- Hire a bike and explore Manly
- Hire a kayak and explore Manly (harbour) beaches

We had such a great time, I hope you do too, enjoy.

Trip Planner
https://transportnsw.info/trip #/trip?from=200020&to=209573&leaving=true&excludedModes=11&onlyAccessible=false&walkSpeed=0&gettingFromMode=100&gettingToMode=100&onlyOpal=false&gettingToValue=20&gettingFromValue=20&tripPreference=0&travelMode=publicTransport

Bradleys Head
https://goo.gl/maps/yVv9CJQ4bXzUNFc57

Hotel Steyne Manly
https://hotelsteyne.com.au/steyne-rooftop/
https://hotelsteyne.com.au/rooftop-table-reservation/

Manly Skiff Club
https://www.manlyskiff.com.au/

Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve
https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/marine-protected-areas/aquatic-reserves/cabbage-tree-bay-aquatic-reserve
https://goo.gl/maps/5FhCA95aPF2EKVBEA

Manly Bikes and Manly Bike Tours
https://www.manlybikes.com.au/bikehire

Manly Kayak Centre
https://manlykayakcentre.com.au/

Kurnell, Captain Cook's Landing Place, and Silver Beach

We visited Kurnell last Friday just before Sydney was locked down. I like Kurnell, it feels like a small seaside country town, apart from the international and domestic aircraft flying overhead as they approach Sydney airport. Be sure to bring a jacket as Kurnell is often windy.

Our visit was fairly short, walking the Monument Track through the Kamay Botany Bay National Park. The first part of the track is nicely paved and flat for easy walking. It has nice views over Botany Bay looking towards La Perouse and features Cook’s Landing Place, Banks’ Memorial, Ferry Shelter Shed, Cook’s Stream, a viewing jetty and other highlights. A lot of historical plaques and general information is on display to read and learn about the meeting of European and Aboriginal cultures. One plaque records how the landing party were firing muskets at the locals before they even landed, that isn't nice (see photo).

Unfortunately this visit we didn't get a chance to take the Burrawang Walk (that features a soundscape) this visit but I recommend you do. Also, be sure to visit the Kurnell Visitor Centre for maps and information. The park has many picnic tables, large open grassy areas with scattered trees for shade, and general amenities. There are also many other walking tracks throughout the Kamay Botany Bay National Park.

If you enter the Kurnell area of the National Park with your car, a daily rate of $8 per vehicle per day applies. We parked on the corner of Prince Charles Parade and Captain Cook Drive. From there it has easy flat access to the start of Monument Track. Free car parking is available almost the full stretch alongside Silver Beach.

Kurnell and Silver Beach has a few basic food options:
- Endeavour Coffee and Ice Cream
- Kurnell 1770 Bakery and Cafe
- Silver Beach Cafe (seems to also acts as a hub for locals and visitors)
- Cook @ Kurnell

Silver Beach has a few enclosed swimming areas. I went snorkelling once a few years ago but I didn't see many fish. Silver Beach has nice sand, and the water looks clear. A good walking track goes almost all the way along the edge of Silver Beach to Bonna Point (Prince Charles Parade), see Google Map link below.

N.P. Captain Cook's Landing Place: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/historic-buildings-places/captain-cooks-landing-place

N.P. Burrawang walk: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/burrawang-walk/map

Google street view virtual tour of Burrawang walk: https://goo.gl/maps/KLj9HQYhByiNMTN69

Google Map Silver Beach Walk: https://goo.gl/maps/w3A1QiZvzK5qef8K6

Darling Harbour to Circular Quay - Sydney Harbour walk

I thought the walk would be pretty quick around the edge of the Sydney Harbour through Barangaroo Reserve - Walsh Bay - Dawes Point - The Rocks but it took well over an hour and a half. Although I was stopping frequently to take photographs.

I haven't been along the new section of Barangaroo, between the Darling Harbour and Barangaroo Reserve. The new walkway is fine with very nice views of the water, new jetties, small trees that offer a minimal amount of shade, and some interesting landscaping with Sydney sandstone rocks.

The Crown Casino building casts a very long shadow along the walkway at this time of year (winter) where the sun is low in the sky. Once you get out of the shade the foreshore walk is very nice but currently a lot of construction is taking place so it can be noisy. Barangaroo Reserve and Dawes Point to Hickson Road Reserve (going under the bridge) were my favourite sections of the walk. A lot of people were running past, be careful not to get in their way.

We stopped on the grass at Hickson Road Reserve for a sandwich and rest. It's a really spectacular spot on a nice day looking up at the bridge, over the water at the Opera House, and all around Sydney Harbour. See the Google Map link below for the whole route.

Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/TgxNH4WHKGWjxA7a9

WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo

I liked seeing all the native Australian fauna and our little boy had a great time. We went early at 10:00am when the zoo opens. We should have gone later in the day as a lot of the animals were still asleep or it was too cold for them to come out. If you are going in colder parts of the year I suggest going around midday or early afternoon. We also missed out on feeding times. I would have liked to see the massive Crocodile move.

The open-air rooftop Kangaroo area is a great place to get up close and pat the animals. This area also has some nice birds and other native fauna. At the far end above is the Koala rooftop café/rest area where Koalas are lazily feeding. There is also a small balcony looking down into the Crocodile enclosure.

I found the layout of the Zoo slightly weird. We spoke to a friend about it and he said that they reduced the overall size to accommodate Madame Tussauds.

We used our Dine & Discover vouchers, the difference was an extra $11.80 each. My ticket didn't come through so I had to email the ticket office and they quickly resent me the ticket/link.

Vouchers are supposed to expire at the end of the month but the scheme maybe extended? The Zoo is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

https://www.wildlifesydney.com.au/