There's a new $9.5 million coastal walk in Sydney

There’s a new coastal walk in Sydney Harbour National Park
The development took six years and cost $9.5 million
It connects Middle Head–Gubbuh Gubbuh and Georges Head to the Bondi to Manly Walk
READ MORE: The 6 best walks in Sydney

The Bondi to Manly coastal walk in Sydney is an epic 80km hike that takes in harbour views, world-famous landmarks, two of the city’s most famous surf beaches and a variety of landscapes in between. Winding mostly along the coast, there are a few areas where the path goes inland. Thanks to a six-year project, a new track has been established, meaning visitors can enjoy more of the northern coastline than was previously possible.

Middle Head–Gubbuh Gubbuh (the Aboriginal name for the area) and Georges Head are two headlands that were not previously linked to the Sydney Harbour Scenic Walk. Until now.

Expanding the coastal walk in Sydney

Natural and cultural features that detail Sydney’s history are visible across Middle Head–Gubbuh Gubbuh and Georges Head. There are military fortifications and defence structures from as far back as 1801, for example. These have all been conserved, and new signage and installations have been introduced, so visitors can learn more about the area’s history.

While the track was previously unclear and difficult to navigate, the $9.5 million project has seen new boardwalks and lookout points being constructed. It’s a 3km track that could be completed in less than an hour, or as part of the 80km Bondi to Manly Walk.

The Bondi to Manly Walk takes in views of Sydney’s landmarks © Destination NSW

Why here?

Apart from it being one of the few “missing links” along the Bondi to Manly Walk, where the track takes a step back from the waterside, the headlands also hold historic significance.

Middle Head–Gubbuh Gubbuh and Georges Head contain the largest collection of 19th and 20th-century coastal fortifications in Australia. The headlands also contain Aboriginal sites and pockets of natural bushland that are home to threatened plant and animal species.

Whether you’re interested in nature, modern history or Aboriginal culture in Sydney, the new 3km coastal walk track offers it all.

What to expect

The new track connects Chowder Bay with the popular Bondi to Manly Walk coastal path. As well as those essential views across the crystal clear water of Sydney Harbour, the Gubbuh Gubbuh-Georges Head stretch of the coastal walk offers lots of lush bushland dotted with military structures.

Highlights include inner and outer defensive ditches, designed to defend against land-based attacks through World War II. Several new lookouts have also been constructed, including The Belvedere. It offers sweeping views across the harbour to South Head and North Head. At Georges Head, examine the sandstone structures that housed guns during WWII, and find a series of tunnels and passageways that were excavated after the withdrawal of British colonial troops garrisoned in Sydney.

FAQs

Where is the new coastal walk in Sydney?

Running along the Mosman Peninsula in north Sydney, the new coastal walk track runs between Middle Head–Gubbuh Gubbuh and Georges Head.

How do I get there?

Of course, walking along the Bondi to Manly coastal walk is an option. If you only want to do the new 3km section, however, the 111 Bus route is the nearest public transport available, stopping along Chowder Bay Road and Middle Head Road.