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Hermitage Foreshore track

Sydney Harbour National Park

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Overview

Replacement of Nielsen Park seawall

Construction to replace the concrete seawall at Nielsen Park is in progress and scheduled for completion by the end of November 2024 subject to weather and coastal conditions. Shark Beach will be closed during this time. Find out more about the improvements planned for Nielsen Park.

The easy Hermitage Foreshore walk is one of Sydney's great coastal walks. Start at Nielsen Park and take in the views of Shark Island, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the grounds of Strickland House along the way.

Distance
1.8km one-way
Time suggested
30min - 1hr
Grade
Grade 3
What to
bring
Hat, sunscreen, drinking water

One of Sydney’s great coastal walks, the easy Hermitage Foreshore track offers up stunning views of Sydney’s harbour, islands and icons.

Be sure to take your camera as there are plenty of photo opportunities along this walk; you’ll be able to see Shark Island, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the grounds of Strickland House along the way.

You can start the walk at either Bayview Hill Road or Nielsen Park and whichever way you walk, a stop at Nielsen Park is a way to spend some time. There are gorgeous views to enjoy, lots of grass for spreading out a picnic blanket and the peaceful sounds of birdsong and waves lapping at the shore.

Take a virtual tour of Hermitage Foreshore Track captured with Google Street View Trekker.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

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Things to do:

Nielsen Park

Nielsen Park is located in Vaucluse, in Sydney's eastern suburbs. It offers sublime views and several spacious picnic areas.

Family walking beneath the trees at Nielsen Park. Photo: John Spencer/DPIE

Things to do:

The Nielsen

Located in the picturesque grounds of Sydney Harbour National Park in Vaucluse, The Nielsen incorporates several dining spaces catering to a range of experiences.

People inside The Nielsen cafe in Nielsen Park. Photo: Simone Cottrell/DPIE

General enquiries

Operated by

Park info

  • in Sydney Harbour National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
  • Sydney Harbour National Park is open sunrise to sunset but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

  • Park entry fees:

    Bradleys Head: $8 per vehicle per day. North Head: $5 per vehicle per day. Tap and pay card or phone payments accepted at pay machines. Coin payment available at Fairfax carpark machines only. Chowder Bay: Monday-Friday: $3 per hour, to a maximum of $16 per day. Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays: $4 per hour, to a maximum of $20 per day. If you hold an NPWS All Parks or Multi Parks Pass, you can park free for up to four hours per day - additional time can be purchased. Car parks operated by Sydney Harbour Federation Trust or Mosman Council are not covered by your pass. Please check signs carefully. Park’nPay: You can also pay for your visit to any area via the Park’nPay app.

    Other fees:

    Landing fees or tour fees apply to visit Sydney Harbour islands. All public visitors to Shark, Clark or Rodd Island, need to pay a $7 per person landing fee. To arrange, please contact 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS). Annual NSW Parks Passes do not cover landing fees.

    Buy annual pass
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