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Hermitage Foreshore track

Sydney Harbour National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Overview

The easy Hermitage Foreshore track 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 Estate 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’s a family friendly beach to enjoy, lots of grass for spreading out a picnic blanket and the Nielsen Park Café that offers coffee, lunch and snacks.

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

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Things to do:

Nielsen Park

Sydney serves up its best outdoor offerings at Nielsen Park, located at Vaucluse. Cool off with a swim at Shark Beach, lay a picnic blanket under the trees, grab refreshments at the cafe, or take a short walk and enjoy views of Sydney Harbour.

Family walking beneath huge trees in the picnic area with tranquil harbour views in the background at Nielsen Park in Vaucluse. Credit: John Spencer © DCCEEW

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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