It’s been a decade since Oprah Winfrey last visited Sydney. Back for a national speaking tour, and with just a few days in the harbour city, a whirlwind tour of highlights was in order.
It’s so great to be back in Sydney. It’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Oprah Winfrey
Before her return to Australia, Oprah turned to Australia’s own Hugh Jackman for his advice on how she should spend her time in Sydney. His recommendations provided a solid starting point: walk Bondi to Bronte, and have ricotta hotcakes at bills.
Oprah Winfrey
We’re doing the hike, advised by the one and only, the best Aussie, himself, Mr Hugh Jackman.
From Bondi, Oprah’s next walking adventure took her to Royal National Park to walk the coastal track between Wattamolla and Eagle Rock.
This is unbelievable. You hear the sound of the ocean, and the sound of birds. Unbelievable. This is why we hike.
Oprah Winfrey in Royal National Park
Rounding out her tour of Sydney and its coastal walks, Oprah took to Cremorne Reserve, located on the north shore of Sydney Harbour with beautiful gardens and views of the Sydney Opera House and city skyline.
How to experience Oprah’s Sydney walking itinerary
Ready to take a lead from Oprah and experience three of Sydney’s best short walks?
Bondi to Bronte
Hugh Jackman’s recommendation to Oprah Winfrey was to do the Bondi to Bronte walk. Part of the 6km Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, this track follows some of Sydney’s favourite beaches.
With epic coastal views and equally beloved by those in Sydney for the very first time as well as longtime locals, the coast walk at Bondi serves up iconic scenes and ocean breeze from end to end.
You can round out your ‘Sydney, Oprah’s version’ journey with a trip to bills at the Bondi end of the walk.
Wattamolla to Eagle Rock
The walk from Wattamolla to Eagle Rock in Royal National Park follows a section of The Coast Track, a 26km route between Bundeena and Otford. That means you can extend your Wattamolla to Eagle Rock trek in either direction if you’d like the challenge of a longer walk.
You can drive directly to Wattamolla (keep in mind it’s a popular spot and can be very busy on weekends and holidays) to start your walk. At Wattamolla you’ll find a protected bay where you can swim, see scenic waterfalls, and have plenty of space to picnic.
The walk through to Eagle Rock (quite literally a rock that looks a bit like an eagle) is approximately 3.5km and will take just under an hour, making the return journey about 7km and two hours… add a bit of time to take in the incredible coastal views.
Cremorne Reserve
Cremorne Reserve is best reached by ferry from Circular Quay, but you can drive you drive if you prefer. This harbourside spot has a pathway that loops the reserve, passing the beautiful Lex and Ruby Graham Gardens, the Mccallum Pool, and a view over the Robertsons Point Lighthouse.
Got some time up your sleeve? Make your way past Old Cremorne Wharf and continue on the path down to Lower Spofforth Walk Reserve, a very pretty spot shaded by ferns. Carry on around the bay and you’ll find yourself at Mosman Bay Wharf where you can take a ferry back to the city.
