The Hermitage Foreshore Walk is a short harbourside track in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
The picturesque walk through part of Sydney Harbour National Park has sensational views of the city skyline and Sydney Harbour Bridge while passing through coastal bushland and sandy harbour beaches.
The Hermitage Foreshore Walk is a great scenic walk year-round but is particularly enjoyable on warm sunny days when you can make the most of the quiet, hidden beaches.
So pack a picnic, sunscreen, and beach towel and get ready to experience one of Sydney’s best walking tracks.
| Distance: | 1.8km (or 3.6km return) |
| Start: | Nielsen Park, near Greycliff Ave, Vaucluse |
| End: | Bayview Hill Rd, Rose Bay |
| Public Transport: | Bus at Vaucluse Rd (start) Bus at New South Head Road (finish) Ferry at Rose Bay (20 mins walk from finish) |
| Water: | Drinking fountains in Nielsen Park |
| Toilets: | Nielsen Park |
| Top Tip: | Hermitage Foreshore Walk is part of the longer Bondi to Manly Walk so you can easily extend your walk in either direction. |
Hermitage Foreshore Walk Overview
You could do this walk in under an hour, but when you see the coastal scenery, you won’t be in any rush.
The Hermitage Foreshore Walk is a 1.8km harbourside track between Nielsen Park in Vaucluse and Bayview Hill Rd in Rose Bay.
You can walk the Hermitage Foreshore track in either direction.
The track is part of the 80km Bondi to Manly walk, so you can continue walking in either direction to extend your walk and take in more of Sydney’s coastal scenery.
The Hermitage Foreshore walking track includes steps and some uneven natural ground (and sand) among areas of boardwalk.
Hermitage Foreshore Walk Map
This map of the Hermitage Foreshore Walk shows the route from Nielsen Park at Vaucluse to Hermitage Foreshore Reserve via Milk Beach, Hermit Beach, and Queens Beach.
You can extend your walk in either direction, exploring other parts of Nielsen Park such as the scenic Bottle and Glass Point, or, in the other direction, you can walk on past Hermitage Foreshore Reserve to Rose Bay.
Facilities
You’ll find amenities including toilets and drinking water in Nielsen Park, and there are benches at various points along the way.
The cafe in Nielsen Park is currently closed and other dining options are not directly accessible on the walking route so it’s advisable to pack what you’ll need to fuel your walk.
Hermitage Foreshore Walk Highlights
There are many scenic highlights along the Hermitage Foreshore Walk including Nielsen Park, Strickland Estate, Milk Beach, Hermit Point, and Queens Beach.
This walk is renowned for its harbour views and protected beaches.
If you’re looking for a particularly special experience on the Hermitage Foreshore track, time your walk to coincide with sunset. Make your way to Milk Beach to end your day at one of Sydney’s favourite sunset spots.
Nielsen Park
Nielsen Park is a harbourside park in Vaucluse. In the early days of European settlement the area was occupied under private ownership. Today, it is used for public recreation with parkland adjoining a harbourside beach.
Before you start along the Hermitage Foreshore Walk, don’t miss the view over Nielsen Park and Shark Beach from Shakespeares Point. From the vantage point above the park, you’ll enjoy views of the harbour and city skyline.
Strickland Estate
Strickland Estate in Vaucluse is home to Carrara House, otherwise known as Strickland House.
The heritage listed mansion was designed and built from 1830 to 1858. Over the years it has had a variety of uses, first as a private residence and later as a convalescent facility.
The Hermitage Foreshore Walk passes Strickland Estate near Milk Beach, with the grounds accessible from the track.
The lawns surrounding Strickland House make for a scenic spot take a break during your walk. You might also like to pack a picnic to have here as you enjoy the harbour views.
Milk Beach
Milk Beach is a tiny and beloved harbourside beach.
The Hermitage Foreshore Walk will take you right alongside the beach.
Located in front of Strickland Estate, when you swim at Milk Beach you’ll enjoy views across the water to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and city skyline.
This is a harbour beach so you won’t encounter surf waves or lifeguards here, but it is a pretty spot for a swim.
Hermit Point
Hermit Point is a pretty spot on the Hermitage Foreshore Walk that sits alongside Hermit Beach in Sydney Harbour National Park.
There’s space here to enjoy a swim or picnic with views across the harbour.
Queens Beach
At Queens Beach you’re nearing the end of the Hermitage Foreshore walking track. This peaceful and quiet beach is your last chance to dip your toes in the harbour before finishing your walk.
Like the other harbour beaches dotted along the Hermitage Foreshore Walk, this tiny beach has scenic views across the harbour.
Finish Your Walk
If you drove to the Hermitage Foreshore Walk and parked at Nielsen Park, you can return the way you came – enjoying all the beaches and coastal views one more time. Alternatively, if you continue beyond the end of the Hermitage Foreshore track, after a 20 minute walk you’ll reach Rose Bay where you can take a ferry around to Circular Quay.