Sydney Harbour Bridge to Balmoral - foreshore walk

Sydney Harbour is arguably one of the best harbours in the world. There is no better way to explore than on foot and no better walk to take than the foreshore route from Sydney Harbour to Balmoral Beach.

Start at Milson's Point at the Harbour Bridge’s northern stairs at Burton Street. Walk downhill towards the Harbour, keeping the bridge on your right. You will arrive at Jeffrey Street Wharf with a wonderful view of the Bridge stretching to the southern shore and the Sydney CBD. Watch the ferries as they float in and out of Circular Quay and see if you can spot any climbers on the bridge.

Follow the foreshore footpath keeping the harbour to your right. Pass through Dr Mary Booth Lookout, down Waruda Street and take the steep set of stairs up to Kirribilli Avenue. This neighbourhood has some interesting residents. You will pass by Admiralty House, home to the Governor-General, followed quickly by Kirribilli House, the NSW Residence of the Prime Minister of Australia. Turn into Carabella Street, right into Peel Street and then left into Elamang Avenue. Many of the houses in this area are typical of the Federation era.

Continue past the Ensemble Theatre on McDougall Street turning right across Milson Park. Cross the park (keeping the water on your right) and take the set of stairs. Turn left on High Street and right on Hipwood Street. You will shortly arrive at Anderson Park. Take the path near Neutral Bay Marina and turn right at Kurraba Road. Continue along until you pass a short set of stairs on your right dropping into Manns Avenue. If you are in need of coffee and refreshment turn right at Hayes Street and follow the path downhill till you arrive at Thelma & Louise Cafe. Try and nab a seat on the balcony overlooking Neutral Bay (http://www.thelmaandlouise.com.au/).

Continue onto Lower Wycombe Road turning right at Wallaringa Avenue. Shortly after you will join Hollowforth Avenue and Shellcove Road. Turn right at Honda Road and right on Bogota Road. Follow Bogota and turn into Cremorne Point Reserve. Here you will find the wonderful Maccallum Pool, a harbourside hangout for anyone who loves Sydney but hates crowds. If the weather is sunny take a dip.

Continue through the reserve passing Old Cremorne ferry wharf and Mosman Rowers. Follow the curve of Mosman Bay towards Mosman Bay Ferry Wharf and take the set of stairs behind the bus stop. Walk up the steep hill behind Mosman Bay ferry wharf and drop into Sirius Cove reserve. Keep the bay on your right and take the path towards Taronga Zoo. You will pass a path leading to Curlew Camp. First establish in 1890 as an artists camp, the spot has been the inspiration and place of respite for many of Australia's great artists.

Continue past Taronga Zoo Wharf via Athol Wharf Road. Take the walking track on the right and continue past Athol Hall towards Bradley's Head. You will find yourself walking underneath beautiful gums. Keep your eyes out for water dragons on the path and sailing boats on the harbour. Dropping into Chowder Bay you will find public bathrooms and a beautiful beach to cool your feet or a place for a quick dip before continuing up over the headland and down into Balmoral. For a bite to eat try Bottom of the Harbour for fish and chips (21 The Esplanade, Balmoral) or the Boathouse (http://www.theboathousebb.com.au/#about).

Whether you are after an opportunity to stretch your legs, good views, history or beach swims, this stretch of Sydney Harbour foreshore has it all.