Bradleys Head Walk & the Athol Bay Beaches

Join me back in the lower North Shore this week to explore the beaches along Bradleys Head Walk – a natural wonderland, native fauna and flora galore, in the heart of the city.

Dense vegetation. Lush bushland. Eucalypts, honeysuckles, and red gums. Water dragons hog your path in front. Bush turkeys gobble at your feet. Kookaburras giggle in the distance.

Photo Jamie Plaze. Source: Native Plants of Sydney Harbour
National Park, Doug Benson

Peek through the trees for Harbour views, to Bradleys Head and out along the protruding amphitheatre – an unrivalled panorama – the photo hotspot. Awe-struck tourists. Proud locals. Lovers and sunset weddings.

From here a running dive and you’re in the centre of Sydney Harbour. The Bridge and Opera House sit in your hands before you, their wonder inescapable. Revel for a while. You do not want to leave.

But on you persist. Back on the path there’s more to see. An unnamed beach is drawing you in. Under the walkway barrier and stumble down. A rock-strewn off-track twists through the gums. Branches reach out yearningly over a seaweed spotted shore. The green sea rescues you from their grasp.

Flee out to The Island where glasses of champagne are gulped diligently. A floating shipping container converted into a bar, frequented by Sydney’s finest. Try to climb aboard but don’t expect a welcome invitation. Tye-dye board shorts clash with the all-white colour scheme.

So, back to the ocean where you belong and over to the main beach of Athol Bay, where soft winds scatter over a drowsy swell building slightly under passing sails. Dodge the pulse of jellyfish fusing with the sea. Wash up onto shore. Rest and stay a while in the peaceful parting sun.

But quick there’s still more to discover. A secluded beach under a neighbouring wharf is waiting patiently. Watch your feet though. Danger signs. A bin for washed up needles, threats to pristine beauty. Tread carefully on golden sands and into safe clear waters. Seagulls perform over the ferry wharf. Families leave Taronga Zoo. Climb on up and take a seat. This is your ride home too.

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