Example Itinerary - SYS

The Lower North Shore

(illustrated example)

 The foreshores of the harbour meander in and out of rocky coves and bays and around craggy headlands of rock and bush.  Imagine the fingers of water pointing up into hidden estuaries subtlety hiding grand homes or little cottages, often balanced precariously on poles to level out the floor.

 Restaurants and cafes hug the beachside (but there’s not many beaches – it’s mainly rocky headlands and National Park) and bushy tracks lead from one bay to the next.  Shop in the little village stores.  Delis and boutiques sit side by side often in converted old buildings with secluded courtyards and trees.

 History abounds.  Get a sense of the days before the Harbour Bridge linked the Lower North Shore to the Rocks – when the little ferry crewed by “Bluey” escorted you to Blue’s Point and on to a tram to go further afield to Mosman.  And on and on, around and around the headlands of the Lower North Shore.  There is an abundance of treasure trails to be discovered and gems to explore.

GEM's and PIT Stops

T Ripples

Sit almost underneath the arches of the Harbour Bridge.  You are so close you can almost see and touch the individual rivets.  Look up there as the Bridgeclimbers cross over definitely with some trepidation but also with excitement.  Stay for a while or just a coffee. 

T Atholl Hall

Through the branches there are glimpses of brilliant blue sea and sky with only snippets of red tiled roofs peeping above the trees.  A kookaburra poses on the branch cocking his head to get a better view of lunch with magpies and butcher birds hovering nearby in competition.  Lunch is delightful.  Especially the homemade dips and the crisp sauvignon blanc

T Bradleys Head

Stroll to Bradleys Head, don’t’ step on that water dragon!  Look there’s a bench.  Sit and watch the children playing ball on the beach.  Did they swim from that yacht?  Turn back to where the dirt path is more overgrown.  There’s just a few sandstone steps and the boardwalk over the creek.  It’s much quieter here.  Only the squeaking birds – the high pitched loriqueets

T Balmoral

Pause as you drive down the steep hill to the water’s edge.  The dark turquoise bay, with the ocean beyond is surrounded by rocky and bushy headlands.  See Middle Head standing proudly in the centre of the picture and the sheer cliff of North Head guarding the entrance to the harbour.  Park on the left side of the bay, behind a towering stand of palm trees – frame your photo with these trees and capture the view for ever.