Departing from the Church Point Wharf in Sydney’s northern suburbs, the Scotland Island Ferry is a fun cruise on the Pittwater. We found only limited car parking was available, the park next to the wharf was full, as was a council car park down the road. Fortunately, we found a spot on Pittwater Road, only a five minute walk away. So, arrive early to get a spot for your car, because otherwise, you may be waiting for the next ferry.
Planning to catch the 8:30AM ferry, we were pleased to find cafes open at the wharf, meaning that coffee could be bought before we left.
Tickets are purchased from the ferry master once you are on board and seated. Tell him if you will be getting off, or taking a round trip because this will save buying a second ticket. We sat at the front in the open to enjoy the views and fresh air. From here you can also get some great photos of the trip, because you can see in all directions.
The 40-minute trip loops around Scotland Island, while calling into several settlements there and on the mainland. The number of beautiful yachts moored nearby is amazing and they looked wonderful in the early morning light. Calling into the island’s wharfs, you see people’s houses nestled in the island’s trees, their boathouses and jetties.
We had a great time on the cruise and were able to see some lovely scenery.
The five-kilometer Federation Cliffs Walk offers spectacular coastal views, with sandstone cliffs, a lighthouse and a shipwreck memorial.
Getting There
We chose to use public transport to the Federation Cliffs Walk, as this meant we could start at one end of the Walk and finish at the other, without having to return to the starting point. A ferry from Circular Quay took us to Watson’s Bay Wharf, where we started the walk, while the return trip was by bus to Central Station, from Diamond Bay Reserve.
The Gap Lookout and Walking Track
From Watsons Bay Wharf, we made the short walk to the Gap Lookout, where we started our walk. From the lookout, views of the cliffs and out to sea are amazing. Well-made and maintained walkways make the track easy to walk and from here heads south to Bondi and beyond.
Wreck of the Dunbar
Launched on 30 November 1854, the Dunbar was a first-class passenger and cargo carrier. On the night of 20 August 1857, the ship approached the entrance to Port Jackson from the south, but heavy rain and a strong gale winds made navigating difficult. Possibly mistaking The Gap as the port’s entrance, the captain ran the ship onto the rocks. Of the 122 people on board, only one survived.
As a result of this tragedy and the loss of the Catherine Adamson at North Head nine weeks later, the Government built Hornby Lighthouse.
Containing one of Dunbar’s anchors, a memorial stands on the cliffs above the wreck site.
Dunbar MemorialSea Cliffs on the Federation Cliffs Walk
Signal Hill
Constructed in 1892-1893, Signal Hill Battery was one of many defensive forts built around Sydney. Originally armed with a BL 9.2-inch (234 mm) Mk VI breech-loading counter bombardment British Armstrong disappearing gun, the fort operated until just after World War Two. By this stage the original gun had been replace by two six-inch guns. Fortunately, the 9.2-inch is on display at North Head, near the Memorial Walk.
Memorial plaques give tribute to those who served here as well as providing historical context for the structures.
This is a great place to stop on your walk to understand some of Sydney’s history and admire the fantastic views.
Cliff Top Fortifications
Memorials
Walking along the Federation Cliffs Walk, you will come across many memorials, it is worth stopping to view them. Some are for loved ones lost overseas, while others commemorate the locations of fortifications or the service of military regiments.
Lieutenant Grieve’s Memorial
Macquarie Lighthouse
Designed by James Barnet and built from 1881 to 1883, Macquarie Lighthouse is 26m tall. Heritage listed, it is still fully operational and under the control of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. The white tower makes an outstanding photo when set against a deep blue summer sky.
Macquarie Lighthouse
The Grave Of Edmund Barton
Sir Edmund Barton, GCMG, PC, KC (18 January 1849 – 7 January 1920) was an Australian politician and judge who served as the first Prime Minister of Australia, in office from 1901 to 1903. Located in South Head General Cemetery and marked by a cross headstone, Barton’s grave is difficult to find amongst all of the others found there.
An interesting place to visit because of the historical importance of Barton.
Edmund Barton’s Grave
Diamond Bay Reserve
Federation Cliffs Walk offers many superb views of the ocean and cliffs. One of the best is at Diamond Bay, where walkways and a viewing platform provide excellent views. Fishermen have constructed stairs and a gateway on the cliff face. The walkway provides a safe place for photographers
Waverley Council encourages visitors to Diamond Bay Reserve to stay away from the cliff’s edge. A 27 year-old woman past away recently after slipping when taking a photo on the cliff’s edge. Fencing and signs are there for your safety.
Sea Cliffs at Diamond BayStairs on the Diamond Bay CliffsSea Cliffs on the Federation Cliffs WalkSea Cliffs on the Federation Cliffs Walk
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
A great way to experience the Nepean River at Penrith is to take a cruise on the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler down the 50 million year old gorge. This gives you a nice relaxed environment, while viewing the river and enjoying morning tea or lunch.
We chose the morning tea cruise, giving us an early start, but being able to enjoy the whole day in the Penrith area. Arriving early, we grabbed a coffee from one of the cafes across the road from the Nepean Belle carpark. There was ample car parking available near the Paddlewheel. We just needed to provide our ticket and have our names ticked off, making the boarding process easy.
The Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler Tour
Once we boarded the Paddlewheeler, we were allocated a table on the upper level by a window, giving us great views over the river. This tour was 1.5 hours, but there are quite a few tours to choose from including twilight dinner tours etc.
The Nepean Belle is very stable on the water and once underway, you can walk around freely, admiring the views natural flora and native wildlife around the river. There was a lot of birdlife on the water and we were pleased to have seen a few eagles as flying overhead. The captain gave ample information about the area. There were people kayaking on the river and enjoying water sports as well.
Morning Tea
Morning tea was tea/coffee and delicious fluffy scones with home-made jam and cream, which we thoroughly enjoyed. The staff were exceptional and the captain a wealth of knowledge. It’s nice to be able to go on this cruise with so many staff who were so welcoming and really appeared to love what they do!
It was a relaxed way to start the day on a nice old boat while getting to see the Nepean River.
The Nepean Belle PaddlewheelerShip’s Wheel, Where you get a Chance to Steer the BoatNepean River From Nepean Belle PaddlewheelerNarrow Part of the Nepean RiverNepean River Looking over the Paddlewheel
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
