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Federation Cliffs Walk

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.

Sea Cliffs on the Federation Cliffs Walk — Dunbar Memorial

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.

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 — 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.

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 — 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.

Stairs on the Diamond Bay Cliffs — Sea Cliffs at Diamond Bay

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

Our photos are available for purchase on

North Head Quarantine Station

An important part of Sydney’s past, North Head Quarantine Station once protected the city from disease by acting as the quarantine station from early in the colonies founding until 1984.

Although now disused, and renamed Q Station, it contains accommodation and a restaurant, while preserving the historical significance of the area.

Getting to The Quarantine Station

Driving

Located outside the Visitor Centre is a car park, which makes driving yourself a convenient option.

Public Transport

From the Manly Ferry Wharf, bus 135 takes 10 minutes to drive to Q Station. This bus runs every hour and connects well with the ferry arriving and departing Manly. Located outside the main entrance, the bus stop is easy to find.

Ferries to Manly run from Circular Quay, taking around 30 minutes for the trip. Alternately, the Manly Fast Ferry takes 20 minutes, but is more expensive. There is a Fast Ferry service to Q Station Wharf, if you want to start here instead of in Manly.

Walking

Taking 30 minutes, the shortest walk winds through Manly’s streets, to the Q Station car park.

Shuttle Bus

A shuttle bus operates from the main entrance, down to the wharf area, removing the need for a steep walk. Running all day, the bus makes getting around far quicker than walking. Walking from the entrance to the wharf area takes around 10 minutes.

An interesting walk connects Q Station to North Head winding through coastal Australian bushland. This is a well structured path with lots of signs. The path also passes the third quarantine station cemetery which is an interesting place to walk around and view the old grave sites.

Guided Tours of the Quarantine Station

Tours of the historical buildings are available and can be booked online. The meeting point for the tour is near the wharf at the visitor centre. If you are not staying on site this means that you will walk though other old buildings on your way giving you a great overview of what is there (alternately, you can catch the shuttle bus).

You get to walk around the hospital, grounds, decontamination rooms, fumigation rooms and various other areas. The walk to the hospital at the top of the hill is very steep.

Starting at the wharf, the guide explained the use and history of the station before showing us the plaques carved into the rock face by ship’s passengers, many of which are quite artistic.

RMS Lusitania Carving North Head Quarantine Station — RMS Lusitania Carving

Ship Carving North Head Quarantine Station — Ship Carving

Our first stop was the decontamination rooms where patients were showered before entering the facility. We then saw the fumigation rooms where their belongings were placed in larger chambers and decontaminated. Several old suitcases and trolleys are set up to show how they were used.

Our last stop was the hospital at the top of the hill, where the sick were cared for.

Wharf Precinct

There is a little museum at the wharf, which is where you will find the ship’s plaques. This was a really interesting tour, and the guide had a lot of knowledge about the working and history of the fascility.

The area provided several magnificent views over Sydney Harbour and towards the city. Quarantine Beach sitting next to the wharf is a nice area with views back to the wharf and across the harbour to the city.

Quarantine Beach North Head Quarantine Station — Quarantine Beach

The Third Quarantine Cemetery

At the end of the guided tour, we walked to the Third Quarantine Cemetery where the headstones are still standing amongst the Australian bush with views over the harbour.

Our photos are available for purchase on

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

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Federation Cliffs Walk Sydney Australia