Destination's Journey

Tag: travel

  • Balmoral Beach

    Balmoral Beach

    Balmoral Beach

    Balmoral Beach is a picturesque and popular beach located on the north shore of Sydney Harbour, Australia. It’s a great place to swim, relax or just take in the scenery.

    Getting There

    During busy time like weekends and public holidays, the area can be very busy, so getting there early might be a good idea. Using public transport requires several changes of buses, trams and ferries, depending on where you leave from. Only the 114 and 238 busses stop at the beach, with the 238 connecting to the wharf at Taronga Zoo, enabling you to get the ferry from Circular Quay.

    Balmoral Beach

    The main attraction, in the area is of course the beautiful beach. The sheltered waters are a great place to relax and swim. Along the foreshore, a variety of eateries offer places for snacks and meals. The old Bathers’ Pavilion is now a restaurant, with views over the beach while you eat. Strictly speaking this area is Edwards Beach, as there is a name change around Rocky Point Island.

    Bathers Pavilion
    Bathers Pavilion.

    Rocky Point Island

    Located just offshore and at the north end of the beach, Rocky Point Island was one of the reason we visited. Not only does it have great views along the coast and back to the beach, but it is accessed via a unique foot bridge. This bridge allows access to the island during high tide while providing a great backdrop for photos. It’s very popular for wedding photos as well.

    Arch bridge to Rocky Point Island Balmoral Beach
    Arch bridge to Rocky Point Island.
    Arched bridge to Rocky Point Island
    Arched bridge to Rocky Point Island.
    View to Balmoral Beach from Rocky Point Island
    View to Balmoral Beach from Rocky Point Island.
    View to Balmoral Beach from Rocky Point Island

    Balmoral Wharf

    Built in the early 1900s, the circular Balmoral Pier is a popular spot for fishing and boating. The water enclosed by the pier is a sheltered and safe spot to swim and we saw a lot of families with small children using it. Visitors can also enjoy a meal or a drink at one of the restaurants or cafes located on the wharf, while taking in the stunning views of the harbour.

    The Circular Wharf Balmoral Beach
    The Circular Wharf.

    Tramway Cutting

    Located in Lawry Plunkett Reserve and opposite Balmoral Beach is an old tramway cutting, built in the early 1900s to provide easy access to the beach for visitors. Unfortunately it was removed, as it would make access to the area far easier. Today, the tramway cutting is a pedestrian walkway that runs along the eastern side of the beach, providing a scenic route for walkers and joggers.

    We accessed the park from Botanic Road, but there are entrances from all of the surrounding streets. Following the path through the reserve led us to the old cutting, which is near the Esplanade entrance. Several pieces of old track are still present, but most has been removed. This was an interesting place to see and nice to see that a small part was preserved.

    Remains of the old tracks in the tramway cutting Balmoral Beach
    Remains of the old tracks in the tramway cutting.
    Old control wheel cemented into the rocks
    Old control wheel cemented into the rocks.
    Walking track through Lawry Plunket Reserve Balmoral Beach
    Walking track through Lawry Plunket Reserve.
    The White Flower by Christopher Hodges
    The White Flower by Christopher Hodges.

    What Else to do in the Area?

    From here we walked part of the Hedland Park Walking Track which has fantastic views over Sydney Harbour. We had a great day here walking along the beach and it’s surroundings, and finished it off with a great walk.

    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

  • Headland Park Walking Track

    Headland Park Walking Track

    Headland Park Walking Track

    The Headland Park Walking Track is a scenic and historic trail that runs from Balmoral Beach to Georges Head in Mosman, Sydney, Australia. The walking track is approximately 4.5 kilometers in length and offers stunning views of the harbour and surrounding coastline. The portion we walked was approximately 2 kilometers long.

    Starting at Balmoral Beach the track winds its way along the coast, passing through beautiful parks and natural landscapes. As you make their way along the trail, you pass several historic landmarks as well as outstanding views of Sydney and the Harbour.

    How to Get There

    We parked at Balmoral Beach where we found a long duration park area. This was great because most of the parking there had a 2 hour limit which is not long enough. Sign posts placed along the track give direction to the differing destinations you can get to. Well maintained, the track varies from flat sections to very steep ones. The climb up from Balmoral takes in around 300 steps. Although more spaced out on the other side of the ridge, it descends another 300 steps. Remember you will need to climb them all again on the return walk.

    Sign Post
    Signs on the Track
    Stone steps
    Stone steps on the Walking Track
    Track
    Part of the Track

    Spectacular Views

    If the going starts to get tough, there are many places to stop , relax and take in the spectacular views over Sydney Harbour. If you take some snacks and drinks, it’s a great place to stop and refuel.

    View Over Sydney Harbour from the Headland Park Walking Track
    View Over Sydney Harbour

    Georges Head Battery

    The Georges Head Battery is a historic military installation that dates back to the early 1900s. It was built to protect Sydney Harbour from possible attacks during times of war. The battery features a range of structures, including gun emplacements, ammunition stores, and command posts. Visitors can explore the site and learn about its history through interpretive signs and displays.

    There are more great views from here too, with the main CBD area and Circular Quay in Sydney visible.

    Cannon emplacement overlooking Sydney Harbour at Georges Head
    Cannon emplacement overlooking Sydney Harbour at Georges Head
    View Over Sydney Harbour from Georges Head
    View Over Sydney Harbour from Georges Head

    Gunners’ Barracks

    Another significant feature of the Headland Park Walking Track is the Gunners’ Barracks, which is a historic building built in the early 1800s. The building served as a barracks for soldiers stationed at Georges Head Battery, and later as a residence for military officers. Today, the Gunners’ Barracks has been restored and transformed into a luxury restaurant and event space, offering visitors a unique dining experience with stunning views of the harbor.

    From Georges’ Head you can look down onto the restored buildings before continuing along the track.

    Gunners' Barracks Headland Park Walking Track
    Gunners’ Barracks

    6 Inch Gun Battery

    Georges Heights 6 Inch Gun Battery was constructed in the early 1900s and was designed to protect the entrance to Sydney Harbour from naval attack. Steep sections around the gun emplacement are fenced off, but access available about 20m further along the track. This allows you to enter the emplacement and see the gun up close. If you miss the gun and see the sculpture park, you have gone too far. The gun site is almost directly in front of the Sculpture Park.

    6-Inch guns emplacement Headland Park Walking Track
    6-Inch guns emplacement

    Sculpture Park

    The Headland Park Walking Track also features a sculpture park, which is home to a range of contemporary art installations by Australian and international artists. Scattered around a large grassed area, the sculptures are surrounded by buildings that used to house military personnel who manned the local guns.

    Sculpture
    Wooden Sculpture Headland Park Walking Track
    Wooden Sculpture
    Sculpture Headland Park Walking Track
    Sculpture
    Sculpture Headland Park Walking Track
    Sculpture
    Old Military Buildings
    Old Military Buildings

    Chowder Bay

    We ended our walk at Chowder Bay on Sydney Harbour. Several cafés and restaurants with views of the harbour give you a choice of places to eat. We bought take away coffees and drank them overlooking the small beach before tackling the return walk.

    Overall, the Headland Park Walking Track is a great place to visit for anyone interested in history, nature, and art.

  • Port Macquarie

    Port Macquarie

    Port Macquarie

    Located on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, Australia, Port Macquarie is a favourite tourist destination. Not only does it have beautiful beaches and rainforests, but is the Koala Capital of Australia. Not only these things and convict history, but if you get bored you can pick your own tomatoes or strawberries.

    Below is a list of place we visited and things we did with links on this page. Should you want a more in depth story, links are provided further down the page.

    Beaches

    One of the great attractions to Port Macquarie is the amazing beaches. Surrounded by wonderful sandy beaches, there are plenty to choose from, whether you want ones close to town or more privacy a small drive away.

    Flynns Beach

    Looking Through Trees to Flynns Beach
    Looking Through Trees to Flynns Beach
    Flynns Beach
    Flynns Beach
    Flynns Beach Port Macquarie
    Flynns Beach

    Oxley Beach

    Oxley Beach
    Beautiful Oxley Beach
    Oxley Beach Port Macquarie
    Oxley Beach

    Rocky Beach Lookout

    Rocky Beach Lookout Port Macquarie
    View from the Rocky Beach Lookout
    Rocky Beach Lookout Port Macquarie
    Rocky Beach Lookout

    Shelly Beach

    Shelly Beach Port Macquarie
    Looking north along Shelly Beach
    Shelly Beach Port Macquarie
    Shelly Beach

    Town Beach

    Town Beach Port Macquarie
    Town Beach

    Glass House Art and Visitor Centre

    Housing the Port Macquarie Theatre, Regional Art Gallery and Visitor Information Centre, the Glasshouse Arts and Visitor Centre is a great place to visit, because not only does it have these things, but there are ruins in the basement!

    The full story can be read here.

    Connecting with Country by Sonia Shields and Where are we Now by Katrina Mane
    Connecting with Country by Sonia Shields and Where are we Now by Katrina Mane

    Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail

    Located all over Port Macquarie and its surrounding districts on the NSW mid-north coast, The Hello Koalas Sculpture Trail is a fun way to find your way around town. Many businesses and attractions have sponsored one or more of the sculptures making it an interesting way to explore the area and as a bonus finding lots of them.

    The full story can be read here.

    Koalasaurus Max
    Koalasaurus Max

    Koala Hospital

    Established in 1973 and dedicated to the to rescue, rehabilitation and release of wild koalas, the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital also helps visitor learn about this unique Australian animal.

    The full story can be read here.

    Sleeping koala
    Sleeping koala

    Mid-North Coast Maritime Museum

    Preserving Port Macquarie’s maritime history, the Mid-North Coast Maritime Museum occupies two old Pilot Cottages dating from the 1890s. Originally used to house the pilot and the boatmen who assisted him but now repurposed into a museum.

    The full story can be read here.

    Diving Helmet Port Macquarie
    Diving Helmet

    Port Macquarie Breakwall

    This is a fun area near the town centre and next to Town Beach. The rocks of the break wall have been decorated by past visitors to make a colourful display along the beach.

    Decorated rocks on the Port Macquarie breakwall
    Decorated rocks on the breakwall
    Decorated rocks on the Port Macquarie breakwall
    Decorated rocks on the breakwall
    Decorated rocks on the Port Macquarie breakwall
    Family portrait painted on the breakwall
    Decorated rocks on the Port Macquarie breakwall
    Tacking Point Lighthouse painted on the breakwall
    Decorated rocks on the breakwall
    Decorated rocks on the breakwall

    Port Macquarie Museum

    Located in the centre of town, the Port Macquarie Museum preserves the area’s history from colonial settlement and its dependance on the timber industry to the tourist destination it is today.

    The full story can be read here.

    Port Macquarie Museum displays designed to look like shop fronts
    Museum displays designed to look like shop fronts

    Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries

    A favourite with locals and tourists, Port Macquarie’s Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries is a fun place to pick your own fresh produce. Located only 20 minutes from the Port Macquarie CBD on the New South Wales mid-north coast, it’s a must-see place for visitors.

    The full story can be read here.

    Row of hydroponic strawberries
    Row of hydroponic strawberries

    Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk

    Taking you through the rainforest canopy, the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk is a 1.3km loop that starts and ends at the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre. 

    The full story can be read here.

    Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk
    The boardwalk

    Tacking Point Lighthouse

    Designed by James Barnett and built in 1879, Tacking Point Lighthouse is the thirteenth oldest lighthouse in Australia. With its own small carpark and located only 9km from Port Macquarie, it’s easy to get to.

    The full story can be read here.

    Tacking Point Lighthouse
    Tacking Point Lighthouse

    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.