To spend five days on The Emerald Way, is a once in a lifetime experience. Constantly surprising, the walk is a treat for all your senses.
There are a number of ways to walk The Emerald Way, but our ‘Signature’ walk itinerary defines the experience.
DAY 1
South Coogee to Watsons Bay (16km)
Our first day’s walk hugs the coastline as we head north from Coogee along The Eastern Beaches Coastal Walkway. With its stunning beaches, dramatic cliff-top sectors and inviting rock pools, the Walkway is the perfect introduction to The Emerald Way.
We encounter the impressive ‘Sesquicentenary Boardwalk’ behind Waverley Cemetery as well as the wildly popular Bronte to Bondi path before mid-day, so there’s a chance to have a swim at the iconic Bondi Icebergs prior to lunch at the Iceberg’s Club Bistro.
In the afternoon, a quick private transfer brings us to the Federation Cliff Walk as we head toward Watsons Bay. Towering cliffs, a lighthouse (or two) and of course the broiling cauldron that is The Gap are all encountered before we arrive at The South Head Heritage Trail which soon loops back to our hotel. There’s time to relax and reflect on the day’s adventures before re-joining your group for an evening feast at The Watsons Bay Beach Club.
DAY 2
Watsons Bay to Taronga Zoo (13.8km)
A relaxed breakfast enjoying the harbour views back towards the city sets us up nicely for the first Harbour walking sector of The Emerald Way. Highlights this morning include crossing the Parsley Bay suspension bridge (built 1903) and an exploration of the grounds of Vaucluse House. After entering the Hermitage Foreshore Walking track we’ll pass secluded beaches, historical Strickland House and the Convent Heart Cemetery before rendezvousing at Hermit Point with our private water taxi that will whisk us across the harbour to Woolloomooloo Bay.
After morning tea we follow Mrs Macquarie’s Bushland Walk toward the Royal Botanic Gardens then past the Sydney Opera House and into Circular Quay for lunch.
The afternoon sees us board a public ferry for the short ride to Cremorne Point where we begin the afternoon’s adventure passing impressive, ‘Gatsby Era’ mansions before joining the path through the native bush along the Harbour shoreline until we arrive at Taronga Zoo for a very special evening in the stunning ‘Wildlife Retreat’.
DAY 3
Taronga Zoo to Manly (10.2km or 19.5km)
There’s a choice to be made this morning. If you’ve never had a guided kayak adventure around Middle Harbour this is an experience not to be missed. For those keen to hit the water we’ll take a private transfer to The Spit and enjoy the 2 hour tour before changing back into our walking gear for lunch at a bistro overlooking the marina.
Meanwhile non-paddlers can take the opportunity to continue the walk from Taronga Zoo via Bradleys Head, Chowder Bay and Balmoral Beach and meet up with the group for lunch. The choice is yours!
With everyone back together we head across the Spit Bridge to join the Manly Scenic Walkway, a 11km harbour-side route. There are some significant Aboriginal rock carvings to be admired, the intriguingly named Forty Baskets Beach to traverse and an overnight stay in the Sebel Sydney Manly Beach.
We have left this evening ‘open’ as the seaside village of Manly offers so many options in terms of pubs and restaurants – your Walk Leader will be happy to point you in the right direction whatever you decide to do.
DAY 4
Manly to Church Point via Palm Beach and Barrenjoey Headland (15.3km)
Today’s walk is comfortably broken up with a private transfer (no tramping along endless miles of sand dunes for us!) and a sunset-cruise on Pittwater.
We begin our day by joining the Northern Beaches Coast Walk admiring as we go the spectacular ocean views, golden beaches and picturesque ocean pools. In season (May-September) this is classic whale sighting territory but even if it’s not that time of the year the flora and fauna along this coastal path is always fascinating. After rounding Dee Why Lagoon (a mini eco-system in itself) and the Long Reef Headland (watch out for paragliders floating above) we arrive at the beachside Collaroy Hotel for lunch.
Our afternoon begins as we zip up the coast by private transfer to arrive at Palm Beach. We are now heading for the northernmost point of Sydney’s Great Coastal Walk as we climb the magnificent Barrenjoey headland. A heritage-listed lighthouse, stunning views over Broken Bay and Pittwater and a descent via the winding ‘Smuggler’s’ track makes for a fitting way to wrap up the day. Except that there’s more to come when we join our private cruise across Pittwater to Church Point for our final night together.
DAY 5
Church Point to West Head and Mackerel Beach. (3.2km)
With a farewell lunch beckoning and one last ferry trip across Pittwater scheduled for mid-morning, our day begins with a private transfer into Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. We then walk via the ‘Red Hands’ cave toward West Head for our last group photo.
There are a lot of stairs and the paths are more challenging than those we have experienced so far, but the good news is that it’s all downhill to Great Mackerel Beach (where we catch the ferry) and the walking distance is a mere 3.2km.
After being dropped off at Palm Beach wharf we head via private transfer to Newport for lunch. An afternoon transfer back to the Sydney CBD completes your journey on The Emerald Way.
Inclusions
The 5-Day ‘Signature’ walk includes all accommodation, meals, transfers and two expert local guides.
For a list of what to bring, refer to clothing and equipment advice in FAQs.
Got questions? Please get in touch with our team.
- Four nights twin share accommodation staying at boutique 4 Star hotels with private ensuite
- Four Breakfast and five lunches
- Evening meals at atmospheric local restaurants Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. We’ve deliberately left Wednesday evening open so that you can explore the many pubs & restaurants in the seaside village of Manly.
- Dinners include soft drinks, beer and wine
- All transfers (including luggage) by private mini bus, water taxi and ferry
- Support Vehicle providing cold drinks and snacks at morning and afternoon tea breaks
- All park entry fees
- A choice on day three of a 2-hour Middle Harbour Kayak Adventure
- A professional and knowledgeable Walk Leader to guide the walk supported by a Walk Assistant each day
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