Federation Cliff Walk
The Federation Cliff Walk is a five kilometre clifftop walk with postcard views out to the Pacific Ocean from Dover Heights to Watsons Bay.
The sandstone cliffs that guard the approaches to Sydney Harbour are one of the city's most dramatic features, and this walking track offers spectacular sea views at every step. Beginning from Raleigh Reserve in Dover Heights, this walkway wanders through parklands close to the edge of the cliffs that overlook the vast blue swathe of the Pacific Ocean.
Continue another two kilometres beyond the end of the walk to Watsons Bay, and more sublime views of the harbour. Stop for a seafood lunch in the shade at Robertson Park, beside the pub at Watsons Bay.
Along the way, admire the Macquarie Lighthouse, marvel at the dramatic views of The Gap and take a close look at the 80-metre sandstone cliffs at Raleigh Reserve.
If you're thinking of undertaking the Federation Cliff Walk ' one of Sydney's most scenic walks! ' then we recommend that you start from the Southern end of the walk (Raleigh Reserve) and walk in a northerly direction until you reach your end destination of Watson's Bay. Here you will be able to enjoy a wonderful lunch and some liquid refreshment at the Watsons Bay Hotel or perhaps even lunch at Doyles On The Beach restaurant ' more about that later on in this article!
Raleigh Reserve
Located at the end of Raleigh Street, which you'll find in Dover Heights just off Military Road, Raleigh Reserve is an inspiring spot in which to start the Federation Cliff walk.
A lovely cliff top and verdant dog-friendly reserve, it offers splendid panoramic views of the Pacific ocean, from a vantage point some 80 metres above water level.
Set upon imperious sandstone cliffs, it showcases 20 million years of geological history, which date all the way back to the Triassic era.
Before starting the walk, you'll definitely want to stop here for a while to take in the magnificent views.
As there are also public toilets here, you'd be well advised to use them prior to setting off.
Rodney Reserve
A little bit further on from the Raleigh Reserve you will soon reach the Rodney Reserve.
Showcasing similar coastal views of the cliffs and ocean, this area is renowned for being an historic site.
Formerly a radar station that was used by the Royal Australian Air Force in World War II, it later housed one of the most prominent field stations for the CSIRO, (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation).
Pioneering studies in radio astronomy, you will find a replica of an early radio telescope here, as well as a plaque that commemorates the installation of the first one in the 1950s.
At this reserve, you will also see a number of multi-million dollar apartments dotted along the cliff face.
Dudley Page Reserve
Continuing on, you will definitely want to stop for a while at the Dudley Page Reserve because it showcases incredible views of both the Sydney CBD skyline, Centrepoint Tower, the Sydney Opera House and the harbour bridge.
Infact, on the 31st December every year, the large grassy area here is a very popular spot to watch the Sydney New Year's Eve fireworks. So you might want to sit here to soak in the vibe, and maybe have a little something to eat.
If you are walking this path with children, you can also let them loose for a while on the playground equipment here, which includes slides, swings, seesaw and rope climbs.
There is also an outdoor gym here which you might want to have a go on too.
Although you might not be there in time to see either on this occasion, make a mental note to come back here at another occasion to see the amazing sight of sunrise or sunset. It really is a truly memorable experience.
Eastern Reserve
After leaving the Dudley Page Reserve, the next point of interest on the Federation Cliff Walk is the Eastern Reserve.
Another clifftop viewing point that has a nice grassy area, the scenic coastal vistas are mesmerising. Especially on those stunning summer days when the cerulean ocean glistens from the sun's rays.
During the migration season this is a noted spot for whale spotting, as you have uninterrupted views of the water that stretch for miles in both directions.
Some of this section of the walk incorporates a wooden boardwalk, which adds a lovely sense of character to it. The reserve is also somewhere else, where you can be wowed by multi-million dollar properties.
Diamond Bay Reserve
Up until fairly recently, Diamond Bay Reserve was a bit of a local secret, attracting no more than a handful of people at any one time.
However, when these people started posting photos of it on Instagram, any anonymity it had quickly disappeared.
Providing a dramatic perspective on its imperious sandstone cliffs, as well as the coastline, and the spectacular crashing waves of the ocean, the area also contains a small patch of rainforest, called Rosa Gully.
Lying within an inlet area of thick and lush vegetation, this is a popular spot for serious rock climbers and abseilers, as well as being another terrific spot for whale watching during the season.
So it is well worth stopping here for a while to take it all in.
Clarke Reserve
Following on from Diamond Bay Reserve, you will come next to the Clarke Reserve.
This is another cliff top reserve that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the sandstone cliffs and the shimmering ocean. As well as Cockatoo Island which is just over the way.
All this makes for a fabulous spot for a picnic if you brought one with you, and there are plenty of tables and seating for you to use if you did.
If you would prefer, there are plenty of shaded trees for you to sit under, should you need a break from the sun.
The area is also home to Clarke Reserve Playground, which features a very good playground equipment for the kids. While on any given weekend you might also see a wedding ceremony taking place here too.
Christison Park
Adjacent to the Clarke Reserve, the next landmark on the Federation Cliff Walk is Christison Park.
Conveying equally good views of the ocean and harbour, this clifftop green space is another excellent spot for a picnic on a day when the sun is not too strong. But not so much on a hot day, as there is little in the way of shade here.
What it does offer though is modern, clean and convenient toilet facilities, which might want to utilise at this stage of the walk.
This park is renowned for its expansive sports grounds and multiple outdoor gym and fitness stations.
Overall you will find three fields for soccer, touch football and rugby union, as well as a hockey field, three cricket practice wickets and two courts for netball and basketball. At any given time there is likely to be some kind of game taking place, that you can watch for a while.
Macquarie Lighthouse
After leaving the park you will soon come to one of the walk's main attractions.
Standing 26 metres high, the historic Macquarie Lighthouse is a fully operational facility that was the first to be constructed in Australia. By definition thus it is also the oldest too!
Originally built in 1818 from a design by Francis Greenway, this lighthouse served as the freedom ticket for the famous convict architect. Who was able to begin life as a free man in New South Wales after it was completed.
Unfortunately, despite warning that the structure was made of poor quality sandstone, the original building didn't function for long. It was eventually replaced with a replica of its original design in 1883.
The lighthouse is definitely worth visiting, if you happen to be there when a tour is on. The views you'll get from the top of it, after climbing the 100 steps to get there, are nothing short of sensational.
Gap Park
After leaving the lighthouse, you will soon make your way to the gap which represents the end of the Federation Cliff Walk.
Designed around its dramatic and unique cliff structure, The Gap forms part of the beautiful Gap Park which is situated on a coastal escarpment on the South Head of Sydney Harbour.
It is notable for its several short walking trails that take you to different areas that showcase some of the most amazing views you will see in Sydney.
Tragically, the area below has an infamous history of shipwrecks and bad fortune, much of which is related on information boards that are dotted around the area.
You will also see notable relics of this seafaring past, in the form of items like the anchor of The Dunbar. Which was one of the first ships to run aground here.
The End Of The Walk
After leaving the lighthouse, you will soon make your way to the gap which represents the end of the Federation Cliff Walk.
Designed around its dramatic and unique cliff structure, The Gap forms part of the beautiful Gap Park which is situated on a coastal escarpment on the South Head of Sydney Harbour.
It is notable for its several short walking trails that take you to different areas that showcase some of the most amazing views you will see in Sydney.
Tragically, the area below has an infamous history of shipwrecks and bad fortune, much of which is related on information boards that are dotted around the area.
You will also see notable relics of this seafaring past, in the form of items like the anchor of The Dunbar. Which was one of the first ships to run aground here.
Lunch / Eat
By the time you have completed the Federation Cliff Walk the chances are you might be hungry.
Thankfully Watsons Bay has plenty of trendy cafes and restaurants for you to enjoy a meal.
One of the most iconic of them is Doyles On The Beach, an upmarket restaurant that dishes up exquisite lobster, prawns and fresh fish in a fine dining style right on the water.
If you are after something a bit more casual, the Watsons Bay Hotel has several dining options including a pizzeria, a beach club that offers classics like burgers, chicken parmigiana and fish and chips, and a takeaway menu, where you can order something to eat on the beach.
Other options include The Botanica Vaucluse, The Neilsen and Vaucluse House Tearooms, all of which offer delicious meals with a strong focus on local produce, and fabulous outdoor dining spaces.
Swimming
As well as the Watsons Bay Bathhouse, there are a couple of other notable areas in which to swim.
One of the most popular of them is Camp Cove, which is a family friendly beach that lies a stone's throw from the ferry wharf.
Nestled on South Head's harbour side, it showcases millionaire views and decent swimming conditions.
Another nearby option is Lady Bay Beach. Often referred to as Lady Jayne Beach, it lies close to the South Head of Sydney Harbour and is renowned for its clothing optional section.
As well as nude sunbathing, swimming and picnicking are very popular activities here.
Getting Home
After spending a bit of time at Watsons Bay you'll soon have to start thinking of making your way back home or to your hotel.
One of the easiest ways to do this is to take the ferry ride from the charming Watsons Bay pier to Circular Quay. Which is a journey which will convey more fabulous views of the harbour and the bridge, as well as the Sydney Opera House and CBD skyline.
From Circular Quay, you can then walk to most major hotels, or catch a bus, train or taxi home.
Alternatively, if you are feeling fit and there is plenty of daylight left, you can always think about doing the Federation Cliff Walk in reverse!