Barangaroo Foreshore Walk

Key Info

Duration: 1-2 Hours
Distance: 2km
Difficulty: Very Easy
Child Friendly: Yes
Dog Friendly: On Leash
 

The Barangaroo Foreshore Walk makes up part of the Barangaroo Reserve, a 6 hectare multi-level waterfront park. The reserve boasts over 70,000 trees, ferns, palms, shrubs and many other plants all native to the Sydney region. The walk can be reached from either end; at Hickson Road a little before Munn Street, or Towns Place roundabout near to Wharf 9 of Walsh Bay. The former is recommended to save the Harbour Bridge view until last with a nice resting place on top of the hill but if you have time to kill you could start at the North side and make your way around and then down Hickson Road before connecting on to the Streets of Barangaroo and the Wulugul Walk - an urban walkway with some great eateries.

The Sights

Not just a start to finish walk, Barangaroo Reserve's clever design allows visitors to stop at many points and just take it all in. It's elevated lookout from the top of the hill (Stargazer Lawn) or from one of the many walkways that circulate around the area allow for wonderful views of Darling Harbour, Goat Island, Balls Head Reserve, Luna Park and the North Shore and The Sydney Harbour Bridge. It's a great place just to visit, find your spot watch the harbour activity.

History & Development

Named after a Cammeraygal woman, who was an important figure in the Sydney Aboriginal community The Barangaroo area used to be inhabited by the Gadigal people and was an important hunting and fishing region. In the first half of the 19th century it became Sydney's major port, then when demand increased space became limited for the large freight that was being imported; so the construction of Port Botany commenced and is still Sydney's main port today. This left Barangaroo redundant and the area closed. The decision to redevelop Barangaroo wasn't made until 2003 and an international design competition took place to collate concepts and ideas. In August of 2015, after several years of construction the area opened, after being closed to the public for over 100 years. With Walsh Bay and Cockle Bay being popular areas for visitors from all over this long awaited project finally connects the two.

Activities

As well as spending a couple of hours meandering around the walking paths Barangaroo is great for many other activities. Many people cycle around there and use the sandy running track that goes all the way around. It's also a great location for a picnic be it on the top of the hill or one of the many waterside areas. It's dog friendly so a lovely option for your furry friend but this is an on-leash area only. If you have kids it's a great place for them, and if they get bored there is a playground at Merriman Street and there are amenities not to far away.

Getting There

By Train: The two closest train stations are Circular Quay and Wynyard, both around 1km away from the reserve. Circular Quay provides more of an historical route.
By Bus: Numerous buses travel to the city. The following buses have a direct connection to Barangaroo Reserve from Town Hall, Watsons Bay and Millers Point: 311, 324 and 325.
By Ferry: Circular Quay is an option but to Darling Harbour (King Street wharf) is recommended as then you can experience the Wulugul Walk and go on to Barangaroo.
By Car: Barangaroo Reserve has an underground car park available that is open 7 days per week from 6am until midnight. Visit Wilson Parking for more information. Flat $10 weekend rates. There is also street parking on Hickson Road that is fairly easy to find a spot and a good location should you want to visit The Streets of Barangaroo also during your stay.