View of the city.

Out on the Waverton Peninsula (and just a stone's throw away from the hustle and bustle of the City) is Balls Head Reserve, this bushland oasis offers spectacular views of the Harbour, the City skyline and industrial relics on Goat Island. It is one of many sandstone headlands along the Harbour with a variety of walking tracks for all experience levels. This has to be one of my favourite discoveries of the year (thanks to Instagram!), it is a spectacular reserve boasting postcard perfect views at every turn, perfect for both people and their dogs, as well as photography lovers.

The day was made to be spent outdoors with the sun beckoning and mild Spring temperatures. Upon arrival, we decided to tackle the Harbour View Walk, an easy 340m walk offering fantastic views towards the City. Though I travel across the Harbour Bridge every day, I was still mesmerised by the beauty in front of me – the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, the Headlands and the blue glistening water, it was simply magic!

View of Goat Island.

Up in the canopy.

Before we knew it one trail led to another as we were led on by an endless offering of iconic views and meandering paths, good thing I was ready with my camera! After a quick lunch and browse through the market held in the Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability, we found ourselves at the entrance of a tunnel which was once part of Sydney Coal Bunkering Company's coal loading system, and it was this image I saw on my Instagram feed that piqued my curiosity.

Coal Loader Tunnel.

But just when we thought we were done for the day, a quick peek near Berry's Bay Marina led us to Waverton Peninsula Reserve (another photography hot spot) which was once an oil storage facility adapted in 2005 as a public domain. Well constructed pathways led us up and around the sandstone cliff to a lookout above with some pretty enviable views all around.

All in all, it was a picture perfect day, words simply cannot capture the sheer magnificence and beauty of this place. Definitely a place worth revisiting!

Looking up at the canopy.

Charles Darwin Walk, as its name suggests is the track walked by naturalist Charles Darwin himself in 1836. It is nestled in the Blue Mountains National Park and is just a short distance from Wentworth Falls station, which makes it the perfect choice for those travelling by public transport and is looking for a relatively easy walk to kickstart their bushwalking experience. Yet one that is also packed with scenic views.


We started the trek quite early, the air was still crisp and only a few other walkers here and there. The trail itself follows the Jamison Creek as it cascades down several small waterfalls and hanging swamps on the hillside. As one meanders through the bushland over bridges and boardwalks, one can't help but wonder that this is the very scenery that Charles Darwin himself once laid eyes upon. 

Flowing stream.

As the day heated up, and the track slowly filled with families and couples young and old, the cool waters of the cascading pools certainly did offer some much needed relief; a place to rest our feet and take in the beauty of the bush and its local residents.

Local fauna.

The walk ended at Weeping Rock Waterfall, a popular spot for amateur photographers as they descended with their tripods and elaborate camera gear. Perhaps, I too will attempt my photography skills at the next walk, but somehow the idea of carrying a rather cumbersome camera bag doesn't sound too appealing (unless I can enlist a sidekick).

Weeping Rock Waterfall.

At a time where all my Saturdays seems to be dedicated to wedding practices (deserving a blog post of its own), this walk, on a bright sunny day was a much needed release and hopefully will ease my bridesmaid blues.

Til the next bushwalk.