Located in the Booti Booti National Park New South Wales, Shelly Beach is a beautiful sandy beach accessed via a 650m walk from Boomerang Crescent.
After parking on Boomerang Crescent, we walked 10 minutes to the beach along the well maintained bush track. This takes you through coastal rain forest filled with gum trees and ferns. We even got to see two lace monitor lizards, each around 1.5m long as they crossed the track.
At the beach it’s important to remember that the left hand (south-west) side is a clothes optional beach. A sign at the track’s end reminds you of this.
Although we visited during school holidays, not many people were there and it was very relaxing. The walk to the beach may put people off, but the almost deserted beach makes it worthwhile.
So if you don’t mind the 10-minute 650m walk, it’s a great place to visit.
Trail to the beachLace MonitorBeautiful sandy beach and Booti Booti National ParkLooking over Elizabeth BayRocky end of beach
Located on the northern side of Sydney Harbour, Balls Head Reserve is a scenic reserve offering breathtaking views of the harbour city and bridge. Winding tracks through regenerated native bushland let you experience the Australian bush without leaving Sydney.
History
The reserve was named after Henry Lidgbird Ball, who was a Royal Navy officer and the captain of HMS Supply during the First Fleet’s arrival in 1788.
During the 19th century, the area was utilized for quarrying and later for shipbuilding purposes. The remnants of the quarrying activity are still visible within the reserve. To the north of the reserve, Balls Head Coal Loader was an important export point for coal. The coal wharf and load out tunnels are still present and make a great addition to a visit to the area.
Getting there
Getting to Balls Head Reserve is relatively straightforward. We used the train and walked through Carradah Park and Balls Head Coal Loader before going to the reserve.
By public transport: Take a train to Waverton station and then enjoy a pleasant 15-20 minute walk through the picturesque streets of Waverton to reach the reserve. Alternately, walk through Carradah Park for more views of the harbour and see the rehabilitated BP site.
By car: It’s recommended to arrive early to secure a spot because there is limited street parking available.
Remember to check the current public transport schedules and any restrictions in place before planning your visit.
Balls Head Reserve
We entered the reserve through the tunnels from the old coal loader. This is a great way to enter the reserves because you walk from an industrial area to a rehabilitated bush environment. Although the tunnel is well lit the walkway is rough, so watch your footing.
Following the narrow track around the headland, we had some amazing views of the harbour. Several lookout provide great places to relax and take in the views. One even has a weather shelter carved from a large boulder. We brought some snacks and drinks, so this was a great place to stop and refuel while admiring the views. We were lucky to be there when one of the sailing ships went past, returning from one of its day trips.
The track varies from a wide shared roadway to narrow dirt tracks, so it’s a good idea to wear good shoes if you want to see the whole area. Several picnic spots with tables benches and toilets make it a great place to spend a few relaxing hours.
Coal Loading TunnelCoal Loading Tunnel Retaining WallWalking TrackOld Industrial RemainsShelter area at one of the lookoutsSydney Harbour BridgeView of Sydney, The Harbour and a sailing shipSailing ship on Sydney Harbour
Located in the Kuring-gai Chase National Park, access to the Bobbin Head Mangrove Boardwalk will cost $12.00 per car for a day. This will cover you for any other parts of the National Park you visit on that day too. The fee allows you to use the picnic areas and walking tracks in the area, which are well maintained by NSW Parks and Wildlife. Payment can be made at the entry gate as you drive in.
Our first stop was Empire Marina, where the still morning are provided amazing reflections on the water of the boats and surrounding forest. After this we drove to the southern end of the Bobbin Head picnic area, where the boardwalk starts.
View from Empire Marina to the picnic groundsBoats at Empire Marina Bobbin Head
The Boardwalk
The boardwalk meanders through the mangroves and there are information signs to help you learn more about the environment and plenty of opportunities to see the mangroves and crabs up close. Because it was low tide when we went, we didn’t see any crabs, only the openings to their burrows.
The boardwalk is 552 meters long and takes about 15 minutes to complete. Along the way we had more amazing reflections in Cockle Creek as well as views of the mangroves.
The track continues into the forest as Gibberagong Track, which we followed for a short distance to get more views over the creek.
This was a great little walk with amazing views. We were the only ones there during our visit early on a winter morning, but in summer it is very busy.
Suspension bridge through the mangrovesSuspension bridge through the mangrovesMetal sculpture of Cunningham’s SkinkCowan CreekThe boardwalk through the mangrovesEroded sandstoneTrees growing in the sandstone on the river bankBrush TurkeyStone steps at the end of the boardwalkView over Cowan Creek
