Manly Scenic Walk and Grotto Point Lighthouse

One of my favourite walks in Sydney is the Manly Scenic Walk. I've done it several times, but this was the first time I took the detour to Grotto Point Lighthouse—and I'm so glad I did. Tucked away on a rocky headland inside Sydney Harbour National Park, this charming little lighthouse has been guiding vessels since 1911. Unlike the towering ocean lighthouses that stand against crashing waves, Grotto Point is a compact harbour light, built to safely direct ships as they navigate one of the world's great natural harbours.

The lighthouse itself is delightful, but it's the setting that really won me over. The short walk to the headland passes through beautiful bushland before opening onto sweeping views across Sydney Harbour, with the city skyline, Middle Head and the harbour's busy shipping lanes all on display. It's a peaceful spot to stop, take in the scenery and appreciate the quiet role this little lighthouse has played for well over a century. It was a wonderful discovery and one I'll definitely return to on future walks.

Not taken by me

Not taken by me

Parriwi Head Lighthouse and Spit Bridge

Parriwi Head Lighthouse is one of Sydney Harbour's lesser-known gems. Perched on the cliffs at Mosman, it was built in 1915 to help guide ships through one of the harbour's busiest stretches. Unlike the tall, dramatic ocean lighthouses that dominate the coastline, Parriwi Head is modest in size, but its setting is spectacular. Standing beside it, you get sweeping views across the harbour towards the city skyline, making it a wonderful place to appreciate both Sydney's natural beauty and its maritime history.

Photo take by someone else

The beach below the lighthouse

Spit Bridge

One of the highlights of my walk was waiting around to see the Spit Bridge open for passing boats. Officially known as the Sydney Harbour Bridge at The Spit, it links Mosman and Seaforth and has been a vital crossing since 1958. Unlike most bridges, its centre span can be raised to allow yachts, fishing boats and other taller vessels to travel between Middle Harbour and Sydney Harbour.