The Holiday Hunter

Hidden along the foreshore of Bradleys Head is one of Sydney Harbour’s most fascinating heritage features — the Bradleys Head Rifle Wall, a long, curved sandstone defence wall built by soldiers in the late 19th century. Walking beside it feels like stepping into another era. The notched rifle loopholes, the weathered stone, and the quiet bush setting all bring to life a time when Sydney Harbour was protected by an expanding network of coastal defences.   As you follow the track around the headland, you’ll spot old gun emplacements, searchlight positions, and military foundations tucked into the landscape. These relics once formed part of an important defence line guarding the harbour during times of international tension. Today, they sit peacefully beneath gum trees overlooking the water — silent reminders of the strategy, labour, and history that shaped Sydney’s shoreline.   The combination of nature and heritage makes this walk especially memorable. You can trace you...

🌊 Bradleys Head – Mosman, Sydney   Perched on a beautiful headland in Mosman, Bradleys Head is one of Sydney Harbour’s most spectacular and atmospheric coastal spots. With sweeping views across the water to the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and city skyline, it’s a place where Sydney’s natural beauty and maritime history blend perfectly. The headland is dotted with bushland, sandstone cliffs, quiet bays, and an old military amphitheatre that adds a unique heritage feel to the landscape.   Just a short walk from the carpark takes you to the iconic Bradleys Head Amphitheatre, a grassy, terraced lookout right at the edge of the harbour. It’s a favourite for sunrise, picnics, wedding photos, and watching ferries and sailboats glide across the water. Nearby, a short bush track leads you through stunning harbour forest to quieter viewpoints and secluded spots perfect for photography and reflection.   Down below, you’ll find Bradleys Head Beach and the historic HMAS ...

🌊 Taylors Bay Beach – Mosman, Sydney   Hidden between bushland headlands on Sydney’s Lower North Shore, Taylors Bay Beach is one of the harbour’s most peaceful and secluded pockets. Tucked just off the track between Chowder Bay and Bradley’s Head, this quiet little cove feels far removed from the busy city. The water here is calm, clear, and sheltered — perfect for a refreshing swim, a gentle paddle, or simply cooling your feet as you sit on the sand and watch the boats drift by.   The surrounding bushland creates a natural amphitheatre of greenery, giving Taylors Bay a sense of privacy and tranquillity. It’s a favourite spot for walkers on the harbour track who want a break, swimmers seeking calm water, and anyone who loves hidden beaches with a relaxed, local feel. At high tide, the beach becomes a narrow strip of sand, while at low tide it opens up for small picnics or sunbathing in a peaceful, quiet setting.   Because it’s accessible only by foot or by b...

Tucked between bushland and harbour, Chowder Bay is one of Sydney’s most peaceful and picturesque waterfront escapes. Located in Mosman along the scenic headland walk between Taronga Zoo and Balmoral, this sheltered bay offers calm turquoise water, historic buildings, and untouched natural beauty. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, breathe in the sea air, and soak up some of the best harbour views in Sydney.   The foreshore is lined with restored military buildings that now house cafés, restaurants, and cultural spaces, giving Chowder Bay a relaxed village-by-the-water atmosphere. The water here is crystal clear, making it perfect for swimming, snorkelling, or simply dipping your feet in from the jetty. Watch for stingrays gliding below or boats drifting quietly into the bay — it’s a slice of coastal paradise just minutes from the city.   A short walk through the surrounding bushland connects you to Clifton Gardens and the wider Sydney Harbour National P...

🏡 Rose Seidler House – Wahroonga, NSW   Nestled on a bushy hillside in Wahroonga, Rose Seidler House is one of Australia’s most striking examples of mid-century modern architecture. Designed by the young Harry Seidler in the late 1940s, this bold white cube of glass, steel and open space feels like a futuristic home dropped into the Australian bush. Even today, it still looks fresh, daring and completely different from anything around it — a true icon of modern design.   Inside, the home is filled with original furniture, colours and materials carefully chosen to create a bright, open and minimalist space. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of the surrounding gums, while sliding panels, hidden storage and clever planning show just how ahead of its time the house was. Walking through the rooms feels like stepping into a perfectly preserved moment of 1950s creativity and optimism.   Outside, the property blends architecture and nature beautifully. The elevate...

 Powerhouse Museum Discovery Centre – Castle Hill, NSW   Hidden in Sydney’s north-west, the Powerhouse Museum Discovery Centre at Castle Hill is one of the city’s best-kept cultural secrets. It’s where the Powerhouse Museum’s vast collection of artefacts, machinery, vehicles, and curiosities are stored, conserved, and occasionally brought to life for visitors. Unlike the main Powerhouse in Ultimo, this site gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how museums preserve and protect history.   Step inside and you’ll find an incredible mix of treasures — from vintage cars, aircraft, and locomotives to fashion, furniture, and pieces of everyday life that shaped modern Australia. There’s everything from early technology and engineering marvels to children’s toys and design classics. Many of these items are rarely seen anywhere else, making a visit to the Discovery Centre a fascinating journey through science, innovation, and creativity.   The atmosphere is part wa...

The Byron Solar Train is a charming and innovative experience that combines the charm of heritage rail with clean-energy innovation. Departing from North Beach precinct to the heart of Byron Bay, this short 3 km journey takes around 10 minutes one way (and about 25 minutes for a return trip). You’ll ride in an immaculately restored two-carriage train originally built in 1949, offering vintage style with leather seats, open windows, and even a driver’s cab you can look into. What makes this train truly special is its sustainability. It’s powered by solar energy harvested from panels on the train and its storage shed, using battery banks and regenerative braking to capture energy when slowing down. On sunny days the system generates enough power not only for the train but also to feed into the local grid. While you glide past coastal rainforest, wetlands and the Belongil Creek estuary, you’re also riding arguably one of the most eco-friendly passenger trains in the world. If you’re...

Nestled on Australia’s northeast coast just south of the Queensland border, Cudgen Headland and the neighbouring South Beach at Kingscliff deliver both sweeping ocean views and laid-back beach vibes. From the headland you’ll find a dramatic vantage point overlooking the Pacific Ocean, with waves crashing against the rocky point and the beach stretching out in soft gold sand. The nearby South Beach offers a quieter stretch of coastline — ideal for long walks, relaxed swims, or simply breathing in the fresh sea breeze.   Whether you’re an early-morning walker getting the first light on the water, a surfer chasing the right-hand swell off the point, or a family seeking a serene beach spot, this area has something special.   Visiting is straightforward. Park near the surf club or car-parks at the headland, clip on your hat and sunscreen, and stroll the short path to the lookout or down to the sand. South Beach’s wide sandbank invites barefoot ambles while the headland deli...

Hastings Point Lookout – Hastings Point, NSW   Perched on a rugged headland along the stunning Tweed Coast, Hastings Point Lookout offers one of the most spectacular ocean views in northern New South Wales. From the lookout, you can see the vast Pacific Ocean stretching endlessly to the horizon, with waves rolling in over rocky outcrops and the golden sands of Hastings Point Beach below. To one side, the calm waters of Cudgera Creek wind gently through the estuary, creating a beautiful contrast between wild ocean energy and peaceful waterways.   This is the perfect spot to take in the magic of sunrise or sunset, as the sky transforms into a canvas of soft pastels or fiery gold. Locals and visitors alike come here to sit, reflect, and watch surfers carve through the waves or dolphins cruising by offshore. The headland is easily accessible with nearby parking and a short walk to the viewing area, making it an ideal stop for families, travellers, and photographers alike. ...