What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than a lazy walk from Collaroy Beach, up to the top of the headland to the south, and then back to Collaroy for a picnic on the grass while the kids play on the fantastic playground. See the map at the bottom of the article to see where all the photos were taken.
(A) Starting Point. The starting and finishing point for the walk, next to the car park and the children's playground at the southern end of Collaroy Beach. See the map below for the exact location.
There is paid parking next to the park, or free parking on nearby Birdwood Ave or other local streets if you are lucky enough to find a free spot.
Start you feet a-movin and head toward the beach, and then start heading south toward the very large and (if the weather is warm) inviting ocean pool.
(B) Ocean Pool. One of the bigged ocean-pools in Sydney.
Keep heading south past the pool and along the beach toward the headland in the distance, admiring the sea-side houses and gardens as you wander by.
(C) Heading South.
Around half way down the beach you'll come to a boat ramp. From this point head up to the foot path that runs along next to the beach.
(D) Looking down the boat ramp.
Keep following the path sound towards the headland.
(E) The path more trodden.
Once you get to the headland, veer left and start wandering up the hill, while admiring the green expanse of the golf course on the other side of the road.
(F) Long Reef Golf Course.
Keep heading up the hill and through the gate onto the dedicated walking path. Don't take the stairs to the left, unless you want a quick detour.
(G) The gate you want. No horses allowed past this point, in case you were wondering.
On your way to the top of the hill you'll pass some interesting characters. There's a great view to the left over the ocean, and to your right back over the golf course.
(H) Crazy crab.
Yay, you made it to the top of the hill, and are rewarded with great views all around.
(I) View towards Manly.
(J) The view south. You can actually see some dolphins in this photo, if you have very sharp eyes.
Start heading down the hill on the northern side and you'll eventually come to a wooden boardwalk at the bottom of the hill.
Follow this around to the right, and you and starting heading back north across the bottom of the golf course.
(K) On the boardwalk da da da daaaa.
The rest of the walk is alas, not as interesting the the first part. You could elect to backtrack the way you came, however this short cut is much quicker.
Eventually you'll have to walk a couple of blocks next to the busy road, however you do pass a very popular pie shop (on the other side of the road) which could provide you will excellent picnic fodder. When we drove past it the first time it had a long line all the way out the door and down the street.
(L) The very popular pie shop.
You'll soon arrive back at the park, where you can enjoy your picnic while the kids burn off any excess energy the walk did not consume.
Have a look at the map below to see where all the photos where taken on the walk.
