Hidden Sydney Harbour Beaches Tour: Roadtesting a local experience

New to Sydney and want to go beyond the icons to somewhere different, or perhaps you’re a Sydneysider who wants to be surprised by new beauty spots in your  own backyard? We recently sent Eastern Suburbs’ resident  Caroline Gladstone on  a mystery tour where she too discovered little known beaches and fascinating snippets of history.

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Let’s get cracking   

Jenny Soicher, tour guide and owner of Exclusive East Tours, knows her stuff. While I assumed I’d know many of the haunts when the two of us set out on a private tour, I discovered hidden pathways, a new beach, and a gem or two tucked  away in the bushland. It’s obvious that Jenny, a local resident of 30 years and originally from South Africa, loves history and every facet of her beautiful, adopted home.

What type of people join Sydney Hidden Harbour Beaches Tour?

Most are international tourists who may have been to Sydney before, or first-timers wanting something different in a small group. While I enjoyed a solo tour, Jenny’s roomy 4WD (SUV) can take three adults, or a combination of three adults and one child; two adults and two children; or one adult and three kids. The tour mixes easy walking with driving and visits 10 beaches over three hours.

Exclusive East Tours offers a day-time excursion and a sunset tour, where Jenny selects the best vistas of Sydney.

The tour begins

I meet Jenny at Rose Bay Wharf, an ideal spot for those arriving by public ferry from the city, a few kilometres away via a sensational ride. One of the biggest bays in the harbour, Rose Bay was surprisingly Sydney’s first international airport from where Empire Flying Boats would take off for a 10-day journey to London in the late 1930s. The original white mileage sign indicates distances including those to Darwin and London (12,847 miles).

Sydney Harbour Seaplanes Credit: Destination NSW

Jenny tells me she offers passengers the opportunity to buy unique Aussie souvenirs, crafted by a friend – beach towels and water bottles bearing images of  famous Bondi Beach, which many participants are more than happy to snap up as mementos or gifts.  


Hugging the harbour track

After a short drive, we park and head into Sydney Harbour National Park, a protected native bushland that wraps around the water’s edge. Stone and timber walking trails link remote bays and lookouts provide sensational views of the harbour from many angles and the city beyond. As these are hidden beaches I won’t spoil the surprise.

The timber walking track with views for miles Credit: Destination NSW

Even on a summer’s day the first two beaches are almost deserted. And just off the track, deep in the forest of eucalyptus trees, wattle and banksia,  I spy an historic landmark I never knew existed.

After  beach one, participants can return to the car with Jenny, while those with better mobility can continue to  beach two and then take a few up-and-down stone steps; it’s easy for anyone of average fitness.

Keep walking to be rewarded with a couple more beaches

I take the stairs and meet several friendly hikers on the way and then walk up a grassy hill to be rewarded with an expansive view and the sight of a heritage-listed stately home that saw its share of glamorous parties back in the colonial days.  

Jenny and I get back in the car and head to one of Sydney’s beloved beach spots, which is often buzzing on a summer’s day. There’s time to grab a coffee, perhaps a quick dip and a comfort stop.  


Local knowledge

Jenny’s knowledge of Sydney and its history is matched by her knowledge of the bush and how Aboriginal people used certain rainforest plants. She demonstrates how to make a ‘bush soap’, by vigorously rubbing particular leaves with a dash of moisture.

A wooden bridge with views on both sides.

Back in the car we swing past another quiet bay, which I was convinced had another name until she put me right and then walk across a wooden bridge with views to the city on one side and frolicking swimmers on the other.

Here I head off on my own on another rock platform walk I’d never done before, despite it being so close to my home!  

A complete surprise

Next we motor down narrow streets lined with palatial homes, some belonging to Sydney’s rich and famous. After I open a little gate I encounter a beach I’ve never seen before! Sydney Harbour is a place that keeps offering up surprising gems.

Another secret beach

Beauty and danger

Our last three beaches are a mix of the tucked away and the touristy. Despite the area’s popularity (there’s a pub and casual eateries), there’s plenty of space to wander.

Sandstone cliffs meet the Pacific Ocean

It’s here where the calm waters of Sydney Harbour meet the treacherous seas of the ocean, and from a lookout where a trail linked fascinating plaques and information signs, Jenny relates tales of tragedy and heroics.


Onwards

While the beaches’ tour ends overlooking the roiling ocean, Jenny will drop passengers at Rose Bay ferry, or another ferry or bus stop. For those wishing to see Bondi Beach, she’ll drive them and advise on how to get public transport back to the city. It’s all part of the impeccable service.

Caroline enjoying one of the many stops on the tour

Need to Know

When: Jenny’s tours operate a few times a week, usually on demand.
Where: Rose Bay Ferry wharf and 10 beaches.
Who: Anyone.
Tours: The Hidden Harbour Beaches tour and Sunset Tour visit the same locations, with the latter tour operating in the afternoon. Jenny will leave participants in a great spot to watch the sunset (and can provide snacks) and provide transport information. If the date you want is not available email and she will try to fit you in.
Website: https://exclusiveeasttours.com.au/

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Caroline Gladstone was a guest of Exclusive East Tours.

Main image credit: Destination NSW