Waverley cliff walk

The Waverley Cliff Walk is a popular and unique attraction in our community for its natural beauty and panoramic views out to the ocean.

In 1999 Waverley Council was successful in gaining a grant from the Commonwealth Government's Federation Community Projects Program, for a coastal walkway project marking Australia's Centenary of Federation.

With Council funds and assistance from the State Government Metropolitan Greenspace Program, the Walk was constructed over two stages, with an official opening in December 2004 by then Premier Bob Carr.

The walk links a series of previously undeveloped coastal clifftop reserves from Dover Heights to Vaucluse.

Natural heritage

Hawkesbury sandstone cliffs up to 80 metres high at Raleigh Reserve - geological history from the Triassic period, 20 million years ago.

Native bush

Patches of significant remnant vegetation. Hanging swamp at Diamond Bay Reserve south side, supporting Isolepis, Lomandra and Typha. Coastal heath at Eastern Reserve with Westringia and Banksia. For more information about Waverley's native vegetation, visit our Bushcare webpage.

Bush regeneration

Some of the few remaining local areas of native bush can be found along the walk. Regeneration is being done by volunteers under Waverley Council guidance. For information call (02) 9083 8915, email us or visit our Bushcare webpage.

Wildlife

Remnant vegetation and sandstone overhangs provide habitat for small reptiles. There are geckos, water skinks and delicate skinks at Diamond Bay Reserve, and snake-eyed skinks, water skinks, grass skinks and delicate skinks at Eastern Reserve.

Scientific research

Remains to the base of instruments mounted by the CSIRO for astronomical observations, in the 1950s, in Rodney Reserve. A plaque commemorates this era.

Getting there

Bus 380 (to Watsons Bay) stops near the Walk.

Distance and duration

The walk is 3 kilometres long, and will take about 2 hours. Wear comfortable shoes and take water.

Sun protection

Although the parks along the way offer some shade and shelter, the Walk itself is exposed to the elements. Don’t forget to take a hat and a drink, and use sunscreen!

The Waverley Cliff and Coast Walks together form part of a coastal walking route from La Perouse to South Head and into Sydney Harbour.

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