Urban Bushwalking - Sydney

What you'll learn

Step into Sydney’s hidden bushland corridors and harbour-edge ecosystems with environmental educator and conservation biology researcher, Sophia Platthy.

This course offers an immersive, field-based experience that invites you to slow down, observe closely and build confidence in natural environments within the urban landscape.

Guided by Sophia’s passion for local fauna ecology, including her studies in microbat behaviour, each walk weaves together ecological insight, mindful observation and practical bushwalking skills. You will learn to recognise relationships that shape local ecosystems, from the geology and landforms, the waterways and plant and animal communities. We’ll notice the birds, insects and evidence of animal life in the local habitat.

These sessions are designed to build safe walking practices, environmental awareness, and to support physical wellbeing and mental restoration. While walking together, we can enjoy time outdoors in a supportive group setting. Sophia’s calm, inclusive teaching style encourages curiosity, reflection, conversation and shared discovery. With attention to safety, group care and cultural respect for the Country on which we walk, this course offers an opportunity to reconnect with place, community and the often-overlooked “micro-worlds” that exist all around us.

The walking pace will be set to suit the needs of the group with breaks along the way to relax and enjoy the views. Participants are encouraged to bring large refillable water bottles and their own lunch and snacks. Sophia will provide some art materials and equipment for activities.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of these urban bushwalking classes, you should be able to:

• Prepare for and participate in urban nature walks, including gear, timing and safety essentials.
• Navigate short trails using a map and route awareness in mixed urban-bush environments.
• Identify some native trees, birds, evidence of native animal life, and different types of habitats in the urban forest and foreshore.
• Walk mindfully and engage in tranquil nature bathing activities.
• Apply minimal impact walking and group etiquette on public trails.

Course content

What will be covered in these urban bushwalking classes?

Session 1 – Urban Bushwalking Basics: Gore Cove Track

Walk: Gore Cove Track & Berry Island Loop (behind Wollstonecraft Station) – a hidden bushland valley with rainforest-like vegetation, bridges and mangrove edges close to the city.

Focus: Walk preparation, safety, basic trail observation.

Skills: Gear checks, trail briefing, awareness of uneven paths.

Transport: Train to Wollstonecraft Station.

Session 2 – Coastal Bush & Harbour Track: Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay

Walk: Bradleys Head – Chowder Bay – Balmoral Beach – a scenic harbour path with bush tracks, beaches and native vegetation.

Focus: Reading varied terrain, pacing and breaks, places to refill water bottles and rest planning.

Skills: Trail marker awareness, basic route awareness using maps.

Transport: Ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo Wharf; walk from there.

Session 3 – Foreshore Bush and Harbour Views: Hermitage Foreshore & South Head

Walk: Hermitage Foreshore Walk and South Head Heritage Trail – combines bush boardwalk, coastal vegetation and historic Sydney Harbour lookout.

Focus: Observing different habitats and wildlife activity, historical sites, and reflections.

Skills: Environmental observations, pacing in hilly sections.

Transport: Ferry to Watsons Bay, short walk to start.

Session 4 – Extended Harbour Bush Walk: Spit Bridge to Manly

Walk: Spit Bridge to Manly Walk – a classic Sydney harbour track combining bush paths, beaches, lookout points and coastal forest.

Focus: Noticing the transitions into different ecosystems and habitats, wildlife activity, group planning, pacing strategies and leadership of short walk segments.

Skills: Walk planning and review, group safety on varied terrain, and reflective debrief.

Transport: Bus to Spit Bridge, ferry/train home from Manly.

Intended audience

Who are these urban bushwalking classes for?

• Adults interested in nature and ecology who want to deepen their understanding of local environments without needing to travel far from the city.
• Beginner to intermediate walkers looking to build confidence in bushwalking skills in a supportive setting.
• People seeking wellbeing benefits such as stress reduction, mindfulness, and gentle physical activity outdoors.

Course venue

• Week 1- Gore Cove Track & Berry Island Loop (behind Wollstonecraft Station)
• Week 2- Bradleys Head – Chowder Bay – Balmoral Beach
• Week 3- Foreshore Bush and Harbour Views: Hermitage Foreshore & South Head
• Week 4-Spit Bridge to Manly Walk

Course materials

What to bring to each week

• Large refillable water bottle
• Lunch and snacks
• Sun protection