The harbour locals actually use

1. Callan Park~40 min at the stop

The old hospital grounds on the water: lawns, sandstone wards and the Bay Run. Dogs, prams and nobody holding an Opera House sign.

Tip: Start by the water and walk north along the bay. Look at the wards from the outside.

↓ walk · 28 min · 2.2 km

2. Dawn Fraser Baths~50 min at the stop

The 1882 tidal pool. In summer this is the reason people live in Balmain. In winter, stay in the park above it.

Worth knowing: The harbour pool began in the 1880s as the Elkington Park baths and was later renamed for Dawn Fraser, who trained here.

Tip: October to April. After rain, check the harbour is open.

↓ walk · 22 min · 1.6 km

3. Yurulbin Point~30 min at the stop

A thin point of Birchgrove: picnic on the grass with the bridge in frame, and none of the Circular Quay crush. Thames Street wharf is ten minutes back.

Tip: The walking map ends here. The ferry from Thames Street wharf crosses to McMahons Point. Walk toward Louisa Road for the wharf.

↓ ferry · 15 min

4. Wendy's Secret Garden~30 min at the stop

Wendy Whiteley's garden on disused rail land above Lavender Bay. Sit facing the water. That is the finish.

Worth knowing: From the 1990s Wendy Whiteley built the garden herself on disused railway land at Lavender Bay, in memory of the painter Brett Whiteley.

Tip: Always open and free. Five minutes uphill from McMahons Point wharf.