Track Summary: The Jibbon Beach Loop Track is an easy walking trail from the Bundeena ferry wharf to Jibbon Head, Port Hacking Point and Shelley Beach. It’s one of my favourite short Sydney walks and takes in a variety of landscapes. Perfect for a morning walk and morning tea afterwards at Bundeena township.
Grade: Easy
Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours (depending on start point)
Distance Approx: 4-5km
Highlights:
- Panoramic coastal cliff top views and city views
- Aboriginal rock carvings and interpretive materials
- Stunning Shelley Beach and neighbouring rock platforms
- Walking the secluded Jibbon Beach and taking a dip in the pristine, deep water
Walk Details:
Start the walk either from the Bundeena Ferry Wharf or the eastern end of Loftus Street and walk the gorgeous Jibbon Beach, bordered by the Royal National Park. Walk from ferry wharf to start of Jibbon Beach takes around 20 minutes.
The Jibbon Loop track can be done in either a clockwise or anti clockwise direction. We chose the anti-clockwise, taking the bush track into the bush about 3/4 the way along the beach – rather than going right to the end of the beach if you choose to go clockwise.
Cut into the bush for a short heathland walk across to the ocean side of the walk. This area is fenced off at either end to restore and protect the area from damage caused by feral deer.
Pop out on the ocean-side at the stunning Shelley Beach – one of my favourite Sydney beaches! The course shell sand makes a lovely noise as the waves crash onto the shore and the water always seems to be a gorgeous aqua blue!
The neighbouring rock platforms and pools are fun to explore for both adults and kids. From here make your way around the rock platforms heading up to the track which meanders around the Port Hacking Point. The views from here looking south are fantastic! Look out to sea and if the swell is up you’ll see the waves breaking on the Jibbon Bommie (a popular body boarding location for local kids).
The track heads further around to Jibbon Point following the heads into the Port Hacking river. The views to Cronulla and the city are magnificent!
The track is very well sign posted and interpretative materials are provided along the way. I always LOVE learning a few pointers about the area when I do a bush walk, so the detailed signs were great!
As you head west along the track, you’ll suddenly come across a gorgeous litle protected bay, with aqua waters and white sand! Immediately you’ll think you’re on a tropical island and not on the doorstep of a major city! The beach is called Little Jibbon Beach and truly nearly always looks like a photo from a magazine! It’s great for a swim and to relax, but do note that it is an unofficial nude beach with regular patrons. Read more here nude beach.
Links:
