Last updated: August 24, 2022
The Cahill Walk is a little-known pedestrian path along the Cahill Expressway right above Circular Quay train station, with beautiful views of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.
This short walk links with the Sydney Harbour Bridge Walk, which brings visitors to Milsons Point on the other side of the bridge.
Read on, and find out how to get there and find the start of the Cahill Walk.
| Cahill Walk | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 1 km (one way) |
| Duration: | 20 minutes |
| Grade: | Easy |
How to Get There
While the Cahill Walkway is one of the best lookouts in Sydney with absolutely stunning views, interestingly enough, this walk is still very much unknown.
And that’s a pity because the Cahill Walk, combined with the Harbour Bridge Walk, makes for a perfect afternoon out and about, soaking in the best Sydney offers.
There are currently three entry points to the Cahill Walk.
1. Royal Botanic Garden:
The first entry point is located in the northern section of the Royal Botanic Garden along Macquarie Street.
2. Lift at Circular Quay:
The second entry point is a fancy lift in the eastern section of Circular Quay. This is the best entry point for wheelchair access to the Cahill Expressway Lookout.
3. Bridge Stairs in The Rocks:
The third entry point is at the Bridge Stairs in The Rocks, which is also the starting point of the Sydney Harbour Bridge Walk heading in the opposite direction.
Cahill Walk
The following track notes describe the Cahill Walk starting from the Domain.
Sandstone Sculpture in the Royal Botanic Garden
The official starting point of the Cahill Walkway is located next to an interesting sculpture at Macquarie Street in the northern section of the Royal Botanic Garden.
It’s an eye-catching sculpture named Memory is Creation Without End, which consists of several sandstone blocks embedded into the earth of the Tarpeian Way, adjacent to Macquarie Street.
They are relics from demolished buildings and structures like the Pyrmont Bridge. Each sandstone block, carved by stone masons long ago and now darkened with age, testifies to their lost function and the loss of those old buildings in the collective memory.
The path to the Cahill Walk is right next to the sculpture. Follow this path that crosses Macquarie Street and connects with the Cahill Expressway.
The Circular Quay lift is immediately visible once on the Cahill Expressway.
Cahill Expressway Lookout
The views of Circular Quay and Sydney’s famous landmarks, the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, are truly spectacular from above the train station.
Halfway the walk is a purpose-built viewing platform with several information boards and a few benches to relax and enjoy the views.
Did you know that the Cahill Expressway is also a vantage point for the famous Sydney NYE fireworks? But you need a bit of luck to get a ticket to this premium spot.
Each year, in September, the NSW Government organises a public ballot for residents of New South Wales to secure up to 5 free tickets.
Sydney Harbour Bridge Walk
From the lookout, the walkway continues around the corner, past The Rocks and heading towards the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The Bridge Stairs, a somewhat mysterious-looking, art-deco building, is where the Cahill Walk and the Sydney Harbour Bridge Walk link up.
If you do have the time, continuing on the bridge to Milsons Point is something you certainly won’t regret doing!
Final Thoughts
Are you keen to do the Cahill Walk?
It is a great way to spend a few hours in Sydney, especially when combined with the walk across the Harbour Bridge and perhaps a visit to the Pylon Lookout.
This walk is also great in combination with a visit to nearby Barangaroo Reserve, and a leisurely stroll through the historic streets of The Rocks.
