Potts Point sits on the hill. Woolloomooloo sits at the water. Between them is a short staircase, a historic wharf and a good reason to leave the house before lunch. Here’s how to do the walk.
Start at the top: Potts Point
Begin your morning in Potts Point with breakfast, then head toward the water. Olivia By Fave on Orwell Street serves breakfast from 7:00am to 11:30am, which makes a good fuel stop before you walk.
Down the McElhone Stairs
The McElhone Stairs link Potts Point and Woolloomooloo. The staircase has 113 steps and was built in 1870, so expect a workout on the way back up.
Woolloomooloo Finger Wharf
Finger Wharf is a former cargo dock and is described as one of the world’s longest timber wharves. Today it has restaurants, a marina and a hotel. It is a good place to walk out over the water and look back at the city.
Woolloomooloo itself is also where naval ships first moored in 1856.
Nearby
- Artspace: a not-for-profit contemporary art gallery established in 1983, showing Australian and international work.
- Garden Island: an active naval base with the Royal Australian Navy Heritage Centre, which has free entry. It is reached by ferry from Circular Quay.
- Andrew “Boy” Charlton Pool: public baths have been on this site since 1860. The current pool is an eight-lane, heated 50-metre pool on the water’s edge.
- Harry’s Cafe de Wheels: a famous pie cart and a budget option.
Opening times and access can change, so check official sources before you go.
Back up the hill
When you’ve done the wharf, walk back up for a late coffee or lunch. Olivia By Fave serves specialty coffee and premium matcha, with brunch and pancakes through the day.
- Mon–Wed: 6:30am–3:00pm
- Thu–Fri: 6:30am–3:00pm, then 5:30pm–10:00pm
- Sat: 7:00am–10:00pm
- Sun: 7:00am–3:00pm
Shop 4/5-15 Orwell Street, Potts Point NSW 2011.
Details are from public tourism sources. Check opening times before you visit.