Wyargine Reserve
Wyargine Reserve is a bushland walking park in Mosman, NSW, whose standout feature is a coastal trail from the historic Parriwi Lighthouse down steep steps to Chinamans Beach, then along a rockshelf to Balmoral Beach. The reserve can only be reached at low tide, and its dense bushland sits beside Middle Harbour.
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About Wyargine Reserve
Coastal Walking Trail at Wyargine Reserve
Wyargine Reserve has a coastal walking trail that begins at the historic Parriwi Lighthouse and gives views across Middle Harbour. The trail drops down steep steps to Chinamans Beach, which is a small and quiet shore. From Chinamans Beach, a rockshelf route runs about one kilometre to Balmoral Beach, and the route is described as challenging but quick. Because the reserve is only accessible at low tide, the rockshelf section depends on the tide before it can be walked.
Bushland and Nesting Boxes at Wyargine Reserve
Wyargine Reserve contains bushland at Wyargine Point, one of three remnant bushland areas in the Balmoral study area. Its outer vegetation includes salt- and wind-tolerant species such as Coastal Banksia. Mosman Parks & Bushland Association has installed nesting boxes at Wyargine Reserve and continues to monitor them. The boxes are designed for ringtail possums, microbats, pygmy possums, feathertail gliders and sugar gliders, and the microbat boxes are placed high in trees. Mosman Council approved their placement, and members have used a special camera to check whether the boxes are occupied.
Facilities at Wyargine Reserve
Visitor tips for Wyargine Reserve
- ✓Spring and autumn are the best seasons for walking here.
- ✓Bring sturdy footwear for the steep steps and the rocky rockshelf section.
Getting to Wyargine Reserve
Wyargine Reserve is listed at 22B Burran Ave, Mosman NSW 2088, Australia. The reserve can only be accessed at low tide. The trail starts at the historic Parriwi Lighthouse and runs down steep steps to Chinamans Beach, then continues along a rockshelf for about one kilometre to Balmoral Beach.
Open in Google Maps →Nearby Mosman
- 📍Parriwi Lighthouse
- 📍Balmoral Beach (beach, about 550 m)
Frequently asked questions about Wyargine Reserve
Are there walking paths or trails through Wyargine Reserve?
Yes, the reserve has a coastal trail that starts at Parriwi Lighthouse, descends steep steps to Chinamans Beach, and continues along a rockshelf of about one kilometre to Balmoral Beach.
Is Wyargine Reserve wheelchair accessible, with paved paths and accessible toilets?
The route includes steep steps down to Chinamans Beach and a rocky rockshelf section, so the trail is not described as step-free. Accessible toilets are not confirmed for the reserve.
What makes Wyargine Reserve different from other parks in Mosman?
Wyargine Reserve combines remnant bushland with a shoreline route that can only be walked at low tide, linking Parriwi Lighthouse, Chinamans Beach and Balmoral Beach. It also hosts monitored nesting boxes for native wildlife.
Are there any events or community activities held at Wyargine Reserve?
Mosman Parks & Bushland Association held an end-of-year bushcare gathering at the reserve in December 2019 to celebrate saving public land and review bushcare results.
Can I get harbour or water views from Wyargine Reserve?
Yes, the trail starting at Parriwi Lighthouse offers views across Middle Harbour, and the bushland runs right by the harbour.