On its own, Nielsen Park would be a pleasant, although unremarkable spot. What makes it a really special spot is that it sits alongside Shark Beach, a very popular family harbour beach. Together the beach and park make this a perfect area for families and large groups to gather. The park is a great space if you want to escape the sun, kick a ball or have a picnic. Like most Australian beaches, theres no natural shade on the sand, so being able to retreat to the shade under the sprawling fig trees means that you can plan an extended stay at the beach. The park is part of the Sydney Harbour National Park and consists of a large expanse of open, grassy area, covering 20 hectares. There is an avenue of giant, fig trees and large, mature gums are scattered throughout, providing lots of shade. There are good facilities nearby, including clean toilets, changing rooms, outdoor showers and an historic kiosk on the beachfront that sells coffee, ice-creams and fish and chips. For those who want to explore, the Hermitage Foreshore Walking Trail (1.8km one way) starts here. There are also 3 short & easy, looped walking paths. Maps of the walks are shown on a large National Parks board near the Greycliffe Avenue entrance: Glass & Bottle Point Walk (500m loop, 20 min) Historic Greycliffe House Walk (500m loop, 30 min) Mount Trefle Walk (500m loop, 20 min) GETTING THERE: You’ll find free, un-timed parking along Vaucluse and Greycliffe Av. You can pretty reliably get a park mid-week and on overcast days but on a sunny weekend, it can get impossibly busy. Entry to the National Park is free.

Forty minute wait for coffee - this cafe seems to have new ownership- despite 5-6 people serving they could not cope - only one coffee machine was working and they are clearly not experienced. Not good