Flannel flowers and migrating whales: a cliff-top walk in Sydney’s Wintertime

An Hour in Nature®

At Koala Eco, we believe our connection to nature is a wonderful and precious thing, informing how we think and live and how we care for each other and the planet. This belief is so fundamental to the Koala Eco ethos that we even apply it to our team’s work schedule, encouraging everyone to spend two hours in nature each week (as part of their working week): intentionally setting aside time to do something connected to the natural world that feels particularly healing. We share these as a team each week.

“There’s nothing more beautiful, dramatic, and raw than time spent on a coastal headland during a clear day in Sydney’s wintertime.”

That’s what Claire, our Marketing and e-Commerce Director, tells us after a magical walk with her family along the heather-covered cliff-tops at Manly’s scenic North Head. Walking the Fairfax Walk under blue skies and in surprisingly warm sunshine, Claire says it’s possible to leave behind the modern world “despite having a view across the skyline of one of the world’s most visited cities.” She notes that much of Sydney Harbour is still surrounded by bushland: “just moments from the CBD you have access to this seemingly untouched paradise, with native flannel flowers—beautiful star-like blooms—being buffeted by the sea air, and whales splashing past on their journey along the NSW coast.”

“You wander along feeling grateful for doing something so simple with the day, yet it feels majestic and important with each step you take,” adds Claire. “From Burragula lookout, you'll enjoy spectacular views across Sydney Harbour to South Head, while Yiningma lookout features views to the north along the cliffs and towards Blue Fish Point. First Nations peoples have gathered here to celebrate Gawura, the ocean, and the whales on their migration for millennia.”