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A safe, easy, car-free link between the Balmain Peninsula and the Sydney CBD for walkers, wheelchairs, prams and bikes.
Imagine an easy journey on foot or by bike on a dedicated harbourside pathway between the centre of Sydney and the Balmain Peninsula – passing over Darling Harbour, from Pyrmont’s waterfront to Rozelle beneath the ANZAC bridge, through the White Bay Power Station and into Balmain and Balmain East along the waterfront.
This is the concept for the 5km Bays West Harbour Path for walkers and wheelers.
Most of the pieces exist; they just need joining up.
With commitment and planning, the few remaining gaps can be reserved now, as the final plans are made for the Bays West Precinct project in White Bay.
Priorities
1. A low level route to the city using the Glebe Island Bridge
1. A low level route to the city using the Glebe Island Bridge
Glebe Island Bridge, just north of the ANZAC Bridge, was once the main route from the West into the City. An operator would rotate its central span between open to road traffic and closed to shipping versus the reverse combination.
It has been left closed to road traffic since 1995, but remains an item of NSW State Heritage
The ANZAC Bridge pedestrian and cycle shared path is unsafe, steep, noisy and polluted.
Inevitably, cyclists descend at speeds too great for a shared path;
All active transport modes face traffic fumes and noise;
It is physically demanding for walkers and muscle-powered riders due to the height of the bridge deck.
The ideal would be to reactivate the historic Glebe Island Bridge’s swing function. As an interim measure, a light temporary bridge (or bridges either side of the control cabin) to support foot and cycle traffic could be considered.
Marine traffic in Blackwattle Bay is likely to require an opening schedule when Glebe Island Bridge is restored and reactivated.
Stakeholders include City of Sydney, Port Authority of NSW and Transport for NSW.
2. The White Bay Power Station internal path
2. The White Bay Power Station internal path
The White Bay Power Station has been recently restored by the NSW Government for use as a major events venue and landmark industrial heritage site.
Inside the fenced off grounds of the power station, there is a wide, level track which joins the existing shared path between ANZAC Bridge and the Rozelle Parklands at its southwest end and Robert Street, Rozelle at its northeast end.
At present, walkers and cyclists on that itinerary need to climb the narrow and noisy road route on Victoria Road.
Incorporating the power station track into the Bays West Harbour Path would result in a flatter, broader, shorter and safer route, bringing people and life to the White Bay Power station.
It would also free up the Victoria Road footpath for public transport transfers - 500 series bus services and future Bays Metro services.
3. Robert Street between the White Bay Power Station and Booth Street
3. Robert Street between the White Bay Power Station and Booth Street
Robert Street, Rozelle, is a wide road, used for access to Port Authority of NSW land in White Bay, including the cruise ship terminal. It is entirely flat as it runs at water level.
Between Mullens Street and Buchanan Street, Robert Street is dominated by car parking on both sides.
This section of Robert Street is risky for pedestrians and cyclists due to car speed and lack of safe road space.
An active transport path here would provide a route to Balmain Village via Buchanan Street or a reopened Booth Street, avoiding traffic-heavy Mullens Street.
In February 2025, Inner West Council supported a motion to create a separated 2.4m cycle path and a separated pedestrian footpath to minimise vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian conflicts on Robert Street. This is an important commitment to reserving current roadway for the Bays West Harbour Path active transport corridor.
The Port Authority of NSW has installed a locked gate at lower Booth Street that prevents access to Robert Street. Reopening access would provide walkers, e-bikers and other wheelers a 350m link between White Bay and Balmain Hospital, Gladstone Park and Balmain village on Darling Street.
4. Robert Street between the Cruise Ship Terminal and Ewenton Park, Balmain
4. Robert Street between the Cruise Ship Terminal and Ewenton Park, Balmain
Currently, Robert Street beyond Buchanan Street is a dead end, yet it reaches to within 90m of Ewenton Park, East Balmain.
This is a key missing link for harbourside access for walkers and riders. It would avoid a 2km trek around barriers of high rock walls and Port Authority of NSW security fencing.
It could be:
a foreshore boardwalk from the end of Robert Street to Ewenton Park, or
a tunnel through the cliff-face in Robert Street to Ewenton Park, or
a lift from Robert Street to Grafton Street.
5. Between Ewenton Park and the East Balmain Ferry Wharf
5. Between Ewenton Park and the East Balmain Ferry Wharf
An existing sea-level track connects Ewenton Park to the waterside past the bottom of Datchett Street.
A boardwalk over the water is required in front of the apartments at 16 Hosking Street to Hosking Reserve before continuing via William Street and (several possible routes) to Weston Street and Balmain East ferry wharf.
Key stakeholders include Inner West Council and the Port Authority of NSW.
Next Steps
Next Steps
The name ‘Bays West Harbour Path’ is a working title that simply describes this active transport corridor at this early concept stage.
Collaboration between the community and governments (Commonwealth Government, NSW Government, Inner West Council and City of Sydney) about the ultimate design and name will help shape this valuable project.
The Sustainable Transport Group would be pleased to consult with people and organisations sharing interest in the Bays West Harbour Path.
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