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Support a great cause and explore some of our prettiest villages, writes Jenny Ringland IT IS a 25km loop around Sydney Harbour, crossing seven bridges and passing through seven village precincts. The fifth Seven Bridges Walk on October 31 aims to raise money for the Cancer Council NSW and celebrates some of Air Sydney's amazing engineering feats as well as our glittering Harbour. If the entire 25km seems too much, it is possible to walk one or a couple of sections and then return to your start point by bus. Maps and wristbands can be collected at each village checkpoint, which offer refreshments and entertainment. If you are not up for a full day of walking !A why not pick a start point with something of interest. For example, The Rocks is close to plenty of cafes and restaurants so a bite , of breakfast or lunch V to boost your energy . is a good way to start. Or save your reward for the end. Those who finish at Milsons Point can cool off in North Sydney Pool. Special event buses will be running from village to village. Seven Bridges Walk, Sunday, October 31, adult $10, child under 12 free, register at 7bridgeswalk.com.au I THE ROCKS VILLAGE Cadman's Cottage, Circular Quay Arguably the most picturesque of all the villages, The Rocks is on the water at Circular Quay. Arrive by ferry, train or bus to start or join the loop. For a cultural diversion the MCA is about 50m away. For a celebratory drink head to The Orient or Lowenbrau Keller, or check out the pastries at La Renaissance Cafe Patisserie (pictured). MCA, 140 George St, The Rocks; open daily 10am-5pm, free, 9245 2400, mca.com.au The Orient, 89 George St, The Rocks; 10am-late, 9251 1255, orienthotel.com.au Lowenbrau Keller, cnr Playfair and Argyle Sts, The Rocks; open daily 9am-late, 9247 7785, lowenbrau.com.au La Renaissance Cafe Patisserie, 47 Argyle St, daily 8am-6pm, 9241 4878, larenaissance.com.au PYRMONT VILLAGE Pyrmont Bay Park, Pirrama Rd, opposite Star City Casino Start early and finish the loop, or a portion, at the Sydney Fish Market. There's plenty of outdoor seating with views of Anzac Bridge, perfect for devouring fresh oysters, prawns or fish and chips, washed down with a cold beer. Not into seafood? There are a few good pubs to try, such as the Harlequin Inn or, dare we say it, the Pyrmont Bridge Hotel The Casino is also an option with plenty of restaurants and bars, and the lure of the blackjack tables. Sydney Fish Market, Bank St, Pyrmont; open daily 7am-4pm, 90041100, sydneyfishmarket.com.au Harlequin Inn, 152-156 Harris St, Pyrmont; open Mon-Sat ham-midnight, Sunday 11am- 10pm, 9660 8146, www.harlequininn.com.au 3 ROZELLE VILLAGE King George Park, Manning St, Rozelle The checkpoint at Rozelle is on the foreshore at Iron Cove, also part of the popular weekend jogging and walking loop known as the Iron Cove or Bay run. There are plenty of grassy patches along the way to sit and relax, however a stroll up the hill takes you to Rozelle's cafes and restaurants. Try The Coffee Bean Cafe for a hearty breakfast, or if you're finishing the loop at Rozelle head to the 3 Weeds Hotel, where you can choose from an upmarket restaurant experience or a bistro meal. The Coffee Bean Cafe, 612 Darling St, Balmain; open Monday-Friday 7.30am-4pm, Saturday-Sunday 7.30am-3pm, 9818 1607 3 Weeds Hotel, 193 Evans St, Rozelle; open Tuesday-Saturday noon-midnight, Sunday- Monday noon-10pm, 9818 2788, 3weeds.com.au 4 HUNTERS HILL Hunters Hill Scout Hall, Durham St, Hunters Hill Situated between Tarban Creek and Fig Tree Bridge is the Hunters Hill checkpoint. Just around the corner on Gladesville Rd there are a few food options including Chinese, Indian and Italian restaurants. Picnickers can try nearby Tarban Creek Reserve or Fig Tree Park. However, if you've got the energy, a walk to the end of Reiby Rd next to Hunters Hill High School will provide some lovely water views. In the food department, Madeline's Brasserie on Madeline St, part of the Hunters Hill Club, offers meals such as steak and chips and crispy boned duck for around the $22 mark. Hunters Hill Club, 14-16 Madeline St, Hunters Hill; open daily for lunch, noon-2pm, and dinner from 6pm, 9817 3324, huntershilIclub.com.au 5 LANE COVE Blaxlands Corner, Central Park, cnr William Edward and Kenneth Sts At Lane Cove it's all about the view, and both Woodford and Tambourine Bay are idyllic spots. Hodgson Park has Tambourine Creek running through it with a series of walking paths that wind around and meet at the water's edge of Tambourine Bay. Lane Cove Country Club Golf Course is not far, with the restaurant open from 9am for breakfast, and, of course, lunch. Lane Cove Country Club Golf Course, Fairway 9 Restaurant, River Rd, Northwood; open from 9am for breakfast, 9418 9993, lanecovecountryclub.com.au 6 WOLLSTONECRAFT Brennan Park, Hazelbank and King Sts If starting or finishing at Wollstonecraft, a packed picnic is the best way to enjoy the area. Brennan Park is a large expanse of leafy space with lush green grass and plenty of huge trees for tired walkers to sit under and rest, or nap as the case may be. The surrounding wide suburban streets are quiet and leafy, so if the sun's out this area offers a shady break from the elements. 7 MILSONS POINT Cnr Alfred and Burton Sts Fancy a post-walk dip? North Sydney Olympic Pool, with its enviable views of the Harbour Bridge, is down the hill, as are Luna Park and Ripples restaurant. On the opposite side is Kirribilli with a strip of cafes and restaurants, including the Kirribilli Hotel There's also the option of lying on the grass by the water or directly under the famous coat hanger. This is a great public transport hub with the option of trains, buses and ferry making this a good start or end point. North Sydney Olympic Pool, 4 Alfred St South, Milsons Point; Monday-Friday 5.30am-9pm, Saturday-Sunday and public holidays 7am-7pm; adult $6.50, child $3.20, 9955 2309, northsydney.nsw.gov.au Luna Park, Milsons Point; opens about 10am or 11am, closed some weekdays, entry free, single ride $10, 9033 7676, lunaparksydney.com Ripples, cnr Paul and Northcliff Sts, Milsons Point; Monday-Friday 7.30am-11pm, Saturday-Sunday 8am-11pm, 9929 7722, ripplescafe.com.au