Middle Head Battery walk

And Walk

Middle Head Battery walk

(0km) Cobblers Beach Trail trackhead → Int. Old Fort and Govenors Rds

70 m
1 mins
0m
-3m

Very easy

From the Cobblers Beach Trail track head (beside the car park[1] near the end of Middle Head Rd,
Mosman[2]), this walk heads to the very end of Middle Head Rd towards the sandstone wall[3]. After 50m the walk heads over the bridged ‘Middle Head Moat’[4][5], then around the boom gate to come to a signposted intersection with ‘Old Fort Rd’ and ‘Govenors Rd’[6]. (There is a public toilet

[Toilet]

in the sandstone building the right)

(0.07km) Int. Old Fort and Govenors Rds → Old Fort Road gun brackets

220 m
4 mins
2m
-4m

Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads gently uphill along the signposted and asphalt ‘Old Fort Rd’[7], initially keeping the toilet to the right

[Toilet]

and ‘Barracks No.1’[8] to the left. After about 130m the old road heads over a rise and then leads down between the metal bollards[9] to come to an intersection in a large clearing beside a row large gun timber brackets (bases)[10], marked with a ‘Middle Head’ sign[11]

(0.29km) Old Fort Road gun brackets → Middle Head Fort

50 m
1 mins
1m
0m

Easy track

Continue straight: From beside the row of large gun timber brackets (bases)[12], this walk heads downhill for 50m along the wide gravely trail[13] towards the water to come the large network of concrete and sandstone forts and gun emplacements[14][15][16]. The area can be explored, taking care of cliff edges and large potential falls into the fortifications.

Outer Middle Head Battery

The Outer Middle Head Battery is the main complex in the Middle Head Fortifications. Work for building the fortifications started in 1801 and the last batteries were constructed in 1942, with the majority of the work being done 1870 and 1911 . There is a network of tunnels and rooms underground that was build to support the gunning placements to protect Sydney Harbour from enemy invasion. There are formal tours available or you can take care and explore the area yourself.

(0.33km) Outer Forts → Western Fort

110 m
4 mins
5m
-31m

Hard track

Turn left: From the open area beside the outer forts, this walk heads north[18] keeping the tallest fort[19] to the right. After about 10m the walk turns right to follow a wide grassy track behind a tree and across a bridge[20] giving more views of the concrete forts[21] (on the right). The walk continues around the back of the forts for about 50m, then veers left to head more steeply down

[Trip Hazard]

[22] for another 15m to come beside the unfenced western forts[23] and tall cliff[24]. Keep two full body lengths back from cliffs and significant drops to reduce the risk of falling. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn sharp right.

Maps for the Middle Head Battery walk walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Sydney Heads	1:25 000 Map Series	91302N SYDNEY HEADS	NSW-91302N
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Middle Head Battery walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Middle Head Battery walk

Accessibility summary information for the Middle Head Battery walk

Parking: There are 0 designated accessible parking areas on this walk.

Toilets: There are 0 designated accessible toilets on this walk.

Seats: There are 0 places to sit on this walk.

Hazards: There are 1 specific noteable accessability related hazards on this walk.
Trip Hazard Ground is rough and slopes moderately steeply down to unfenced drop into gun emplcement and cliff edge. Significant unfenced fall risk. Found about 330m into the walk.

Accessibility Details

1 Toilet

Unisex flushing toilet. Entrance is 69cm wide, toilet seat 43cm high, handbasin outside is 76cm high. Room is 1.4x1m. There is a 10cm step to access the building.
This is found 80m into this walk at -33.826819053663,151.26513138413
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 80m into this walk

2 Trip Hazard

Ground is rough and slopes moderately steeply down to unfenced drop into gun emplcement and cliff edge. Significant unfenced fall risk.
This is found 330m into this walk at -33.827119856808,151.26853644848
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 330m into this walk

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	664 m
		Time	30 mins
		.
Grade 2/6 Easy track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
		Quality of track	Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
		Signs	Clearly signposted (1/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

Around 270m of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps, whilst the remaining 65m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

Around 270m of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail, whilst the remaining 65m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

This whole walk, 330m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 330m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 330m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 330m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Middle Head Battery walk walk starts and ends at the Cobblers Beach Trail trackhead (gps: -33.826961, 151.2643)
Your transport options to Cobblers Beach Trail trackhead are by;

Bus. (get details)
Car. Parking fees apply in the area.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-shnp-mhbw
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.
https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_weather_danger.php?walkid=nsw-shnp-mhbw

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-shnp-mhbw

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/mhbw

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

Special Maps/ brochures
* A3 topo maps
* PDF with Lands Topo map base
* PDF with arial image (and map overlay)
I wanted to get the main site live first, this extra stuff will come in time.
Happy walking
Matt 🙂

Cobblers Beach

And Walk

Cobblers Beach

Download & Print Map and Notes

(0km) Cobblers Beach Trail trackhead → Cobblers Beach Trail sign

50 m
1 mins
0m
-2m

Easy track

From the Cobblers Beach Trail track head (beside the car park[1] near the end of Middle Head Rd[2]), this walk heads around the locked gate

[Pinch Point]

[3] and follows the grassy trail gently downhill for about 40m to come to an intersection beside the ‘Sydney Harbour National Park’ sign[4].

(0.05km) Cobblers Beach Trail sign → Cobblers Beach

420 m
10 mins
8m
-48m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Cobblers Beach Road’ arrow on the ‘Sydney Harbour National Park’ sign[5] downhill along the gravely management trail. After 110m the trail narrows for about 5m (to 90cm) to pass a pile of spoil[6] then about 20m later comes in an unmarked intersection (with a faint track on the right)[7].
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the wide management trail downhill. The trail starts to bend left and heads noteably more steeply downhill

[Wheelchair Steep Rough]

[8] in places over the next 220m where the trail mostly flattens out[9] and bends sharply right. After this bend, the trail continues to lead more gently downhill for another 50m to come to an open grassy area signposted as ‘Cobblers Beach’[10]. Access to the sand is down a few uneven stone steps

[Trip Hazard]

Cobblers Beach

Cobblers Beach[11] is a small pretty and clothing optional beach on the northern edge of Middle Head in Sdynday Harbour NP. From the beach, you can see across the water to Grotto Point and Balmoral Beach in the distance. The small sandy beach is about 80m long and about 10m wide depending on the tide. There are rocks along the shorline[13]. Wearing clothing is optional on the sandy beach area however clothing is required to be worn in the surrounding bushland and on the grassed area directly behind the beach.

Maps for the Cobblers Beach walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Sydney Heads	1:25 000 Map Series	91302N SYDNEY HEADS	NSW-91302N
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Cobblers Beach bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Cobblers Beach

Accessibility summary information for the Cobblers Beach

Parking: There are 0 designated accessible parking areas on this walk.

Toilets: There are 0 designated accessible toilets on this walk.

Seats: There are 0 places to sit on this walk.

Hazards: There are 1 specific noteable accessability related hazards on this walk.
Trip Hazard A series of 4 cut sandstone steps (ranging up to 34cm high) and debris to access sandy beach area. Found about 440m into the walk.

Accessibility Details

1 Pinch Point

Pinchpoints beside metal gate. The flatest area beside the gate is 1m wide (total width 1.5m). There is alternate around gate via car park over the concrete wheelstops. Gate is 96cm high.
This is found 20m into this walk at -33.8268016,151.2643133
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 20m into this walk

2 Wheelchair Steep Rough

This trail has long steep and very rough sections that will require signficant assistance for most people using a wheelchair.
This is found 190m into this walk at -33.8252533,151.26465
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 190m into this walk

3 Trip Hazard

A series of 4 cut sandstone steps (ranging up to 34cm high) and debris to access sandy beach area.
This is found 440m into this walk at -33.8259083,151.2634083
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 440m into this walk

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	930 m
		Time	30 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

Around 290m of this walk is very steep, whilst the remaining 180m has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

Around 420m of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles, whilst the remaining 50m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 420m of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 50m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 470m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 470m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 290m of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 180m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Cobblers Beach walk starts and ends at the Cobblers Beach Trail trackhead (gps: -33.826982, 151.26425)
Your transport options to Cobblers Beach Trail trackhead are by;

Bus. (get details)
Car. Parking fees apply in the area.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-shnp-cb
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-shnp-cb

Inner Middle Head Battery walk

And Walk

Inner Middle Head Battery walk

Download & Print Map and Notes

(0km) Cobblers Beach Trail trackhead → Int. Old Fort and Govenors Rds

70 m
1 mins
0m
-3m

Very easy

[Toilet]

in the sandstone building the right)

(0.07km) Int. Old Fort and Govenors Rds → Int. Govenors Rd and Inner Forts Trk

140 m
2 mins
0m
-4m

Easy track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Govenors Rd’ [7] and ‘Soldiers Institute’[8] signs gently uphill along the sealed Governors Rd. The road leads uphill for 130m past a few historic barrack buildings to where the road bends (sharply right). Here the walk continues straight (gently downhill), across the gravel area (marked with an arrow post at the end of the white metal pole fence[9]).

(0.2km) Int. Govenors Rd and Inner Forts Trk → Inner Forts intersection

110 m
2 mins
1m
0m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Inner Middle Head Forts’ sign[10] along the mostly flat dirt track (away from the road) for about 90m to come to an unsignposted intersection with another track and a sandstone fort (on the right).

(0.31km) Inner Forts intersection → Disappearing Gun Pit North

70 m
2 mins
0m
-18m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads along the clear dirt track[11] towards the distant water view between two long sandstone trenches[12]. After 60m this walk heads across the grassy section[13] to come to the top edge of the northern Disappearing Gun Pit

[Trip Hazard]

[14][15] beside the ocean cliffs[16]. Take extra care as the ground slopes towards the gun pit and cliff edges – stay 2 body lengths back from any significant drop.

Inner Middle Head Battery

The inner Middle Head battery, is about 300m north of the main fortification area on Middle Head, Sydney Harbour National Park. The area has a number of fortifications, tunnels and hiding gun placement[17][18]. There are trenches leading down to some tunnels. Some of the tunnels are locked [19] with horizontal bar gates to protect the nesting sites of microbats that have taken up residence in the fortifications. The view of the harbour are stunning and the history interesting and worth exploring. Take great care around the cliffs and gun emplacements staying two full body lengths back from significant drops to avoid injury.

Maps for the Inner Middle Head Battery walk walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Sydney Heads	1:25 000 Map Series	91302N SYDNEY HEADS	NSW-91302N
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Inner Middle Head Battery walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Inner Middle Head Battery walk

Accessibility summary information for the Inner Middle Head Battery walk

Parking: There are 0 designated accessible parking areas on this walk.

Toilets: There are 0 designated accessible toilets on this walk.

Seats: There are 0 places to sit on this walk.

Hazards: There are 1 specific noteable accessability related hazards on this walk.
Trip Hazard Ground is rough and slopes moderately steeply down to unfenced drop into gun emplcement. Significant unfenced fall risk. Found about 370m into the walk.

Accessibility Details

1 Toilet

Unisex flushing toilet. Entrance is 69cm wide, toilet seat 43cm high, handbasin outside is 76cm high. Room is 1.4x1m. There is a 10cm step to access the building.
This is found 70m into this walk at -33.826819053663,151.26513138413
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 70m into this walk

2 Trip Hazard

Ground is rough and slopes moderately steeply down to unfenced drop into gun emplcement. Significant unfenced fall risk.
This is found 370m into this walk at -33.8245483,151.2667416
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 370m into this walk

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	762 m
		Time	30 mins
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

200m of this walk is flat with no steps and another 110m has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (70m) has short steep hills.

Quality of track

210m of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 110m follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (65m) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 270m of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 110m has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 380m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 380m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 200m of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 180m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Inner Middle Head Battery walk walk starts and ends at the Cobblers Beach Trail trackhead (gps: -33.826961, 151.2643)
Your transport options to Cobblers Beach Trail trackhead are by;

Bus. (get details)
Car. Parking fees apply in the area.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-shnp-imhbw
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-shnp-imhbw

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/imhbw

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

Arabanoo Lookout

And Walk

Arabanoo Lookout

Download & Print Map and Notes

Tania Park

Tania Park is home to a large oval[1], and is found on Dobroyd Scenic Dr, Balgowlah Heights. This oval can be accessed on the Manly to Spit walking track and is home to the start of the Arabanoo Lookout path. The oval has basic facilities at the western edge such as toilets[2][3], children’s playground [4], drinking water [5], BBQ [6] and picnic tables [7].

(0km) Dobroyd Scenic Drive → Arabanoo Lookout

70 m
1 mins
0m
-5m

Very easy

From the car parking bays on the north eastern edge of Tania Park on Dobroyd Scenic Dr, Balgowlah Heights[8] this walk heads towards the ‘Arabanoo Lookout’ sign[9]. From the edge of the road, this walk follows the (1.5m wide) concrete footpath, directly away from the oval and road, gently uphill[10], initially passing the ‘Arabanoo’ information sign[11][12]. About 35m from the road this walk comes to the fenced (1.2m high) lookout area[13], and seats

[Seat]

Arabanoo Lookout

Arabanoo Lookout provides great views over Port Jackson, North Harbour and to Manly. The lookout also has some interesting information signs and plarques[14][15][16][17][18] providing information on the significance of the area. There are two large stone seats

[Seat]

at the lookout.
This lookout is named after Arabanoo, an Aboriginal man kidnapped in December 1788, by British marines on Governor Phillips orders. The Governor believed that this was justified as he wished to facilitate communication between the British and the Aborigines. Arabanoo lived in the company of the Europeans until the 18th May 1789 where he died due to smallpox infection.

Maps for the Arabanoo Lookout walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Sydney Heads	1:25 000 Map Series	91302N SYDNEY HEADS	NSW-91302N
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Arabanoo Lookout bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Arabanoo Lookout

Accessibility summary information for the Arabanoo Lookout

Parking: There are 0 designated accessible parking areas on this walk.

Toilets: There are 0 designated accessible toilets on this walk.

Seats: There are 2 places to sit on this walk.
They are 70m apart.

Hazards: There are 0 specific noteable accessability related hazards on this walk.

Accessibility Details

1 Seat

A concrete and stone seat, 35cm high, 45cm deep and 3m wide with no arm or backrest.
This is found 70m into this walk at -33.807849607204,151.26906082034
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 70m into this walk

2 Seat

A curved concrete and stone seat, 39cm high (33cm at the frount), 45cm deep and 7.5m wide with no arm or backrest.
This is found 70m into this walk at -33.807869665228,151.26913189888
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 70m into this walk

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	142 m
		Time	15 mins
		.
Grade 1/6 Very easy	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Flat, no steps (1/6)
		Quality of track	Smooth and hardened path (1/6)
		Signs	Clearly signposted (1/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

This whole walk, 70m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

This whole walk, 70m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

This whole walk, 70m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 70m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 70m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 70m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Arabanoo Lookout walk starts and ends at the Dobroyd Scenic Drive (gps: -33.808363, 151.2688)
Your main transport option to Dobroyd Scenic Drive is by;

Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-manlylga-al
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-manlylga-al

Robertsons Point Lookout

And Walk

Robertsons Point Lookout

Download & Print Map and Notes

Cremorne Point Ferry Wharf

Cremorne Point Ferry Wharf marks the first stop on the Mosman Ferry Service. The wharf is home to Sophie’s Place cafe, serving coffee, food and drinks[1]. A public phone, public toilets and a children’s playground can all be found within 100m of this wharf. More info.

(0km) Cremorne Point Ferry Wharf → Sophies Lookout

40 m
1 mins
2m
-1m

Easy track

From the entrance to Cremorne Point Ferry Wharf, this walk crosses Milson Road to the base of the staircase on the other side of the road[2]. Here the walk turns right to head up the steps [3] past the lookout and monument to ‘Sophie Vaillant’[4] to an intersection[5] with a few other footpaths.

Sophies Lookout

This unofficial lookout takes in sweeping views across Sydney Harbour, over top of Cremorne Point Wharf and ‘Sophie’s Place’ cafe. The lookout is dedicated to Sophie Vaillant[6], long-term proprietor of the cafe below.

(0.04km) Sophies Lookout → Robertsons Point Lookout

200 m
3 mins
0m
-8m

Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads along the footpath directly away from the house, heading towards the toilet block[7] and playground[8]. The path leads past this park area and heads into the bush, then passes a couple of information signs to find a concrete rock cairn, built for the ‘Clan of Donnachaidh’ in 1988[9] (each rock has its town of origin carved in it[10][11]). The walk then continues along the path past a picnic table (with views and some shade)[12] to find the lookout at Robertsons Point[13][14][15]. (There is a track with steps and ladder that continues further down to the very tip of the point[16] for the adventurous).

Robertsons Point Lookout

Robertsons Point, also known as Cremorne Point, is home to Cremorne Reserve. At the very tip, visitors can wander down some old steps[17] to the lighthouse[18], and the more adventurous can continue down a rather precarious ladder[19] to the water’s edge. The spectacular harbour views can be enjoyed from a number of bench seats[20][21]. A memorial plaque[22] reminds visitors to take extra care and respect the inherent dangers of the rocky coast.

Maps for the Robertsons Point Lookout walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Parramatta River	1:25 000 Map Series	91303N PARRAMATTA RIVER	NSW-91303N
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Robertsons Point Lookout bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Robertsons Point Lookout

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	478 m
		Time	15 mins
		.
Grade 2/6 Easy track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
		Quality of track	Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
		Signs	Clearly signposted (1/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

Around 200m of this walk is flat with no steps, whilst the remaining 40m has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

Around 200m of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail, whilst the remaining 40m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

This whole walk, 240m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 240m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 240m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 240m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Robertsons Point Lookout walk starts and ends at the Cremorne Point Ferry Wharf (gps: -33.847645, 151.23102)
Your transport options to Cremorne Point Ferry Wharf are by;

Ferry. (get details)
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-cremorner-rpl
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

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Grotto Point Walk

And Walk

Grotto Point Walk

Download & Print Map and Notes

Arabanoo Lookout

Arabanoo Lookout provides great views over Port Jackson, North Harbour and to Manly. The lookout also has some interesting information signs and plarques[1][2][3][4][5] providing information on the significance of the area. There are two large stone seats

[Seat]

(0km) Int. Dobroyd Scenic Dr and Arabanoo Trk → Crater Cove Lookout

490 m
10 mins
12m
-19m

Moderate track

From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Manly’ and ‘The Spit’ sign down the hill. The track winds down through bush which quickly becomes heath. The heath becomes short and thins out on the left, before the walk comes to an intersection, with a sign pointing back to ‘Arabanoo Lookout’.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows ‘The Spit’ arrow along the hillside as it winds through the thick scrub to the start of a boardwalk. The walk leads further around the hillside to the edge of the park and down onto the fenced Crater Cove lookout.

Crater Cove Lookout

From this fenced lookout, vistas far out to sea can be enjoyed, with Middle and South Heads just in view. Many yachts sail past, with the container ships out to sea. This is a popular spot for watching the start of the Sydney to Hobart race, or for watching whales as they pass by Sydney.

(0.49km) Crater Cove Lookout → Bottom of Tania Park track

10 m
1 mins
5m
0m

Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill, towards the road and away from the sea. The walk soon comes to an intersection with the Tania Park stone steps on the right.

(0.5km) Bottom of Tania Park track → Grotto Point Engravings track

660 m
14 mins
14m
-38m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the Arabanoo Walk, keeping the water on the left. The track continues away from the rock platform for a short time, coming to an unnamed lookout on another rock platform.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads along the hillside keeping the harbour below and to the left of the track. The walk crosses several separate sections of boardwalk and rock platforms, coming to the intersection with the signpost ‘Castle Rock Beach 800m’.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Castle Rock Beach 800m’ sign along the bush track and down the stone steps, keeping the ocean to the left. The track winds down the hill until it flattens out at the intersection with a short track (heading to the Grotto Point engravings track) on the left.

(1.16km) Grotto Point Engravings track → Grotto Point Engravings

40 m
1 mins
2m
0m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill, beside a wooden sleeper, passing an engraving of a kangaroo on the right. The short track soon comes to a large rock platform with the rest of the engravings, and information signs. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer right.

Grotto Point Engravings

The engravings at Grotto Point depict kangaroos, fish and what appears to be boomerangs. The engravings are in quite good condition, considering their age. We have already lost so much of this region’s history that historians are not entirely sure if this is the land of the Gayamagal or the Cammeraygal clan. Please take a great deal of care at this site to ensure the longevity of this history. More info.

(1.16km) Grotto Point Engravings track → Grotto Point Lighthouse

660 m
14 mins
5m
-60m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track heading down the hill, away from the engravings. The track soon heads down some rock step to the signposted intersection of the Grotto Point Lighthouse track.
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the Grotto Point Lighthouse arrow along the rocky bush track, winding down a gentle hill, coming into more dense bush as it winds to the intersection of the Grotto Point Lighthouse and the Grotto Point Cliffs tracks.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk winds down the hill, passing an old, blank signpost. The track wanders through dense bush and along the ridge, flattening out for a while until it drops down another hill towards the end of the point, coming to the Grotto Point Lighthouse.

Grotto Point Lighthouse

Surrounded by a white picket fence, the small Grotto Point Lighthouse overlooks Middle Head. The light was designed in the early 1900s by the architect Maurice Festu to assist ships entering the harbour. Construction started in 1910, with the lighthouse being commissioned on September 1 1911.

(1.82km) Grotto Point lighthouse → Old concrete bunker

50 m
1 mins
1m
-2m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads around the right-hand side of the lighthouse and along the bush track, passing a green post and continuing down some tall brick steps to the concrete roof of an old bunker. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn sharp left.

Maps for the Grotto Point Walk walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Sydney Heads	1:25 000 Map Series	91302N SYDNEY HEADS	NSW-91302N
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Grotto Point Walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Grotto Point Walk

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	3.6 km
		Time	2 hrs
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

Around 1.6km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps, whilst the remaining 250m has short steep hills.

Quality of track

Around 1.4km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles, whilst the remaining 430m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 1.6km of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 220m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 1.3km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 550m requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 1.8km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 1.1km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 690m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Grotto Point Walk walk starts and ends at the Int. Dobroyd Scenic Dr and Arabanoo Trk (gps: -33.80836, 151.2688)
Your transport options to Int. Dobroyd Scenic Dr and Arabanoo Trk are by;

Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-shnp-gpw
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

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Taronga Zoo to Manly

And Walk

Taronga Zoo to Manly

Download & Print Map and Notes

(0km) Taronga Zoo Wharf → Taronga Zoo Entrance

220 m
4 mins
11m
-5m

Very easy

From the wharf, the walk heads uphill along the footpath beside the road to the Taronga Zoo entrance at the pedestrian crossing.

Taronga Zoo

Taronga Zoo was founded in 1916, with the vision of imitating the Hamburg Zoo’s bar-less exhibits. Since its opening, Taronga Zoo has directed more attention to research, education and conservation efforts to support the animals. Taronga Zoo is open everyday 9am- 5pm. Phone: +61 2 9969 2777 or email: groups@zoo.nsw.gov.au. More info.

(0.22km) Taronga Zoo Entrance → Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Athol Hall Trk

410 m
9 mins
24m
-15m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the opposite the zoo entrance, the walk heads down the ramp leaving the road up to the left. The track soon leads to a a lookout with a set of bench seats and good harbour views. The walk continues along the footpath to a wire fence then follows the ‘Walking Track’ sign along the hillside to climb a few steps and cross a wooden bridge. The track comes to the corner of Athol Hall’s grass clearing.
Veer right: From the intersection, the walk heads down the stairs then continues along the hill for a short time. The walk descends more stairs to a signposted intersection.

(0.63km) Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Athol Hall Trk → Athol Hall

70 m
2 mins
9m
0m

Moderate track

Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to ‘Athol Hall’ up the stairs, crossing a large grassy area. The walk then continues up to Athol Hall entrance. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer left.

Athol Hall

Athol Hall, built in 1908, was once a hotel. Sections of the original building date back to the 1800’s. The hall has an excellent vantage point over the harbour with the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and city all well within its scope. Athol Hall today is a cafe and function centre with the cafe open Tues-Fri and Sun, 11am -3pm. More info.

(0.63km) Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Athol Hall Trk → HMAS Sydney Mast, Bradleys Head

670 m
16 mins
31m
-40m

Easy track

Continue straight: From the stairs, this walk heads around the hillside with the harbour below on the right. The walk travels across large sections of boardwalk which undulate slightly as the walk comes up to a trail (which leads to a bench overlooking Sydney Harbour). From the trail, this walk keeps contouring along the hillside, south and tending left, to the intersection, signposted as the way to ‘Cannons picnic area’.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads towards the car park, keeping the harbour to the right. The walk leads approximately 10m to the intersection with a track (leading down to Bradleys Head Amphitheatre).
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads along the footpath next to the car park for a short distance, until it comes to be above the flag pole, HMAS Sydney Mast.

HMAS Sydney Memorial Mast

The HMAS Sydney Memorial Mast was erected in 1934, following the HMAS Sydney’s decommissioning in 1928. The mast stands as a sign of respect for ‘Australian officers, sailors and ships lost at sea and in combat’[2]. HMAS Sydney itself was a Chatham Class light cruiser which saw action in WW1.
More info.

(1.3km) HMAS Sydney Mast, Bradleys Head → Int. End of Iluka Rd access and Borogegal Trks

1.5 km
34 mins
83m
-80m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads along the footpath, keeping the road to the left, for about 150m to where the road bends sharply left. From this point, this walk heads along boardwalk, on your right, keeping the water glimpses to your right. The board walk soon end and this walk follows the track along the side of the hill for about 600m to come to an intersection with a sign pointing back to ‘Bradleys Head’.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads into Taylors Gully, with Taylors Bay below on the right. The track continues for approximately 300m, contouring around the hill with views of Taylors Bay on the right. Tending right, this walk enters and exits Taylors Gully, to continue approximately 250m to the signposted intersection at the beginning of the houses, on the left.

(2.77km) Taylors intersection → Bottom of Morella Rd track

680 m
16 mins
59m
-32m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads along the line of the houses, on the left, for approximately 140m. The track passes a Japanese Submarine information sign on the right as it continues along sections of boardwalk track, to the intersection next to the last house. The walk heads up the stairs below the last house to be met by a large sandstone staircase on the left and a track to the front.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads away from the house and clearing along the fairly flat track keeping the water glimpses to your right. The path soon leads to a clear three-way intersection with a ‘Ashton Park’ sign pointing back along the track.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows ‘Clifton Gardens’[3] sign gently up the hill. The track leads through the bush for a short time to soon come to another three-way intersection, this one marked with a ‘Morella Rd’ sign[4] (on your left).

(3.44km) Bottom of Morella Rd track → Morella St lookout

170 m
4 mins
3m
-14m

Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the main track keeping the water glimpses to your right (and the Morella Rd track to your left). The track gently works is way around the hill to come to a sign point back to ‘Ashton Park’ and a large clearing with good views behind some houses.

Morella St lookout

This informally named clearing behind some houses[5] on Morella St provides a great view across the harbour[6]. The fairly large clearing has been maintained and is a good place to stop if wanting to avoid the large groups at Clifton Gardens.

(3.61km) Morella St lookout → Bottom of Sarahs walk steps

80 m
3 mins
0m
-17m

Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows ‘Clifton Gardens’ sign[7] downhill along the concrete path, behind the line of houses[8]. The path leads down the hill, following a series of steps[9] past a bench seat to come to a ‘T’ intersection (with Sarah’s Walk, part way down a set of steps)[10][11].

(3.68km) Bottom of Sarahs walk steps → Clifton Gardens baths

250 m
5 mins
3m
-16m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the steps[12] that soon flatten out as the footpath leads around the headland under a few sandstone overhangs[13]. The walk soon comes to a ‘Foreshore Path’[14] sign pointing back along the path at the south-western end of Clifton Gardens.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads down onto the beach, towards the wharf in the middle of the beach. The walk passes an Illawarra Flame tree, as it heads approximately 100m along the beach to the start of the wharf.

Clifton Gardens Reserve

Clifton Gardens was developed as a picnic spot in the late 1800s, with a local hotelier building a wharf and dance pavilion. In 1909, Sydney Ferries Ltd purchased the estate, and further developed the area, including a large swimming enclosure. The structure burned down in 1956.
Today, Clifton Gardens is touted as ‘remnant bushland’, offering birdwatching, a netted swimming enclosure, change rooms, a fenced playground[17], and of course, spectacular views over Chowder Bay. A short bush track leads through to Rawson Oval.

(3.94km) Clifton Gardens Baths → Chowder Bay Lower Gate

210 m
5 mins
13m
-10m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the wharf, this walk heads towards the playground-end of the beach. The walk leads along the beach, passing the playground and rocky outcrop on the left to tend right onto a boardwalk. The boardwalk takes the walk to the lower gate of Chowder Bay.

Bacino Kiosk

The Bacino Kiosk, just next to Clifton Gardens, is a smaller version of the Bacino Bar above at Chowder Bay. This kiosk supplies passers-by with a home-blend coffee and sandwiches, and all at a reasonable price ($5-12). The Kiosk is open from 7am-4pm every day, except Christmas and bad weather. More info.

(4.14km) Chowder Bay Lower Gate → Roundabout at end of Chowder Bay Road

230 m
4 mins
19m
-5m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the gate, this walk heads towards the wharf approximately 80m away. The walk soon passes Bacino Kiosk on the left, and continues along the foreshore footpath to the start of the wharf.
Turn left: From the wharf, this walk heads directly away from that wharf, heading up the stairs. At the top of the stairs, this walk follows the footpath right, around a flag pole and house on the left. The walk continues past a round-about, to the start of a car park, opposite Bacino Bar.

Chowder Bay

Chowder Bay looks over Sydney Harbour, to Vaucluse and Rose Bay. The bay is named after the food of the American whalers stationed at Clifton Gardens, ‘clam chowder’. Chowder Bay then became a Submarine Mining Depot in 1889. Today, Chowder Bay still has great views from the remaining military buildings on the hillside. One of the newer buildings houses a cafe, and other buildings stand as monuments to their former use. Chowder Bay offers great views with easy access to Clifton Gardens for a swim.

(4.37km) Roundabout at end of Chowder Bay Road → Int. Bacino Bar back deck and Chowder Bay Trk

20 m
1 mins
6m
0m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the road, this walk heads north away from the harbour to the base of the stone steps on the left hand side of Bacino Bar.

Bacino Cafe

The Bacino Bar is in Building No.2 at Chowder Bay, with great views across Sydney Harbour. The bar sells pastas, panini, arancini, tramezzini, stuffed eggplant and biscotti, along with homemade sandwiches and treats. The Bacino Bar prices are reasonable, ranging between $5-12 for the delicacies, and their coffee is made of their own blend. The bar is open every day from 7am- 4pm except for Christmas. A public toilet is available at the Eastern end of the building. More info.

(4.39km) Int. Bacino Bar back deck and Chowder Bay Trk → Int. Gunners’ Barracks drive way and Chowder Bay Trk

270 m
7 mins
47m
-2m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection behind Bacino Bar, the walk heads up the steep stone steps, away from the cafe. The track then tends right, across the hill for a short time climbing the uneven stairs to meet the road and signposted intersection.

(4.66km) Int. Gunners’ Barracks drive way and Chowder Bay Trk → Int. Chowder Bay Trk and Georges Heights Rd

60 m
1 mins
2m
-1m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads across the road to head up the bush track on the hill for approximately 50m, to the signposted intersection behind ‘Georges Head Lookout’.

(4.72km) Int. Chowder Bay Trk and Georges Heights Rd → Georges Head Lookout

70 m
1 mins
0m
-2m

Very easy

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to Georges Head Lookout, down the hill to the circular paved lookout above the fortifications. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Georges Heights

Georges Heights is a gun emplacement with a commanding 180degree view over the entrance to the harbour. The old gun emplacements are still in position, with their arcs of fire explained in the signs nearby. The view from this lookout is magnificent.

(4.72km) Int. Chowder Bay Trk and Georges Heights Rd → Int. WW1 Hospital and Chowder Bay Trk

380 m
7 mins
13m
-11m

Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the signs to ‘Balmoral Beach’ up the hill for a short while. The track opens out to a clearing on the left which has some old structures in it. This is the World War 1 hospital.

WW1 Hospital

This military hospital was in use from 1916 to 1923, and could treat up to 420 troops at any one time. Sydney Harbour Trust completed restoration of the buildings mid-2005. These buildings are New South Wales’ only surviving military hospital buildings from WW1.

(5.1km) Int. WW1 Hospital and Chowder Bay Trk → Balmoral Park car park

840 m
21 mins
9m
-78m

Hard track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads up and across the hill, leaving the WW1 hospital behind on the left. The path continues up the hill, passing a sculpture (a bit overgrown on the right), then bending left (passing through a gate that is locked overnight at 6pm) up to Middle Head Rd. The walk crosses the road to the signposted intersection on the other side.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to ‘Balmoral Beach’ downhill away from the road. The walk heads down many flights of stairs and turns right, through a fence. The track then turns left to continue down more stairs, which lead the walk across a bridge and next to an oval with a signposted intersection.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads toward the sea, keeping the oval to your left. The walk passes ‘1st Balmoral Sea Scouts’ on the right before coming to the car park.

(5.94km) Balmoral Park car park → Rocky Point Bridge

860 m
14 mins
5m
-9m

Easy track

Continue straight: From Balmoral Park car park, this walk heads onto the beach and follows along it, past the pipe and wharf, then continues up the beach to then head up the stairs onto the bridge, connecting the small rocky island to the promenade above the beach.

Balmoral Beach

Balmoral Beach takes its name from the royal castle at Braemar in Scotland. This is a beautiful beach, with a great foreshore walk overlooking the sandy beach. The beach is a popular spot with locals and visitors, for sun baking, swimming and having a picnic. Balmoral Beach has very little surf, with a sheltered, easterly aspect. There is also a shark-net swimming area, toilets, shops, cafes and plenty of beach to share on a sunny day.

(6.8km) Rocky Point Bridge → Int. Wyargine Reserve Trk and Balmoral Beach

480 m
8 mins
8m
-3m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the bridge, this walk heads along the beach to the north, keeping the sea to the right, towards the headland. The walk heads along the beach for approximately 200m, to the intersection just off the beach, past the last beachfront house.

(7.27km) Int. Wyargine Reserve Trk and Balmoral Beach → Chinamans Beach Reserve South

850 m
18 mins
42m
-43m

Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection just behind the beach, this walk winds up stairs away from the beach, to a rocky outcrop where the track turns. The walk then continues up the hill to meet the signposted intersection at the end of Stanton Rd.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads up the road following ‘Stanton Rd’ then ‘Burran Ave’ signs, to veer left onto Hopetoun Ave. The walk soon passes Kirk Oswald Ave (off to the left). After a while the road again splits into two levels, opposite the intersection of Armitage Rd.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill, following the sign ‘Armitage Lane’ along the road, and around to the left into Rosherville Rd. The walk continues along the footpath, passing a large boulder and a bench on the right before winding down behind the playground in Rosherville Reserve. The track passes the playground, taking the closest access track to the southern end of Chinamans Beach. Now Turn sharp left to rejoin the main walk .

(7.27km) Int. Wyargine Reserve Trk and Balmoral Beach → Chinamans Beach Reserve South

840 m
16 mins
24m
-25m

Hard track

Turn right: (This section is only possible at low tide and with calm seas.) From the intersection, this walk heads away from the houses and towards the rockshelf, keeping the bush on the left. The walk keeps the water to the right as it weaves around the rockshelf for approximately 500m, to some boat sheds with rail tracks into the water. From these boat sheds, the walk continues to follow the rocky headland to the beach.

(8.12km) Chinamans Beach Reserve South → Middle of Chinamans Beach

160 m
3 mins
1m
-5m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the end of the beach, this walk heads along the sand, keeping the water to the right, until near the middle of Chinamans Beach. A wood-railed track heads off to the toilet block on the left, marking the intersection.

Chinamans Beach and Reserve

Chinamans Beach and Reserve are wonderful places to have a picnic or a swim, with lots of areas to sit in the sun or shade beside the clear water. The beach does not provide any surf with its north-easterly aspect, but is perfect for launching your kayak or boat into the harbour. Chinamans Reserve has some parking, play equipment, toilets and road access by McLean Cres.

(8.28km) Middle of Chinamans Beach → Int. Grecia Lane Trk and Chinamans Beach Reserve North

70 m
1 mins
3m
0m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads along the beach with the water to the right. The walk leads to the stairs at the end of the beach.

(8.34km) Int. Grecia Lane Trk and Chinamans Beach Reserve North → Int. Middle Harbour Yacht Club car park and Spit Rd

1.1 km
25 mins
55m
-56m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the base of the stairs (at the northern end of Chinamans Beach), this walk heads up the stairs away from the beach, to the intersection with Cyprian St. The track heads to the right, up Cyprian St, to the intersection with Parriwi Rd. At Parriwi Rd, the walk turns right, around the railing and up the hill. The walk continues along Parriwi Rd for some time, down to the intersection with Spit Rd. The walk continues along Spit Rd, to the driveway entry to Middle Harbour Yacht Club car park. Now Veer right to rejoin the main walk .

(8.34km) Int. Grecia Lane Trk and Chinamans Beach Reserve North → Middle Harbour Yacht Club entrance

860 m
16 mins
18m
-19m

Hard track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads along the rocky shoreline with the water to the right, as it weaves around the houses to a small beach. The walk continues over some sandy sections between the rocks for approximately 700m, to come to a large Sydney Water building, the Spit Syphon. The walk climbs onto the concrete platform of the Spit Syphon to continue along the road, passing ‘The Shores’ restaurant and a boat ramp. The walk continues past the Middle Harbour Yacht Club building to the main entrance facing the car park.

Spit Syphon

The Spit Syphon was built between 1922 and 1925 by the Public Works Department. It was necessary in order to pump sewage from the north without interfering with water transport. The building is styled with Egyptian influences as displayed by its tall, square concrete walls. More info.

(9.2km) Middle Harbour Yacht Club entrance → Int. Middle Harbour Yacht Club car park and Spit Rd

70 m
1 mins
1m
-1m

Easy track

Veer left: From the entrance of Middle Harbour Yacht Club, this walk heads away from the buildings to the road.

(9.28km) Int. Middle Harbour Yacht Club car park and Spit Rd → Spit Bridge South

280 m
5 mins
1m
-4m

Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads along Spit Rd towards the bridge, keeping the shops on your right. The walk heads along the road to where it splits, to go over the bridge, opposite ‘Sydney Harbour Kayaks’.

Sydney Harbour Kayaks

Sydney Harbour Kayaks, at the southern end of the Spit Bridge, provide sales and rentals of kayaks. One hour in a single plastic kayak costs $20, and a double $40. The enterprise also provides tours of the harbour, catering for individuals through to large groups. For further information and bookings, contact: info@sydneyharbourkayaks.com.au or (02) 99604389 More info.

(9.56km) Spit Bridge South → Int. Spit Rd and Ellery’s Punt Reserve Road

350 m
6 mins
11m
-2m

Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads over the Spit Bridge, with the road to the left of the footpath. The walk crosses the bridge to where it meets the road down to Ellery’s Punt Reserve, first on the right.

Spit Bridge

The Spit Bridge was originally built in 1924 to replace the punt service. The current Spit Bridge was built during the 1950’s. The bridge is a bascule bridge, as it’s middle section can be raised to allow tall ships through. This ability of the bridge does, however, stop traffic on a major arterial road, which has caused the bridge to be the centre of some controversy. The Spit Bridge carries the Spit Rd and the Manly Scenic Walkway.

(9.91km) Int. Spit Rd and Ellery’s Punt Reserve Road → Int. Ellery’s Punt Rd and Avona Cres Trk

40 m
1 mins
2m
0m

Easy track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads downhill away from the main road for approximately 20m to the intersection below the bridge, on the left.

(9.95km) Int. Ellery’s Punt Rd and Avona Cres Trk → Int. Ellery’s Punt Reserve Rd and Manly Scenic Walkway

60 m
1 mins
0m
-7m

Easy track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill towards the water. The walk soon comes to Ellery’s Punt Reserve car park on the right. This walk continues past this, down the footpath to the signposted intersection.

Ellery’s Punt Reserve

Ellery’s Punt Reserve is a very nice grassed area on the north eastern side of the Spit Bridge. The reserve has road access and parking, and seems to be a popular spot for fishing from the bank. There is also seating and shaded areas.

(10.01km) Int. Ellery’s Punt Reserve Rd and Manly Scenic Walkway → End of Sandy Bay Rd

980 m
22 mins
51m
-51m

Moderate track

Turn left : From the intersection, this walk heads along the footpath, keeping the water on the right of the track as it passes a few information signs. The track soon becomes dirt as it winds around the cove into Fisher Bay. The walk heads down a series of steps and passes over some boardwalk bridges in Fisher Bay, to then climb up the hill on the other side, with a few more steps and staircases along the way. From here, the walk winds around the side of the hill up a few stairs, out to the point (between Fisher and Sandy Bays) where the track becomes a metal grate for a short time. From the point, there are great views over Middle Harbour and across to the Spit Bridge. The track then continues around the cove and into Sandy Bay, where the walk heads down some stairs and then down a wooden ramp to come to the end of Sandy Bay Rd.

(11km) End of Sandy Bay Rd → Int. Sandy Bay Rd and Fairbairn Ave

40 m
1 mins
0m
-2m

Very easy

Continue straight: From the end of Sandy Bay Rd, this walk heads along the road, keeping the water to the right, coming to the signposted intersection with Fairbairn Ave.

(11.04km) Int. Sandy Bay Rd and Fairbairn Ave → Clontarf Reserve (Clonny’s)

480 m
9 mins
11m
-14m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From Sandy Bay, this walk follows Sandy Bay Road along the shoreline, keeping the water on the right. At the other end of the beach, the road comes to a footpath on the left marked with a series of yellow posts. The walk follows the ‘Mitchell Walkway’ up the stair between the rocks. From the the top of the stairs, the walk follows a small track which passes the houses before leading down another set of stairs and across Sandy Bay Rd at the pedestrian crossing, to the Clontarf Marina.
Turn left: From Clontarf Marina, this walk follows the footpath along Sandy Bay Road, keeping the water on the right. About 100m from the marina, the footpath turns right and heads into ‘Clontarf Reserve’. The walk passes the ‘Manly Scenic Walkway’ signpost and heads over the grass towards the children’s play area, then past the public phone to Clonny’s Cafe.

Clonny’s

Clonny’s is a neat kiosk and restaurant inside Clontarf Reserve. The kiosk is open 7 days (but may close dependant on weather and demand) and serves ice creams, drinks, chips, hot foods, and coffee. For those seeking something finer the restaurant is open for lunch on Saturdays and Sundays serving a 2 course meal for $55. Phone on (02) 9948 2373. More info.

Clontarf Reserve

Clontarf Reserve is a great picnic area and beach on Sandy Bay Rd, Clontarf. The large park provides great facilities with picnic tables, covered shelters, shaded children’s play ground, a kiosk & restaurant, and toilets. The beach in the park has a netted swimming area. The park also has tap water, a public phone, showers and garbage/recycling facilities. There are plenty of shade trees in the park. There is a fee for parking in and around the reserve and the park is well managed by Manly Council. More info.

(11.53km) Clontarf Reserve (Clonny’s) → Monash Cres Track

500 m
8 mins
4m
-1m

Easy track

Veer right: From the front of Clonney’s cafe, the walk heads towards the water, then turns left to head though the park. Passing the toilets and picnic shelters (on the left), the walk then comes to the end of the driveway passing through the park. From the end of the driveway, the walk heads onto the sand, turning left and following the beach in front of the houses until coming to the intersection with the ‘Monash Cres’ track, near the far end of the beach. (At high tide, the track detours to avoid the beach by heading along Monash Crescent, following the blue ‘MSW high tide access’ signs).

(12.02km) Monash Cres Track → Int of Manly to Spit track and Ogilvy Road steps

680 m
17 mins
49m
-31m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk keeps the water to the right as it heads towards the rocky end of the beach. The walk then follows the ‘Castle Rock’ sign up the stairs and around the hill for some time, going up and down steps before turning right down some stone cut steps to a signposted intersection, above the tiny Board Beach.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Manly’ sign (keeping the water to the right) as it passes up the stairs between the rocks. The track soon comes to a signposted intersection, with the ‘Access to Cutler & Amiens Rd’ off to the left.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Manly’ sign as it heads up the slight hill and across the rock shelf, keeping the water on the right. The walk then steps off the rockshelf to continue along the hillside, undulating steeply in parts. The track is board-walked in many places, with a few access points to the water along the way. The walk crosses a bridge before continuing left around the hill to a well signposted intersection.

(12.7km) Int of Manly to Spit track and Ogilvy Road steps → Int of Manly to Spit track and Castle Rock Beach steps

30 m
1 mins
0m
-3m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Manly Scenic Walk’ arrow down the concrete steps towards the water, to the signposted intersection of the ‘Manly to Spit’ and ‘Castle Rock’ beach tracks.

(12.73km) Int of Manly to Spit Track and Castle Rock Beach steps → Castle Rock Beach

50 m
1 mins
0m
-11m

Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk leads down the concrete steps to Castle Rock Beach. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.

Castle Rock Beach

Castle Rock Beach can be found a short walk down from the Manly-to-Spit walking track, near Ogilvy Road. This small, secluded beach is a great spot for those wanting a quieter day at the beach, instead of the more popular and larger beaches in the area.

(12.73km) Int of Manly to Spit Track and Castle Rock Beach steps → Int of Grotto Point Lighthouse and Manly to Spit tracks

400 m
11 mins
46m
-16m

Moderate track

Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Manly’ arrow up the rock steps. The bush track soon crosses a short boardwalk and continues along the rocky track that follows the side of the hill. Soon, the track turns down the hill and winds down to the bottom and steeply back up via concrete steps. The walk then flattens out and crosses a wooden bridge. From the bridge, the track continues up some rock steps, winding up and along the side of the hill, passing some fenced-off rock platforms and coming to the fenced rest area with a bench seat.
Continue straight: From the rest area, this walk follows the bush track up the rock steps and along the side of the hill, keeping the water to the right. The track continues steadily up to the 4-way signposted intersection.

(13.12km) Int of Grotto Point Lighthouse and Manly to Spit tracks → Grotto Point Lighthouse

550 m
11 mins
4m
-52m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the Grotto Point Lighthouse arrow along the rocky bush track, winding down a gentle hill, coming into more dense bush as it winds to the intersection of the Grotto Point Lighthouse and the Grotto Point Cliffs tracks.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk winds down the hill, passing an old, blank signpost. The track wanders through dense bush and along the ridge, flattening out for a while until it drops down another hill towards the end of the point, coming to the Grotto Point Lighthouse. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Grotto Point Lighthouse

(13.12km) Int of Grotto Point Lighthouse and Manly to Spit tracks → Grotto Point Engravings track

110 m
3 mins
8m
-1m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Manly’ arrow up the bush track and rock steps. The track winds around to the intersection of the Grotto Point Engravings track, found at the small bench seat and the large wooden sleeper.

(13.23km) Grotto Point Engravings track → Grotto Point Engravings

40 m
1 mins
2m
0m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill, beside a wooden sleeper, passing an engraving of a kangaroo on the right. The short track soon comes to a large rock platform with the rest of the engravings, and information signs. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.

(13.23km) Grotto Point Engravings track → Int. Arabanoo Lookout Trk and Manly Scenic Walkway

960 m
21 mins
50m
-27m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads up the stone steps, keeping the water below on the right. The track winds to the top of the hill, to the intersection with a track off to the left and a sign pointing back to ‘Castle Rock Beach’.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows ‘Crater Cove Lookout 700m’ sign along bush track, keeping the water to the right. The walk crosses several separate sections of boardwalk and rock platforms as it winds through the heath, to come to a large rock platform with great views at the unnamed lookout in southern Crater Cove .
Continue straight: From the lookout, this walk follows the bush track along the hillside, keeping the water out to the right. The track continues for a short while until coming to an intersection at the base of some stairs on the left.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track down the short hill towards the ocean, soon coming to the Crater Cove Lookout.
Veer left: From Crater Cove Lookout, this walk heads up onto the boardwalk, away from the fenced lookout. The track follows the cliffs, keeping the water views to the right. As the boardwalk finishes, the walk continues along a bush track which winds through the scrub to the signposted intersection with a track on the left, which points to Arabanoo Lookout.

(14.2km) Int. Arabanoo Lookout Trk and Manly Scenic Walkway → Int. Alternate High Tide Route and Manly Scenic Walkway

1.2 km
24 mins
13m
-88m

Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Manly’ sign down the hill. The track winds slightly as it heads down the spur, with low heath and views of Manly most of the way down, coming to a clear rock shelf. The walk then continues with thick green heath on the right and less dense heath on the left, before coming to the signposted intersection.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Manly via Reef Beach’ sign down the hill to a fenced lookout. From the lookout, the track heads further along the hillside to wind down past some more views. The track soon passes by a large rock shelf, as it comes close to the water and then comes to a boardwalk with bench seat behind Reef Beach.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill, keeping the water on the right. The track soon passes a toilet block on the left and then flattens out before coming to the signposted intersection with the high-tide alternate route on the left.

(15.39km) Int. Alternate High Tide Route and Manly Scenic Walkway → South end of Forty Baskets Reserve

560 m
15 mins
31m
-32m

Hard track

Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the sign for ‘Alternate route to Manly during Hightides’, heading up the alternate rock and wooden steps. The walk passes an interesting sandstone feature on the left before leading up to a flat section of track. The walk soon comes to a sign posted intersection.
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the bush track down and across the wooden boardwalk, then up to Beatty St.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads along Beatty St away from the bushland. The walk passes Geddes St on the left to continue to houses number 28 and 30 Beatty St. The walk turns right to head down the laneway between these two houses to an intersection beside the beach. Now Turn left to rejoin the main walk .

(15.39km) Int. Alternate High Tide Route and Manly Scenic Walkway → South end of Forty Baskets Reserve

240 m
4 mins
6m
-7m

Moderate track

Continue straight: (This section of track may not be passable at higher tides, alternate route provides drier option). From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Manly via Forty Baskets Beach’ sign along the well-defined track, keeping the water on the right. Soon the walk heads down a series of stone steps, passing some National Park signs onto the rock beach. From here, the walk follows the beach/rocks till coming to an intersection with a narrow laneway on the left, just past the start of the hardened footpath.

Forty Baskets Reserve

Forty Baskets Reserve is a beach side parkland and swimming area, east of Beatty St, Balgowlah Heights. The yellow sand beach faces east, towards Manly and North Head, and is fairly well protected from large waves. The reserve has picnic tables, a bubbler (drinking fountain), tap, swings, netted swimming area, open grassy area, some shady trees, and a large toilet/shower and change area. The toilet has a fancy electronic and self-cleaning system, very cool (sounds silly, but check it out). The toilets and showers are accessible to people in wheelchairs, and a wide sealed footpath provides roll-in access from the end of Gourlay Ave.

(15.62km) South end of Forty Baskets Reserve → End of Gourlay Avenue

450 m
9 mins
19m
-21m

Very easy

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the footpath across Forty Baskets Reserve (keeping the water on the right). The footpath heads behind the beach, the ocean pool, the picnic tables, water fountain and swings, then heads up the small incline to where the track meets the toilet block at the northern end of the reserve.
Continue straight: From the toilet block, the walk follows the footpath up the gentle hill, keeping the water on the right. The footpath soon comes the intersection with a set of stairs, uphill to the left.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the footpath up the gentle hill, keeping the water to the right. The path soon comes to another intersection with a set of stone and dirt stairs (uphill to the left).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the footpath, keeping the water below on the right. Soon, the walk passes around a blue metal gate then continues on to the hairpin bend at the end of Gourlay Ave, just above a small marina.

(16.07km) End of Gourlay Avenue → Int of Gourlay Avenue and Clarence Street footpath

250 m
5 mins
12m
-4m

Easy track

Veer left: From the gate, this walk heads up Gourlay Ave along the road. The road soon starts to flatten out and passes a car park on the left. The walk then follows the road around the left-hand bend to come to the intersection with a track heading between the houses on the right, signposted with an arrow pointing to ‘North Harbour Reserve 0.5km’.

(16.31km) Int of Gourlay Avenue and Clarence Street footpath → Int of Clarence and North Harbour Sts

100 m
2 mins
5m
-2m

Very easy

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Manly’ arrow down the hill and across the bridge (and a wonderful waterfall after rain). On the other side, the footpath leads up to Clarence St.

(16.42km) Int of Clarence and North Harbour Sts → Int of Beach Ln and North Harbour St

120 m
3 mins
0m
-8m

Very easy

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Manly’ sign down along North Harbour St. The road then comes to the top of a set of stairs (heading down to North Harbour Reserve) at the intersection of Beach Ln (unsignposted).

North Harbour Reserve

North Harbour Reserve is a large open parkland on the intersection of Lower Beach and Condamine Streets. The park has shaded play equipment for children, free Electric BBQ’s, tap water, picnic tables, Garbage/recycling bins, some shady trees, and a public toilet (at the top end of the park). The park looks across the top of North Harbour and provides some great views. The ‘Shop at the Park’ provides cafe food and lunch.

(16.54km) Int of Beach Ln and North Harbour St → End of King Avenue

230 m
5 mins
12m
-5m

Easy track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows ‘MSW to Manly’ down the stairs, towards the water. Once at the edge of the water, the walk turns left and follows the footpath along the waters edge, around North Harbour reserve. At the other end of the park, the walk follows the footpath up the stairs to the end of King Avenue (aka Boyle St at this point).

(16.76km) End of King avenue → Int. of Lauderdale avenue and Manly Scenic Walk

280 m
6 mins
12m
-8m

Very easy

Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows King Road, as it bends to the right, then left up the gentle hill, reaching a ‘T’ intersection with Lauderdale avenue.
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the footpath along Lauderdale Avenue, down the hill past the bus stop sign. After a couple of houses the footpath comes to a clearing on the right, with views of the water and a signposted intersection with the sealed ‘Manly Scenic Walk’ footpath.

(17.04km) Int. of Lauderdale avenue and Manly Scenic Walk → Manly Wharf

1.9 km
37 mins
51m
-66m

Very easy

Veer right: From the intersection, the walk heads down the hill following the ‘Manly’ sign along the concrete footpath. With the water on the right, the track winds around the back of some apartment buildings through some open parkland, until the footpath comes to the end of Bolingbroke Parade.
Turn right: From the end of Bolingbroke Parade, this walk follows the concrete footpath, keeping the water to the right. The path winds behind the houses, through the open parkland, following the water. The walk passes picnic chairs and some nice views before coming to Fairlight Beach and ocean bath.
Continue straight: From Fairlight Beach, this walk follows the wide yellow footpath past the pool, keeping the water on the right. The footpath continues behind the houses and past several information signs before emerging onto Commonwealth Parade. Once beside the road, the footpath bends left and heads past Manly Waterworks. Just before West Esplanade, this walk turns right and heads along the footpath, with Manly Cove beach on the right, and soon comes to the ferry wharf.

Maps for the Taronga Zoo to Manly walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Parramatta River	1:25 000 Map Series	91303N PARRAMATTA RIVER	NSW-91303N
Sydney Heads	1:25 000 Map Series	91302N SYDNEY HEADS	NSW-91302N
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Taronga Zoo to Manly bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Taronga Zoo to Manly

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	18.9 km
		Time	8 hrs
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
		Signs	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
		Experience Required	Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
		Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

7km of this walk is flat with no steps and another 6km has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 4.7km has short steep hills and the remaining 2.1km is very steep.

Quality of track

8km of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path and another 6km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. Whilst another 3.7km follows a clear and well formed track or trail and the remaining 1.7km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.

Signs

14km of this walk is clearly signposted and another 3.6km has directional signs at most intersection. The remaining (1.7km) has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required

17km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience and another 1.7km requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience. The remaining (450m) requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 17km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 1.9km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

Around 15km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 4.4km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Taronga Zoo to Manly walk starts at the Taronga Zoo Wharf (gps: -33.845752, 151.23978)
Your transport options to Taronga Zoo Wharf are by;

Ferry. (get details)
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

The Taronga Zoo to Manly ends at the Manly Wharf (gps: -33.799562, 151.28427)
Your transport options to Manly Wharf are by;
Ferry. Ferrys run in both directions between Circular Quay and Manly approximately every 45 minutes. (get details)
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-shnp-tztm
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-shnp-tztm

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/tztm

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

Chowder Head

And Walk

Chowder Head

Download & Print Map and Notes

(0km) Int of Iluka and Morella Rds → Bottom of the Iluka and Morella access track

80 m
3 mins
0m
-22m

Moderate track

From the intersection of Iluka and Morella Roads, this walk finds the track next to number 2 Iluka Rd marked with a NPWS post[1] behind the telegraph pole[2], and heads down the steps and path[3]. The path soon heads to the back of the house and finds a ‘T’ intersection with another track[4].

(0.08km) Bottom of the Iluka and Morella access track → Chowder Head track intersection

150 m
4 mins
21m
-4m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads away from the house and clearing along the fairly flat track keeping the water glimpses to your right. The path soon leads to a clear three-way intersection with a ‘Ashton Park’ sign pointing back along the track.

(0.23km) Chowder Head track intersection → Chowder Head

90 m
2 mins
0m
-10m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Chowder Head’ sign[5] south-west along the clear track. The track heads gently downhill and bends left past some dead gums[6] to find an unfenced rock platform with great harbour views[7]. (Note the informal track continues down becoming steeper, leading to a small bay.) At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer right.

Chowder Head

Chowder Head provides a small unfenced rocky outcrop to enjoy the wide harbour views. From this vantage point, there are views across the water to South Head, Vaucluse, Rose Bay, Shark Island and Bradleys Head. A great spot to watch the sailing boats on a clear day.

(0.23km) Chowder Head track intersection → Bottom of Morella Rd track

110 m
2 mins
12m
-2m

Easy track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows ‘Clifton Gardens’[8] sign gently up the hill. The track leads through the bush for a short time to soon come to another three-way intersection, this one marked with a ‘Morella Rd’ sign[9] (on your left).

(0.34km) Bottom of Morella Rd track → Int of Kardinia and Morella Rds

120 m
2 mins
3m
-1m

Moderate track

Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Morella Rd’ sign[10] west along the clear track. The track leads gently up the wide ridge and after about 45m, this walk veers right at a ‘Y’ intersection to continue up the hill, soon heading past a ‘Sydney Harbour National Park – Chowder Head’ sign[11] and coming to the intersection of Kardinia and Morella Roads[12].

(0.47km) Int of Kardinia and Morella Rds → Int of Iluka and Morella Rds

80 m
2 mins
0m
-6m

Very easy

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘To Iluka Rd’ sign[13] downhill along Morella Rd, keeping the bush to your left[14]. The road soon leads to an intersection with Iluka Rd[15].

Maps for the Chowder Head walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Sydney Heads	1:25 000 Map Series	91302N SYDNEY HEADS	NSW-91302N
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Chowder Head bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Chowder Head

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	548 m
		Time	20 mins
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

Around 470m of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps, whilst the remaining 85m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

280m of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 190m follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (85m) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 470m of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 80m has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 550m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 550m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 550m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Chowder Head walk starts and ends at the Int of Iluka and Morella Rds (gps: -33.843072, 151.25104)
Your transport options to Int of Iluka and Morella Rds are by;

Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-shnp-ch
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-shnp-ch

Bradleys Head and Chowder Head walk

And Walk

Bradleys Head and Chowder Head walk

Download & Print Map and Notes

This walk is a great way to explore the history of Bradleys Head whilst enjoying the views of Sydney Harbour, including the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and a majestic angophora forest. Starting from the ferry wharf below Taronga Zoo, this walk follows a clear track along the shore, visiting several historic sites (and a cafe) on Bradleys Head. The track then leads around Taylors Bay to enjoy more harbour views from Chowder Head. Here, the walk heads up to Morella St. A great way to enjoy this pocket of Sydney Harbour National Park, and the sweeping city views.

(0km) Taronga Zoo Wharf → Taronga Zoo Entrance

220 m
4 mins
11m
-5m

Very easy

From the wharf, the walk heads uphill along the footpath beside the road to the Taronga Zoo entrance at the pedestrian crossing.

Taronga Zoo

(0.22km) Taronga Zoo Entrance → Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Athol Hall Trk

410 m
9 mins
24m
-15m

Moderate track

(0.63km) Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Athol Hall Trk → Athol Hall

70 m
2 mins
9m
0m

Moderate track

Athol Hall

(0.63km) Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Athol Hall Trk → HMAS Sydney Mast, Bradleys Head

670 m
16 mins
31m
-40m

Easy track

HMAS Sydney Memorial Mast

(1.3km) HMAS Sydney Mast, Bradleys Head → Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Taylors Bay Lookout track

790 m
17 mins
42m
-29m

Easy track

(2.09km) Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Taylors Bay Lookout track → Int. End of Iluka Rd access and Borogegal Trks

680 m
17 mins
41m
-51m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads into Taylors Gully, with Taylors Bay below on the right. The track continues for approximately 300m, contouring around the hill with views of Taylors Bay on the right. Tending right, this walk enters and exits Taylors Gully, to continue approximately 250m to the signposted intersection at the beginning of the houses, on the left.

(2.77km) Taylors intersection → Chowder Head track intersection

570 m
14 mins
47m
-30m

Moderate track

(3.33km) Chowder Head track intersection → Chowder Head

90 m
2 mins
0m
-10m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Chowder Head’ sign[3] south-west along the clear track. The track heads gently downhill and bends left past some dead gums[4] to find an unfenced rock platform with great harbour views[5]. (Note the informal track continues down becoming steeper, leading to a small bay.) At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer right.

Chowder Head

(3.33km) Chowder Head track intersection → Bottom of Morella Rd track

110 m
2 mins
12m
-2m

Easy track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows ‘Clifton Gardens’[6] sign gently up the hill. The track leads through the bush for a short time to soon come to another three-way intersection, this one marked with a ‘Morella Rd’ sign[7] (on your left).

(3.44km) Bottom of Morella Rd track → Morella St lookout

170 m
4 mins
3m
-14m

Moderate track

Morella St lookout

This informally named clearing behind some houses[8] on Morella St provides a great view across the harbour[9]. The fairly large clearing has been maintained and is a good place to stop if wanting to avoid the large groups at Clifton Gardens.

(3.61km) Morella St lookout → Morella St

50 m
2 mins
8m
0m

Easy track

Turn left : From the clearing[10], this walk follows the footpath up the steps[11] (next to the sandstone wall). The path leads up beside the house and soon comes to Morella Rd[12] (next to Number 1), where there is a sign point back down the ‘Pathway to Clifton Gardens’[13].

Maps for the Bradleys Head and Chowder Head walk walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Parramatta River	1:25 000 Map Series	91303N PARRAMATTA RIVER	NSW-91303N
Sydney Heads	1:25 000 Map Series	91302N SYDNEY HEADS	NSW-91302N
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Bradleys Head and Chowder Head walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Bradleys Head and Chowder Head walk

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	3.7 km
		Time	1 hr 45 mins
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

1.5km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 1.1km has short steep hills. The remaining (1.1km) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

1.8km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 1.7km follows a smooth and hardened path. The remaining (150m) follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 3.2km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 410m has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 3.7km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 3.7km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 2.8km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 850m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Bradleys Head and Chowder Head walk walk starts at the Taronga Zoo Wharf (gps: -33.845752, 151.23978)
Your transport options to Taronga Zoo Wharf are by;

Ferry. (get details)
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

The Bradleys Head and Chowder Head walk ends at the Morella St (gps: -33.841682, 151.25174)
Your transport options to Morella St are by;
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-shnp-bhachw
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-shnp-bhachw

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/bhachw

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

Chowder Bay to Georges Heights Lookout

And Walk

Chowder Bay to Georges Heights Lookout

Download & Print Map and Notes

Chowder Bay

Bacino Cafe

(0km) Roundabout at end of Chowder Bay Road → Georges Head Lookout

420 m
10 mins
55m
-5m

Moderate track

From the road, this walk heads north away from the harbour to the base of the stone steps on the left hand side of Bacino Bar.
Continue straight: From the intersection behind Bacino Bar, the walk heads up the steep stone steps, away from the cafe. The track then tends right, across the hill for a short time climbing the uneven stairs to meet the road and signposted intersection.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads across the road to head up the bush track on the hill for approximately 50m, to the signposted intersection behind ‘Georges Head Lookout’.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to Georges Head Lookout, down the hill to the circular paved lookout above the fortifications.

Georges Heights

Maps for the Chowder Bay to Georges Heights Lookout walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Sydney Heads	1:25 000 Map Series	91302N SYDNEY HEADS	NSW-91302N
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Chowder Bay to Georges Heights Lookout bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Chowder Bay to Georges Heights Lookout

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	842 m
		Time	30 mins
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

Around 350m of this walk has short steep hills, whilst the remaining 70m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

Around 350m of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles, whilst the remaining 70m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 330m of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 90m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 420m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 420m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 420m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Chowder Bay to Georges Heights Lookout walk starts and ends at the Roundabout at end of Chowder Bay Road (gps: -33.838405, 151.25606)
Your transport options to Roundabout at end of Chowder Bay Road are by;

Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-shnp-cbtghl
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-shnp-cbtghl

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/cbtghl

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

And Walk

Middle Head Battery walk

(0km) Cobblers Beach Trail trackhead → Int. Old Fort and Govenors Rds

Very easy

(0.07km) Int. Old Fort and Govenors Rds → Old Fort Road gun brackets

Easy track

(0.29km) Old Fort Road gun brackets → Middle Head Fort

Easy track

Outer Middle Head Battery

(0.33km) Outer Forts → Western Fort

Hard track

Maps for the Middle Head Battery walk walk

Cross sectional view of the Middle Head Battery walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Middle Head Battery walk

Accessibility summary information for the Middle Head Battery walk

Accessibility Details

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Some more details of this walks Grading

Gradient

Quality of track

Signs

Experience Required

weather

Infrastructure

Similar walks

Other Nearby walks

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

Fire Danger

Weather Forest

Park Information & Alerts

Comments

And Walk

Cobblers Beach

(0km) Cobblers Beach Trail trackhead → Cobblers Beach Trail sign

Easy track

(0.05km) Cobblers Beach Trail sign → Cobblers Beach

Hard track

Cobblers Beach

Maps for the Cobblers Beach walk

Cross sectional view of the Cobblers Beach bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Cobblers Beach

Accessibility summary information for the Cobblers Beach

Accessibility Details

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Some more details of this walks Grading

Gradient

Quality of track

Signs

Experience Required

weather

Infrastructure

Similar walks

Other Nearby walks

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

Fire Danger

Weather Forest

Park Information & Alerts

Comments

And Walk

Inner Middle Head Battery walk

(0km) Cobblers Beach Trail trackhead → Int. Old Fort and Govenors Rds

Very easy

(0.07km) Int. Old Fort and Govenors Rds → Int. Govenors Rd and Inner Forts Trk

Easy track

(0.2km) Int. Govenors Rd and Inner Forts Trk → Inner Forts intersection

Moderate track

(0.31km) Inner Forts intersection → Disappearing Gun Pit North

Moderate track

Inner Middle Head Battery

Maps for the Inner Middle Head Battery walk walk

Cross sectional view of the Inner Middle Head Battery walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Inner Middle Head Battery walk

Accessibility summary information for the Inner Middle Head Battery walk

Accessibility Details

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Some more details of this walks Grading

Gradient

Quality of track

Signs

Experience Required