Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Taronga Zoo to Spit Bridge hiking trail are found in each of the tabs below
Taronga Zoo to Spit Bridge
Time:
5 Hrs 30 mins
2.1 km SSE of Mosman
Length:
10.5 km
Sydney Harbour National Park
Climb:
422 m
Style:
One way
This walk is a scenic and culturally rich walk with views over Sydney Harbour and many interesting heritage buildings along the way. The start at the zoo allows for a possible visit, then heading past the Bacino Bar on the tracks way through the military heritage buildings. This is an excellent walk to do on a hot summers day with access to beautiful beaches along the whole walk.
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for upto date running time info And use these links to plan your Bus (and train) trip to the start of the walk.
(0 km) Taronga Zoo Wharf to Taronga Zoo Entrance Walk: Easy - Bush Track
Distance = 0.2 km
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 11 m
Descent = -5 m
From the wharf the track heads up the hill along the road then up the footpath next to the road for approximately 200m to Taronga Zoo entrance at the pedestrian crossing.
Taronga Zoo
Alt = 14
Taronga Zoo, opened in 1916 with the vision of immitating 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
(0.22 km) Taronga Zoo Entrance to Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Athol Hall Trk Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 0.4 km
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 24 m
Descent = -15 m
From the entrance the track crosses the pedestrian crossing and turns left down the footpath. The track quickly meets a set of benches, with a view, to continue along the footpath to a wire fence. The track follows the 'Walking Track' sign along the hillside to climb a few steps and cross a wooden bridge. The track comes to the intersection at the corner of Atholl Hall's grass clearing. From the intersection the track heads down the stairs to continue along the hill for a short time The track descends more stairs to a sign posted intersection.
Athol Hall
Alt = 33
Atholl Hall, built in 1908, was once a hotel with sections of the original building dating back to the 1800's. The hall has an excellent vantage point over the harbour with the Opera house, Harbour Bridge and city all well within its scope. Atholl Hall today is a cafe and function centre with the cafe open Tues-Fri and Sat, 11am -3pm. More info
(0.63 km) Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Athol Hall Trk to Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Taylors Bay Lookout track Alternative ROUTE: Track: Moderate - footpath, bushtrack ( Show detail)
Distance = 0.3 km
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 14 m
Descent = -10 m
From the intersection the track follows the sign to 'Atholl Hall' up the stairs crossing a large grasy area. The track then continues up to Atholl hall entrance. From the entrnace to Atholl Hall the track heads up the hill with the views of Sydney Harbour on the left. The track continues up to the road where it crosses to the parking toll booth. From the corner of Bradley Head Rd and the car park the track heads down the hill just behind the parking pay booth. The track meanders down the hill to a sign posted intersection.
(0.63 km) Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Athol Hall Trk to HMAS Sydney Mast, Bradleys Head Walk: Easy - footpath
Distance = 0.7 km
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 32 m
Descent = -40 m
From the intersection the track heads around the hillside with the harbour below on the right. The track travels across large sections of boardwalk which undulates slightly as the track comes up to a track to a bench, overlooking Sydney Harbour. From the bench trail the track keeps contouring along the hillside, south, and tending left to the sign posted intersection for the Cannons picnic area. From the intersection the track heads towards the car park for approximately 10m to the intersection with the track down to Bradleys Head Amphitheatre. From the intersection the track heads along the footpath next to the car park for a short distance to be above the flag pole, HMAS Sydney mast.
HMAS Sydney Memorial Mast
Alt = 13
The HMAS Sydney Memorial Mast was erected in 1934 after the 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"". HMAS Sydney itself was a Chatham Class light cruiser which saw action in WW1. More info
(1.3 km) HMAS Sydney Mast, Bradleys Head to Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Taylors Bay Lookout track Walk: Easy - footpath
Distance = 0.8 km
Time = 15 mins
Climb = 42 m
Descent = -29 m
From the intersection the track heads along the footpath next to the road, on the left, for approximately 200m to where the road turns back on itself. From the point of this corner the track heads along boardwalk for for s short time to the intersection.
(2.09 km) Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Taylors Bay Lookout track to Taylors Bay Lookout Optional Side Trip: Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 0 km
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -6 m
From the intersection the track heads away from the main tracks winding into the bush. The track winds past two white benches to a small rock shelf overlooking the water.
(2.09 km) Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Taylors Bay Lookout track to Int. Iluka Rd and Morella Rd access Trks Track: Moderate - footpath, bushtrack
Distance = 1.1 km
Time = 20 mins
Climb = 63 m
Descent = -75 m
From the intersection the track heads into Taylors Gully, with the slope higher on the left than the right. The track continues for approximately 300m contouring around the hill with views of Taylors Bay on the right. Tending right the track enters and exits Taylors Gully to head approximately 250m to the sign posted intersection at the beginning of the houses, on the left. From the intersection the track heads along the line of the houses, on the left, for approximately 140m. The track passes a Japanese Submarine sign on the right as it continues along sections of board walked track to the intersection next to the last house. The track 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.
(3.14 km) Int. Iluka Rd and Morella Rd access Trks to Western end of Clifton Gardens Track: Hard - Bush Track
Distance = 0.8 km
Time = 15 mins
Climb = 53 m
Descent = -60 m
From the intersection the track heads away from the house and clearing across the hillside. The track contours around the hill for approximately 150m to the sign posted intersection. From the intersection the track follows the arrow on the sign to 'Clifton Gardens'. The track contours around the hillside for approximately 150m to a sign posted intersection. From the intersection the track heads north, with the slope of the hill higher on the left than on the right. The track contours around the hill for approximately 150m to come out into a clearing before a house, with a sign posted intersection. From the intersection the track follows the arrow on the sign to 'Clifton Gardens' down the hill along the line of houses. The track continues down the hill for a short time to start descending many flights of staris. At the bottom of the stairs the track tends left under a sandstone overhang. From the overhang the track continues for approximately 60m to the end of the beach.
(3.91 km) Western end of Clifton Gardens to Chowder Bay Lower Gate Track: Moderate - footpath, beach
Distance = 0.3 km
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 13 m
Descent = -13 m
From the intersection the track heads down onto the beach towards the wharf in the middle of the beach. The track passes an Illawarra Flame tree in as it heads approximately 100m along the beach to the start of the wharf. From the wharf the track heads towards the playground end of the beach. The track leads along the beach passing the playground and rocky outcrop on the left to tend right onto a board walk. The boardwalk takes the track to the lower gate of Chowder Bay.
Bacino Kiosk
Alt = 5
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 of coffee, sandwiches and all at a reasonable price ($5-12). The Kiosk is open from 7am-4pm every day unless the weather is bad or it is Christmas. More info
(4.24 km) Chowder Bay Lower Gate to Roundabout at end of Chowder Bay Road Track: Moderate - footpath
Distance = 0.2 km
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 19 m
Descent = -5 m
From the gate the track heads towards the wharf approximately 80m away. The track quickly passes Bacino Kiosk on the left to continue along the foreshore footpath to the start of the wharf. From the wharf the track heads directly away from it heading up the stairs. At the top of the stairs the track follows the footpath right, around a flag pole and house on the left. The track continues to a round about opposite Bacino Bar where the track crosses the road to the bottom of the stairs.
Chowder Bay
Alt = 19
Chowder Bay, looks over Sydney Harbour to Vaucluse and Rose Bay. The bay is named after the American whalers stationed at Clifton Gardens food, 'clam chowder'. Chowder Bay then became a Submarine Mining Depot in 1889. Today Chowder Bay still has its great views from the hillside over the harbour from the old military buildings that are left. Some of the new buildings are used as a cafe and others stand as monuments to their former use. Chowder Bay gives great views with easy access to Clifton Gardens for a swim.
(4.47 km) Roundabout at end of Chowder Bay Road to Int. Bacino Bar back deck and Chowder Bay Trk Track: Moderate - footpath
Distance = 0 km
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 6 m
Descent = 0 m
From the road the track heads north away from the water to the base of the stairs on the left hand side of Bacino Bar.
(4.48 km) Int. Bacino Bar back deck and Chowder Bay Trk to Bacino Bar Optional Side Trip: Track: Moderate - footpath
Distance = 0 km
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -3 m
From the intersection the track heads onto the decking of Bacino Bar.
Bacino Cafe
Alt = 23
The Bacino Bar is in Building No.2 at Chowder Bay with great views across the 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
(4.48 km) Int. Bacino Bar back deck and Chowder Bay Trk to Georges Head Lookout Track: Moderate - bushtrack, footpath, footpath
Distance = 0.4 km
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 48 m
Descent = -4 m
From the intersection behind Bacino Bar the track heads up the hill steeply to a house. The track then tends right, across the hill for a short time climbing the uneven stairs to meet the road and sign posted intersection. From the intersection the track heads across the road to head up the hill for approximately 50m to the sign posted intersection behind Georges Head Lookout. From the intersection the follows the sign to Georges Head Lookout, down the hill to the circular lookout above the fortifications.
Georges Heights
Alt = 69
Georges Heights is a gun emplacement with a commanding view over the entrance to the harbour through 180 degrees. The old gun emplacements are still in position with their arcs of fire explained in the signs nearby. The view from this now lookout are magnificent.
(4.9 km) Georges Head Lookout to Int. WW1 Hospital and Chowder Bay Trk Walk: Easy - footpath
Distance = 0.5 km
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 15 m
Descent = -11 m
From the circular lookout of Georges Head Lookout the track the track follows the sandstone pavement back to the road at the sign posted intersection. From the intersection the track 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 WW1 hopsital.
WW1 Hopsital
Alt = 77
This military hospital was 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.
(5.35 km) Int. WW1 Hospital and Chowder Bay Trk to Wyargine Point Bridge Walk: Easy - footpath, beach
Distance = 1.7 km
Time = 25 mins
Climb = 14 m
Descent = -87 m
From the intersection the track heads up and across the hill leaving the WW1 hospital behind on the left. The track continues up the hill passing a sculture on the right of the track to tend left up to Middle Head Rd. The track crosses the road to the sign posted intersection on the other side. From the intersection the track follows the sign to 'Balmoral Beach' down the hill. The track heads down many flights of stairs to turn right, through a fence. The track then turns left to continue down more stairs which lead the track across and bridge and next to an oval with a sign psoted intersection. From the intersection the track heads along the edge of the oval, on the left, to pass 1st Balmoral Sea Scouts on the right before coming to the car park. From the Balmoral Park car park the track heads onto the beach and continues along it to the ramp, pipe and wharf. The track passes these to continue up the beach to mount the bridge connecting the small rocky island to the foreshore above the beach.
Balmoral Beach
Alt = 2
Balmoral Beach takes its name from the royal castle at Braemar in Scotland. Regardless of titles this is a beuatiful beach with a great foreshore walk above the sandy beach. The beach is a popular spot with locals and others for sunbaking, swimming and having a picnic. Balmoral Beach has very little surf with an easterly aspect. There is also a shark net swimming area, toilets, shops, cafes and plenty of beach to share on a sunny day.
(7.05 km) Wyargine Point Bridge to Wyargine Point Optional Side Trip: Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 0.1 km
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -1 m
From the intersection the track heads up the hill along the dark gravel track. The track continues up the hill for approximately 50m passing a few bins to come out onto the edge of the point.
(7.05 km) Wyargine Point Bridge to Int. Wyargine Reserve Trk and Balmoral Beach Track: Moderate - beach
Distance = 0.5 km
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 8 m
Descent = -3 m
From the bridge the track heads north along the beach, with the sea to the right. The track heads along the beahc for approximately 200m to the intersection just off the beach at the corner of the last house.
(7.52 km) Int. Wyargine Reserve Trk and Balmoral Beach to Chinamans Beach Reserve South Alternative ROUTE: Walk: Easy - bushtrack, road, bushtrack ( Show detail)
Distance = 0.9 km
Time = 15 mins
Climb = 42 m
Descent = -43 m
From the intersection the track winds up the stairs to a rocky outcrop which the track turns at. The track then continues up the hill to meet the sign posted intersection at the end of Stanton Rd. From the intersection the track heads up Stanton Rd to turn right onto Hopetoun Ave. The track follows Hopetoun Ave for some time passing Kirk Oswalk Ave on the left. The track comes to the intersection opposite where Hopetoun Ave splits into different levels. From the intersection the track heads down the hill following the sign to of Armitage Lane. The track passes a large boulder and a bench on the right before winding down to behind the playground in Rosherville Reserve. The track passes the playground taking the closest access track to the south side of Chinamans Beach.
(7.52 km) Int. Wyargine Reserve Trk and Balmoral Beach to Middle of Chinamans Beach Track: Hard - notrack, beach
Distance = 1 km
Time = 15 mins
Climb = 25 m
Descent = -30 m
(This section is only possible at low tide and with calm seas) From the intersection the track heads down onto the beach towards the northern headland. The track then weaves around the rock shelf for approximately 500m to some boat sheds with rail tracks into the water. From these boat sheds the track continues to follow the rocky headland to the beach. From the end of the beach the track heads along the sand until near the middle of Chinamans Beach a wooden railed track heads off to the toilet block on the left.
Chinamans Beach and Reserve
Alt = 3
Chinamans Beach and Reserve a wonderful places to have a picnic or a swim with lots of areas to sit in the sun or shade next to 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.
(8.52 km) Middle of Chinamans Beach to Int. Grecia Lane Trk and Chinamans Beach Reserve North Track: Moderate - beach
Distance = 0.1 km
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 3 m
Descent = 0 m
From the intersection the track heads north, water on the right, towards the stairs at the end of the beach.
(8.59 km) Int. Grecia Lane Trk and Chinamans Beach Reserve North to Int. Middle Harbour Yatcht Club car park and Spit Rd Alternative ROUTE: Track: Moderate - footpath ( Show detail)
Distance = 1.1 km
Time = 25 mins
Climb = 62 m
Descent = -63 m
From the intersection the track heads up the stairs to the intersection with Cyprian St. The track heads up Cyaprian St to the intersection with Parriwi Rd. At Parriwi Rd the track turns right, around the railing and up the hill. The track continues along Parriwi Rd for some time down to the intersection with the Spit Rd. The track continues along the Spit Rd to the right turn to Middle Harbour Yatcht Club car park.
(8.59 km) Int. Grecia Lane Trk and Chinamans Beach Reserve North to Middle Harbour Yatcht Club entrance Track: Hard - notrack
Distance = 0.9 km
Time = 15 mins
Climb = 18 m
Descent = -19 m
From the intersection the track heads along the rocky shoreline weaving around the houses to a small beach. The track continues over some sandy sections between the rocky shore for approximately 700m to come to a large Sydney Water building, the Spit Syphon. The track climbs onto the concrete platform of the Spit Syphon to continue along the road passing The Shores resturaunt and a boat ramp. The track continues past the Middle Harbour Yatcht Club building to the main entrance facing the car park.
Spit Syphon
Alt = 3
The Spit Syphon built between 1922 and 1925 by the Public Works Department. It was necessary to pump sewage from the north without interferring with water transport. The building is styled with Egyptian influences as displayed by its tall concrete, square walls. More info
(9.45 km) Middle Harbour Yatcht Club entrance to Spit Bridge South Walk: Easy - road, footpath
Distance = 0.4 km
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 2 m
Descent = -5 m
From the intersection the track heads from the car park to the Spit Rd approximately 40m away. From the intersection the track heads along the Spit Rd towards the bridge. The track heads along the road to where the road splits, to go over the bridge, outside Sydney Harbour Kayaks.
Sydney Harbour Kayaks
Alt = 2
Sydney Harbour Kayaks, on the South end of the Spit Bridge provide sales and rentals of kayaks. An hour ina single plastic kayak costs $20 and a double $40. The shop also provides tours of the harbour and provide for individuals through to large groups. For futher contact and booking: info@sydneyharbourkayaks.com.au or (02) 99604389 More info
(9.81 km) Spit Bridge South to Int. Spit Rd and Ellery's Punt Reserve road Walk: Easy - footpath
Distance = 0.4 km
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 11 m
Descent = -2 m
From the intersection the track heads over the Spit Bridge footpath to the other side where the track meets the road down to Ellery's Punt Reserve, first on the right.
Spit Bridge
Alt = 0
The Spit Bridge, was originally a punt service which then became a bridge in 1924. 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 which has caused for the bridge to be the centre of some controversy. The Spit Bridge carries the Spit Rd and the Manly Scenic Walkway.
(10.16 km) Int. Spit Rd and Ellery's Punt Reserve road to Int. Ellery's Punt Reserve Rd and Manly Scenic Walkway Walk: Easy - footpath, road
Distance = 0.1 km
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 2 m
Descent = -7 m
From the intersection the track heads down the road for approximately 30m to the intersection below the bridge, above on the left. From the intersection the track heads down the hill to Ellery's Punt Reserve car park on the right. The track continues past this down the footpath to the sign posted intersection.
Ellery's Punt Reserve
Alt = 6
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 for what seems to be a popular spot for a fish off the reserves bank. There is also seating and shaded areas.
(10.26 km) Int. Ellery's Punt Reserve Rd and Manly Scenic Walkway to Int. Battle Boulevard and Manly Rd Track: Moderate - footpath
Distance = 0.3 km
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 13 m
Descent = 0 m
From the sign posted intersection the track heads across the grass to the 'Ellery's Punt Reserve' sign. The track from the sign passes under the bridge to turn right and climb a flight of stairs to the caldasac at the end of Battle Boulevard. From the caldasac the track heads up the road for a short time to the intersection with Manly Rd bus stop.
Catch the bus from Int. Battle Boulevard and Manly Rd
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for upto date running time info And use these links to plan your Bus (and train) trip home from the end of the walk.
One of Sydney's most diverse parks, Sydney Harbour National Park is formed from 11 pockets of harbour islands and shoreline. Highlights include coastal walks and swimming, breath-taking viewpoints, tours of colonial buildings and Aboriginal cave art.
Welcome to Wildwalks 
1 km
