Bushwalking on the Balmoral to Middle Head Forts

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Balmoral to Middle Head Forts

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Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Balmoral to Middle Head Forts are found in each of the tabs below

Balmoral to Middle Head Forts

Time:	2 hrs Walking time Please allow extra time to rest and to explore	2.1 km E of Mosman
Length:	4.1 km Walk Length As this is a Circuit style walk, the 4.1 km includes the walking distance from the start around the loop and back to the start again	Sydney Harbour National Park
Climb:	199 m
Style:	Circuit

This walk, to the Middle Head fortifications, is a great way to break up your day at the beach. The track is well marked and has some information signs. There are plenty of areas to explore and the forts provide some interesting historical points of interest. The views of Sydney harbour are great and it is well worth carrying a picnic lunch to give more time to enjoy North Head.

Please note: There are closed areas in Sydney Harbour National Park

Map of Walk

Location

Sponsor of Balmoral to Middle Head Forts bushwalking tracknotes

Map of Balmoral to Middle Head Forts
PDF has larger maps for easy printing
Map Controls - Contours | Hide Path | Hide Distances | Hide Names
Map Scale

1 km

Base maps are used under licence and is © Department of lands Panorama Avenue Bathurst 2795 www.lands.nsw.gov.au

Maps that cover the walk area (please always carry maps of the area)

Print a map and track notes here

Sydney Heads

1:25 000 Map Series

NSW-91302N

Sydney

1:100 000 Map Series

9130

Photo Gallery




	Balmoral Beach




	Balmoral Park




	Steps between balmoral park and Middle head road




	Sign along the track




	Middl Head car park




	Grassed track around fence




	Track to Old Fort Rd




	Track down to the forts




	View from Forts




	Tallest Fort




	View to North Head




	Sign to Disappearing gun pits




	Filled in fort




	Officers quarters




	Middle Head Oval

Terrain

Cross sectional view of the Balmoral to Middle Head Forts bushwalking track

Cross Section of the Balmoral to Middle Head Forts bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Balmoral to Middle Head Forts bushwalking track

Summary of the gradients over the the lenght of the Balmoral to Middle Head Forts bushwalking track

Track Notes

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Catch the bus to Balmoral Park car park
Catch the bus to Balmoral Park car park
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times. Use these links to plan your Bus (and train) trip to the end of this walk. Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill\|Chatswood\|Dural\|Epping\|Gosford\|Hornsby\|Katoomba\|Manly\|Parramatta\|Penrith\|Strathfield\|Sutherland\|Sydney\|

Drive to Balmoral Park car park
Drive to Balmoral Park car park
There is free parking available. You can drive or ride to the start of this walk Use these links to plan your trip to the start of this walk. Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill\|Chatswood\|Dural\|Epping\|Gosford\|Hornsby\|Katoomba\|Manly\|Parramatta\|Penrith\|Strathfield\|Sutherland\|Sydney\|

(0 km) Balmoral Park car park to Int. Middle Head Rd and Chowder Bay Trk Track: Hard - footpath	Length = 565 m	Time = 15 mins
	Climb = 67 m	Descent = -4 m
From the intersection, this walk heads away from the car park and beach to pass '1st Balmoral Sea Scouts' and a childcare centre, on the left. The walk then continues along the footpath outside of the oval to a signposted intersection. From the intersection, this walk heads away from the oval, across a bridge. The walk then climbs a few flights of stairs to enter a fenced area with many signs. This walk continues for some time up stairs to turn right, through the fence and continues up stairs to the intersection with Middle Head Rd.

(0.57 km) Int. Middle Head Rd and Chowder Bay Trk to Int. Middle Head Rd and Chowder Bay Rd Track: Moderate - road	Length = 536 m	Time = 10 mins
	Climb = 3 m	Descent = -30 m
From the intersection, this walk heads down the road towards the fence, away from the houses. The road tends right as it comes into HMAS Penguin. The walk continues along Middle Head Rd to the intersection with Chowder Bay Rd, opposite the oval.

(1.1 km) Int. Middle Head Rd and Chowder Bay Rd to Int. Old Fort and Govenors Rds Track: Moderate - bushtrack	Length = 595 m	Time = 12 mins
	Climb = 21 m	Descent = -19 m
From the intersection of Chowder Bay and Middle Head Rd, this walk heads down through the car park to the far end, where there are signs. The walk heads along the fenceline passing the Sydney Harbour NP sign. The fencline is followed as it tends right, coming to a gate. From the intersection, this walk heads through the gate, keeping the view of the water to the right of the track. Note that if the gate is closed, visitors can walk around the right-hand side of the fence. The walk then follows the fenceline, (on the left of the track), to then continue up a small hill along the fenceline and to a short stone wall. The walk continues over the stone wall to the fork in the road.

(1.7 km) Int. Old Fort and Govenors Rds to Int. Lower Barracks Trk and Old Fort Rd Track: Moderate - road	Length = 190 m	Time = 3 mins
	Climb = 1 m	Descent = -4 m
From the intersection, this walk heads up 'Old Fort Rd', keeping the unfenced cottage on the right of the road. The walk soon passes a radio tower on the right, and continues past a gate to the intersection, opposite a sign in the clearing on the left.

(1.89 km) Int. Lower Barracks Trk and Old Fort Rd to Tallest Fort Track: Moderate - servicetrail	Length = 108 m	Time = 2 mins
	Climb = 2 m	Descent = -6 m
From the intersection, this walk heads along the overgrown management trail to the tallest of the forts. From here, walkers can explore the fortifications.

Middle Head Forts	Alt = 37 m
Middle Head Forts
The forts of Middle Head consist of a rabbit warren of concrete tunnels, winding some 300m around the end of the headland. The fortifications and gun emplacements are varied in size and state, with some closed to protect heritage and the bats. Nearly all the forts overlook the harbour, with views out past the heads and to sea. This is a great area for a little adventure with so many tunnels to explore. For information on tours, click the link. More info

(1.99 km) Tallest Fort to Int. Lower Barracks Trk and Old Fort Rd Track: Moderate - servicetrail	Length = 108 m	Time = 2 mins
	Climb = 6 m	Descent = -2 m
From the tallest fort, this walk heads away from the sea and the forts, along an overgrown management trail. The walk comes to an intersection opposite a sign, on the far side of the clearing.

(2.1 km) Int. Lower Barracks Trk and Old Fort Rd to Int. Inner Forts and Lower Barracks Trks Track: Moderate - bushtrack	Length = 249 m	Time = 5 mins
	Climb = 5 m	Descent = -9 m
From the intersection, this walk heads away from the built-up forts and road, to cross the clearing to the signposted 'Inner Middle Head Forts'. The track follows the arrow on this sign for approximately 200m through the bush to a sunken concrete fort on the right. From the southern fort (surrounded by bush), this walk winds right, away from the fort keeping the sea on the right of the track. The track quickly leads to an intersection near the fort at the sea cliff.

(2.35 km) Int. Inner Forts and Lower Barracks Trks to Disappearing Gun Pit North Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack	Length = 17 m	Time = 1 mins
	Climb = 0 m	Descent = -9 m
From the intersection, this walk heads towards the concrete gun pit and the sea, approximately 20m away.

(2.35 km) Int. Inner Forts and Lower Barracks Trks to Behind Officers Quarters Track: Moderate - bushtrack	Length = 266 m	Time = 5 mins
	Climb = 7 m	Descent = -12 m
From the intersection, this walk heads away from the sea view and the concrete fort, keeping a sunken concrete feature to the left of the track. The track winds a little for approximately 120m, to the signposted intersection with Govenors Rd. From the intersection, this walk heads down the grass hill beside the old house, keeping the house on the left. The track then turns left and down the hill with the fence, to continue along the fenceline. Near the end of the fence, the track turns right, down the hill and comes to a management trail.

(2.62 km) Behind Officers Quarters to Middle Head Oval NE Gate Alternate Route: Track: Moderate - servicetrail,bushtrack ( Show detail)	Length = 351 m	Time = 8 mins
	Climb = 31 m	Descent = -33 m
From the intersection, the walk follows the management trail down the hill towards the sea. The trail continues down the hill to onto the beach. From the middle of Cobblers Beach, the walk follows the track up the hill, with the beach on the right of the track. The track steeply climbs up the hill to the white picket fence of Middle Head Oval. The track turns left, following the fence to the gate and 'Middle Head' sign.

Cobblers Beach	Alt = 4 m
Cobblers Beach
Cobblers Beach is most probably named after the cobble shaped stones on its shore. This beach has a northerly aspect, with very little surf. Clothing is optional on this beach, and it is a designated nudist beach. Views from the beach include Grotto Point across the harbour and Balmoral Beach to the west.

(2.62 km) Behind Officers Quarters to Cobblers Beach Trail Top Track: Moderate - servicetrail	Length = 106 m	Time = 3 mins
	Climb = 14 m	Descent = -11 m
From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill, with the houses above to the left of the track. The track soon meets a clearing, continuing through to the 'Sydney Harbour National Park' sign.

(2.72 km) Cobblers Beach Trail Top to Middle Head Oval NE Gate Track: Moderate - bushtrack	Length = 142 m	Time = 5 mins
	Climb = 14 m	Descent = -19 m
From the intersection, this walk heads along the line of the cyclone fence, on the left, for approximately 150m to the gate in the white picket fence of Middle Head Oval, near the 'Middle Head' sign.

(2.87 km) Middle Head Oval NE Gate to Middle Head Oval SW Gate Walk: Easy - undefined	Length = 142 m	Time = 4 mins
	Climb = 25 m	Descent = -6 m
From the gate, this walk heads across the oval to the far side, next to the baseball nets.

(3.01 km) Middle Head Oval SW Gate to Int. Middle Head Rd and Chowder Bay Rd Walk: Easy - bushtrack	Length = 32 m	Time = 1 mins
	Climb = 0 m	Descent = -6 m
From the gate, this walk heads to the intersection of Middle Head Road and Chowder Bay Road.

(3.04 km) Int. Middle Head Rd and Chowder Bay Rd to Int. Middle Head Rd and Chowder Bay Trk Track: Moderate - road	Length = 536 m	Time = 10 mins
	Climb = 30 m	Descent = -3 m
From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill of Middle Head Rd. The walk continues up the road for some time to a signposted intersection near speed bumps and rock sculptures to the left.

(3.58 km) Int. Middle Head Rd and Chowder Bay Trk to Balmoral Park car park Track: Hard - footpath	Length = 565 m	Time = 15 mins
	Climb = 4 m	Descent = -67 m
From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to 'Balmoral Beach' downhill away from the road. The walk 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 a bridge and next to an oval with a signposted intersection. From the intersection, this walk heads toward the sea, keeping the oval to the left. The walk passes '1st Balmoral Sea Scouts' on the right before coming to the car park.

Catch the bus from Balmoral Park car park
Catch the bus from Balmoral Park car park
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times. Use these links to plan your Bus (and train) trip from the end of this walk. Plan your trip to --> Castle Hill\|Chatswood\|Dural\|Epping\|Gosford\|Hornsby\|Katoomba\|Manly\|Parramatta\|Penrith\|Strathfield\|Sutherland\|Sydney\|

Drive from Balmoral Park car park
Drive from Balmoral Park car park
There is free parking available. You can drive or ride from the end of this walk Use these links to plan your trip from the end of this walk. Plan your trip to --> Castle Hill\|Chatswood\|Dural\|Epping\|Gosford\|Hornsby\|Katoomba\|Manly\|Parramatta\|Penrith\|Strathfield\|Sutherland\|Sydney\|

Getting there

Plan your trip to the start of the walk and back from the end of the walk

Public Transport Timetables

	To the start of the walk From Castle Hill Chatswood Dural Epping Gosford Hornsby Katoomba Manly Parramatta Penrith Strathfield Sutherland Sydney	From the end of the walk To Castle Hill Chatswood Dural Epping Gosford Hornsby Katoomba Manly Parramatta Penrith Strathfield Sutherland Sydney
Driving Directions

	To the start of the walk Drive from:	From the end of the walk Drive to:

Near by

A list of 6 walks that share part of their track with this one

Walk Name	Park	Style	Length (km)	Time	Grade	km from the start of this walk
Middle Head	Sydney Harbour National Park	Circuit	2.0 km	1 Hr	3 / 6	0.6 km
Chowder Bay to Middle Head return via Chowder Bay Rd	Sydney Harbour National Park	Circuit	5.1 km	2 hrs 30 mins	3 / 6	0.9 km
Spit Bridge to Middle Head Forts	Sydney Harbour National Park	One way	6.3 km	2 hrs 30 mins	4 / 6	2.9 km
Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach	Sydney Harbour National Park	One way	6.9 km	3 hrs	4 / 6	2.4 km
Taronga Zoo to Spit Bridge	Sydney Harbour National Park	One way	10.5 km	5 hrs 30 mins	4 / 6	2.4 km
Taronga Zoo to Manly	Sydney Harbour National Park	One way	19.0 km	8 hrs	4 / 6	2.4 km

The next 10 closest walks

Walk Name	Park	Style	Length (km)	Time	Grade	km from the start of this walk
Balmoral Beach to The Spit	Sydney Harbour National Park	One way	4.3 km	2 hrs 30 mins	4 / 6	0.0 km
WW1 Hospital to Georges Heights Lookout	Sydney Harbour National Park	Return	0.9 km	30 mins	2 / 6	0.5 km
Georges Heights Lookout	Sydney Harbour National Park	Return	0.1 km	7 mins	1 / 6	0.9 km
Chowder Bay to Georges Heights Lookout	Sydney Harbour National Park	Return	0.9 km	30 mins	3 / 6	1.0 km
Clifton Gardens to Georges Heights	Sydney Harbour National Park	Return	1.7 km	1 Hr	3 / 6	1.1 km
Grotto Point Lighthouse Walk	Sydney Harbour National Park	Return	1.7 km	1 Hr	3 / 6	2.0 km
Castle Rock Beach	Sydney Harbour National Park	Return	0.2 km	30 mins	3 / 6	2.0 km
Castle Rock to Grotto Point Lighthouse	Sydney Harbour National Park	Return	2.0 km	1 Hr	3 / 6	2.0 km
Taronga to Musgrave Wharf	Sydney Harbour National Park	One way	1.6 km	1 Hr	4 / 6	2.4 km
Taronga Zoo to Camp Curlew	Sydney Harbour National Park	Return	0.9 km	30 mins	3 / 6	2.4 km

Nearest know Outdoor Stores near the start of this walk

Store	Address	Phone	Distance (straight line)
Outdoor Equipment	60 Spring St , Bondi Junction	(02) 9389 8122	7.1 km
Inski	46 York St , Sydney	(02) 9233 3200	6.4 km
Mitchells Adventure	81 York St , Sydney	(02) 9299 6321	6.4 km
Venus Repair Workshop	Suite 36a 104 Bathurst St , Sydney	(02) 9267 0706	6.7 km
Wildsports	Upper Floor 447 Kent St , Sydney	(02) 9264 2095	6.7 km

A list of the nearest UHF CB repeaters I found to Balmoral to Middle Head Forts.

Channel	Call sign (more info)	Site	Distance and dir from Balmoral to Middle Head Forts Click to re-center search
5	SYD05	Sydney Adventist Hospital 185 Fox Valley Rd WAHROONGA Emergency use only	18 km (to the NW)
1	SYD01	12/14 Ormonde Parade HURSTVILLE	21 km (to the SW)
6	VMB7	CB Repeater Site 16 Alan Rd BEROWRA HEIGHTS	26 km (to the NNW)
7	SYD07	7 Glamorgan St BLACKTOWN	32 km (to the W)
8	MDC08	Gencom Site Lot 6 Wakefield Close KARIONG	44 km (to the N)

Weather and Park info

Fire Danger
This walk passes Greater Sydney Region fire area which currently has a LOW-MODERATE rating and No Ban in place. (Checked 46 minutes ago)
Please Note: Each park may have its own fire ban status, this rating is based on information from the RFS and BOM.

Weather and Climate
Weather and Climate summary detailed weather and climate information here

Fine.

21.5°C (feels like 0.0°)

11 km/h from the N (gusting 11)

0% humidity (as at 15/11:34pm)

A graph displaying the average daily temperature range for the year

Sydney Harbour National Park Link to official closures and fire bans page

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.
$3

Region: Sydney & Surrounds Park fees Facilities

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