Bushwalking on the Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk

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Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk

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Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk are found in each of the tabs below

Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk

Time:	1 hr 30 mins Walking time Please allow extra time to rest and to explore	3.1 km SSE of Mosman
Length:	2.8 km Walk Length As this is a One Way walk, the 2.8 km only includes the walking distance from the start to the end point	Sydney Harbour National Park
Climb:	161 m
Style:	One way

This walk explores a great section of Sydney Harbour. Starting with some historic points at Bradleys Head, you can enjoy views of Sydney's Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The views will continue to delight as you explore bushland and the bays along the way. The pleasant walk ends at Clifton Gardens, where you will find a kiosk and equipment for the kids to play.

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

Map of Walk

Location

Sponsor of Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk bushwalking tracknotes

Map of Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk
Problem loading PDF Try here
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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

Parramatta River

1:25 000 Map Series

NSW-91303N

Sydney Heads

1:25 000 Map Series

NSW-91302N

Sydney

1:100 000 Map Series

9130

Photo Gallery




	pano of Sydney harbour




	Lighthouse at Bradleys Head




	Track at road on Bradleys Head




	Track on western side of Bradleys head




	Track intersection near Taylors Bay lookout




	Seat near Taylors Bay Lookout




	Track on western side of Bradleys Head




	Lookout over Taylors Bay




	Track over Chowder Head




	Houses on behind Morella St lookout




	Steps above Clifton Gardens




	Bottoms of Steps on Southern end of Chowder Bay




	Clifton Gardens




	Rock stairs at Northern end of Clifton Gardens




	Play Ground at Clifton Gardens

Terrain

Cross sectional view of the Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk bushwalking track

Cross Section of the Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk bushwalking track

Summary of the gradients over the the lenght of the Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk bushwalking track

Track Notes

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
NPWS is a proud sponsor of Wildwalks. For more information on the spectacular parks and reserves of NSW Visit www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

Catch the bus to HMAS Sydney Mast, Bradleys Head
Catch the bus to HMAS Sydney Mast, Bradleys Head
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 HMAS Sydney Mast, Bradleys Head
Drive to HMAS Sydney Mast, Bradleys Head
A park entry fee is required for driving into the park. 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\|

HMAS Sydney Memorial Mast	Alt = 13 m
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'. HMAS Sydney itself was a Chatham Class light cruiser which saw action in WW1. More info

(0 km) HMAS Sydney Mast, Bradleys Head to Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Taylors Bay Lookout track Walk: Easy - footpath	Length = 787 m	Time = 17 mins
	Climb = 42 m	Descent = -29 m
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 left. 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'.

(0.79 km) Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Taylors Bay Lookout track to Taylors Bay Lookout Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack	Length = 49 m	Time = 1 mins
	Climb = 0 m	Descent = -6 m
From the intersection, the walk 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.

(0.79 km) Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Taylors Bay Lookout track to Chowder Head track intersection Track: Moderate - footpath,bushtrack,bushtrack	Length = 1.24 km	Time = 31 mins
	Climb = 88 m	Descent = -81 m
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. 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. 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.

(2.03 km) Chowder Head track intersection to Chowder Head Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack	Length = 87 m	Time = 2 mins
	Climb = 0 m	Descent = -10 m
From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Chowder Head' sign south-west along the clear track. The track heads gently downhill and bends left past some dead gums to find an unfenced rock platform with great harbour views. (Note the informal track continues down becoming steeper, leading to a small bay.)

Chowder Head	Alt = 23 m
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.

(2.03 km) Chowder Head track intersection to Morella St lookout Track: Moderate - bushtrack	Length = 278 m	Time = 6 mins
	Climb = 15 m	Descent = -16 m
From the intersection, this walk follows 'Clifton Gardens' 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 (on your 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	Alt = 29 m
Morella St lookout
This informally named clearing behind some houses on Morella St provides a great view across the harbour. The fairly large clearing has been maintained and is a good place to stop if wanting to avoid the large groups at Clifton Gardens.

(2.31 km) Morella St lookout to Bottom of Sarahs walk steps Walk: Easy - footpath	Length = 75 m	Time = 3 mins
	Climb = 0 m	Descent = -17 m
From the intersection, this walk follows 'Clifton Gardens' sign downhill along the concrete path, behind the line of houses. The path leads down the hill, following a series of steps past a bench seat to come to a 'T' intersection (with Sarah's Walk, part way down a set of steps).

(2.38 km) Bottom of Sarahs walk steps to Clifton Gardens baths Track: Moderate - footpath	Length = 250 m	Time = 5 mins
	Climb = 3 m	Descent = -16 m
From the intersection, this walk heads down the steps that soon flatten out as the footpath leads around the headland under a few sandstone overhangs. The walk soon comes to a 'Foreshore Path' sign pointing back along the path at the south-western end of Clifton Gardens. 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	Alt = 2 m
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, and of course, spectacular views over Chowder Bay. A short bush track leads through to Rawson Oval.

(2.63 km) Clifton Gardens Baths to Chowder Bay Lower Gate Track: Moderate - beach	Length = 207 m	Time = 5 mins
	Climb = 13 m	Descent = -10 m
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	Alt = 5 m
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

Catch the bus from Chowder Bay Lower Gate
Catch the bus from Chowder Bay Lower Gate
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 Chowder Bay Lower Gate
Drive from Chowder Bay Lower Gate
Parking fees apply in the area. 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
Map Car Shuffle
	To the start of the walk Drive from:	From the end of the walk Drive to:

Near by

A list of 11 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
Chowder Head	Sydney Harbour National Park	Circuit	0.5 km	20 mins	3 / 6	1.2 km
Bradleys Head Walk	Sydney Harbour National Park	Circuit	1.7 km	1 Hr	3 / 6	0.0 km
Clifton Gardens to Georges Heights	Sydney Harbour National Park	Return	1.7 km	1 Hr	3 / 6	1.7 km
Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head to Athol Hall	Sydney Harbour National Park	Circuit	3.0 km	1 hr 30 mins	3 / 6	1.0 km
Bradleys Head and Chowder Head walk	Sydney Harbour National Park	One way	3.7 km	1 hr 45 mins	3 / 6	1.0 km
Taronga Wharf to Chowder Bay	Sydney Harbour National Park	One way	4.4 km	2 hrs	3 / 6	1.0 km
Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach	Sydney Harbour National Park	One way	6.8 km	3 hrs	4 / 6	1.0 km
Taronga Zoo to Chowder Bay return via Bradleys Head Rd	Sydney Harbour National Park	Circuit	7.0 km	3 hrs	3 / 6	1.0 km
Taronga Zoo, Clifton Gardens return via Sirius Cove	Sydney Harbour National Park	Circuit	6.5 km	3 hrs 30 mins	3 / 6	1.0 km
Taronga Zoo to Spit Bridge	Sydney Harbour National Park	One way	10.4 km	5 hrs	4 / 6	1.0 km
Taronga Zoo to Manly	Sydney Harbour National Park	One way	18.9 km	8 hrs	4 / 6	1.0 km

The next 10 closest walks

Walk Name	Park	Style	Length (km)	Time	Grade	km from the start of this walk
Taronga to Musgrave Wharf	Sydney Harbour National Park	One way	1.7 km	1 Hr	3 / 6	1.0 km
Taronga Zoo to Camp Curlew	Sydney Harbour National Park	Return	0.9 km	30 mins	3 / 6	1.0 km
Cremorne Point Circuit	Cremorne Reserve	Circuit	2.7 km	1 hr 15 mins	2 / 6	1.5 km
Cremorne Point to Mosman Wharf	Cremorne Reserve	One way	2.0 km	45 mins	2 / 6	1.5 km
Cremorne Point to Taronga Zoo	Cremorne Reserve	One way	4.2 km	1 hr 45 mins	3 / 6	1.5 km
Robertsons Point Lookout	Cremorne Reserve	Return	0.5 km	15 mins	2 / 6	1.5 km
Chowder Bay to Georges Heights Lookout	Sydney Harbour National Park	Return	0.9 km	30 mins	3 / 6	1.9 km
Hermitage Foreshore Track	Sydney Harbour National Park	One way	2.2 km	1 Hr	3 / 6	2.1 km
History of Nielsen Park	Sydney Harbour National Park	Return	0.9 km	20 mins	2 / 6	2.1 km
Mt Trefle	Sydney Harbour National Park	Circuit	1.7 km	40 mins	2 / 6	2.1 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	4.4 km
Inski	46 York St , Sydney	(02) 9233 3200	4.1 km
Mitchells Adventure	81 York St , Sydney	(02) 9299 6321	4.1 km
Venus Repair Workshop	Suite 36a 104 Bathurst St , Sydney	(02) 9267 0706	4.3 km
Trek & Travel	447 Kent St , Sydney	(02) 9261 3435	4.4 km

A list of the nearest UHF CB repeaters I found to Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk.

Channel	Call sign (more info)	Site	Distance and dir from Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk Click to re-center search
1	SYD01	12/14 Ormonde Parade HURSTVILLE	19 km (to the SW)
5	SYD05	Sydney Adventist Hospital 185 Fox Valley Rd WAHROONGA Emergency use only	19 km (to the NW)
6	VMB7	CB Repeater Site 16 Alan Rd BEROWRA HEIGHTS	28 km (to the NNW)
7	SYD07	7 Glamorgan St BLACKTOWN	32 km (to the WNW)
8	MDC08	Gencom Site Lot 6 Wakefield Close KARIONG	46 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 40 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

Rain. Windy.

17.4°C (feels like 0.0°)

0 km/h from the -

82% humidity (as at 02/09:34am)

Sat	15°\|19°	Rain. Windy.
Sun	13°\|21°	Sunny.
Mon	10°\|19°	Mostly sunny.
Tue	10°\|18°	Shower or two.

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

Current Park Closure information for Sydney Harbour National Park
Closure information last checked Saturday 4th of September 2010 05:00 AM

Closed areas

Goat Island is currently closed until further notice while extensive maintenance works are carried out. Please note tours, filming, public access and everything relating to Goat Island is not available during this period.

Walker Feedback

Comments

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Mark - Great Walk

IP:58.168.101.xxx | 2008-05-13 14:39:25

Hi,

Just letting you know I've linked to the very useful information on this page from my description of the walk,
http://www.hood23.com/oysters-for-breakfast-on-the-bradleys-head-to-balmoral-walk-2

It is a great walk mainly through what was until recently off-limits naval land, combining bush, fantastic views, naval and military history and historic building.

Thanks for a great resource.

Quote

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not too much longer now :)

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