This walk explores a great section of Sydney Harbour, starting with some historic aspects of Bradleys Head plus views of the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The views continue to get better 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. Either organise a car shuffle, walk the track back to Bradleys Head or catch a bus home.
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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.
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
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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 approximately 200m to where the road turns back on itself. From this point, the walk heads along boardwalk for a short time to the signposted intersection.
(0.79 km)
Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Taylors Bay Lookout track
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Taylors Bay Lookout Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 49 m
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.
(0.79 km)
Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Taylors Bay Lookout track
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Western end of Clifton Gardens Track: Hard - footpath,bushtrack,bushtrack,bushtrack,bushtrack,bushtrack
Length = 1.82 km
Time = 46 mins
Climb = 116 m
Descent = -135 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 track 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 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. 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 signposted intersection. From the intersection, the track follows the arrow on the sign to 'Clifton Gardens' up a slight hill. The track contours around the hillside for approximately 150m to a signposted intersection. From the intersection, the track heads north, with Sydney Harbour below on the right. The track contours around the hill for approximately 150m, to come out into a clearing before a house, with a signposted 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 for a short time before descending many flights of stairs. At the bottom of the stairs, the track tends left under a sandstone overhang. From here, the track continues for approximately 60m to the end of the beach.
(2.61 km)
Western end of Clifton Gardens
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Chowder Bay Lower Gate Track: Moderate - footpath,beach
Length = 329 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 13 m
Descent = -13 m
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. 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
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
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.
Fire Danger This walk passes Greater Sydney Region fire area which currently has a LOW-MODERATE rating and No Ban in place. (Checked 13 minutes ago) Please Note: Each park may have its own fire ban status, this rating is based on information from the RFS and BOM.
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.
Current Park Closure information for Sydney Harbour National Park Closure information last checked Saturday 13th of March 2010 03:00 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.
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.