Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach hiking trail are found in each of the tabs below
Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach
Time
Distance
Climb
Style
3 Hrs
6.2 km
195 m
One way
2.1 km SSE of Mosman
Sydney Harbour National Park
Track: Moderate
This walk explores a great section of Sydney Harbour, starting with 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 walk also explores historic section of the Harbour including the fortifications at Bradley’s Head. Some section of this walk are closed at night.
Bushwalking can be fun and interesting when you are well prepared. Please ensure you and your group are well prepared and equipped for all possible dangers. The authors, staff and owners of wildwalks take care in preparing these notes but do not accept responsibility for any inconvenience, loss or injury sustained when using these notes. Please take care and feel free to provide feedback through our website. Please note that side trips and alternate routes mentioned in these notes are not included in the tracks overall rating, distance or time estimate. The notes also only describe the side trip and alternate routes in one direction.
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(0 km) Ferry Terminal at Taronga to Bradley's Head Track: Moderate - footpath
Distance = 1.3 km
Time = 30 mins
Climb = 52 m
Descent = -42 m
From the Ferry Terminal head east, up the road (away from the zoo entrance), after a few hundred meters there is a walking track that kicks off to the right of the road (at the pedestrian crossing). The track stays pretty close to the water on the way around to Bradley's Head, you will get great panoramic views of Sydney city and the harbor. There are several tracks along the way that head down to beaches and wharfs, explore them if you wish, otherwise stay to the main track. As you approach Bradley's Head you pass Athol Hall that has a little cafe open most days (tue-fri and sun). The tip of Bradley's Head has a nice lookout and old gun pit remains from the early 1840's. There is also a public toilet
(1.3 km) Bradleys Head to Taylors Bay Track: Moderate -
Distance = 1.3 km
Time = 25 mins
Climb = 16 m
Descent = -23 m
The walk from Bradley Head initially follows the wooden walking track on the east side of Bradley Head Road till the first switch back, where it becomes a bush track that tends north, just above some small cliffs. There are some nice views of the water framed by the trees. The track is fairly flat and brings you to the southern end of Taylor's Bay
(2.6 km) Taylors Bay to Clifton Garden Track: Moderate - footpath
Distance = 1.3 km
Time = 25 mins
Climb = 40 m
Descent = -40 m
From Taylor's Bay the track heads off behind the beach and back into the bushland it heads north before turning east past the houses to the small headland. The track takes you over the middle of the headland (there is a small track off to your right, that goes to a lookout). You are soon back down the other side and into the beach at Clifton Gardens. In this bay you will find a swimming area, large grassy area, public toilets and another Cafe open most days (except Mondays)
(3.9 km) Clifton Garden to West Head Road Walk: Easy - Bush Track
Distance = 1.5 km
Time = 35 mins
Climb = 83 m
Descent = -49 m
After your refreshing dip, there is a gate at the northern end of the beach (this is locked from sunset to sunrise). Walk through this gate - past the cafe and dive shop, up the sand stone stairs to the roundabout at the road. On the other side of the roundabout, you will see a sign posted track head that takes you up the hill, follow this track through to west head road (you will find another gate at the road, also locked from sunset to sunrise). This section takes you through land managed by Sydney Harbor Trust and is old defense land, you will see more forts and historic buildings
(5.4 km) West Head Road to Balmoral Beach Walk: Easy - footpath
Distance = 0.8 km
Time = 15 mins
Climb = 4 m
Descent = -49 m
Once at West Head road, cross over you will se a track leading you to a set of stairs (this is a shoe cleaning spot for protect the local plants from infection). Follow the path down to the oval at the bottom. Once at the oval head toward the water, turn left and walk up the beach to the Balmoral Village. From here you should be able to get a bus to Mosman or back to Taronga Zoo ferry terminals - plan you trip at www.131.500.com.a
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.
Hiking near Sydney 
1 km
