Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk

Download & Print Map and Notes

1 hr 30 mins

2.8 km One way

161 m

Moderate track

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.

Track intersection near Taylors Bay lookout

Bottoms of Steps on Southern end of Chowder Bay

Rock stairs at Northern end of Clifton Gardens

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'[2]. HMAS Sydney itself was a Chatham Class light cruiser which saw action in WW1. More info.

(0km) HMAS Sydney Mast, Bradleys Head → Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Taylors Bay Lookout track

790 m

17 mins

42m

-29m Easy track

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 right. 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'.

(1km) Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Taylors Bay Lookout track → Taylors Bay Lookout

50 m

1 mins

-6m Moderate track

Turn right: 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. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

(1km) Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Taylors Bay Lookout track → Chowder Head track intersection

1.2 km

31 mins

88m

-81m Moderate track

Continue straight: 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.
Continue straight: 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.
Continue straight: 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.

(2km) Chowder Head track intersection → Chowder Head

90 m

2 mins

-10m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Chowder Head' sign[3] south-west along the clear track. The track heads gently downhill and bends left past some dead gums[4] to find an unfenced rock platform with great harbour views[5]. (Note the informal track continues down becoming steeper, leading to a small bay.) At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer right.

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.

(2km) Chowder Head track intersection → Morella St lookout

280 m

6 mins

15m

-16m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows 'Clifton Gardens'[6] 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[7] (on your left).
Veer 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

This informally named clearing behind some houses[8] on Morella St provides a great view across the harbour[9]. The fairly large clearing has been maintained and is a good place to stop if wanting to avoid the large groups at Clifton Gardens.

(2km) Morella St lookout → Bottom of Sarahs walk steps

80 m

3 mins

-17m Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows 'Clifton Gardens' sign[10] downhill along the concrete path, behind the line of houses[11]. The path leads down the hill, following a series of steps[12] past a bench seat to come to a 'T' intersection (with Sarah's Walk, part way down a set of steps)[13][14].

(2km) Bottom of Sarahs walk steps → Clifton Gardens baths

250 m

5 mins

-16m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the steps[15] that soon flatten out as the footpath leads around the headland under a few sandstone overhangs[16]. The walk soon comes to a 'Foreshore Path'[17] sign pointing back along the path at the south-western end of Clifton Gardens.
Turn right: 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

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[20], and of course, spectacular views over Chowder Bay. A short bush track leads through to Rawson Oval.

(3km) Clifton Gardens Baths → Chowder Bay Lower Gate

210 m

5 mins

13m

-10m Moderate track

Continue straight: 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

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.

Maps for the Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Parramatta River	1:25 000 Map Series	91303N PARRAMATTA RIVER	NSW-91303N
Sydney Heads	1:25 000 Map Series	91302N SYDNEY HEADS	NSW-91302N
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view 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

Altitude analysis for Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	2.8 km
		Time	1 hr 30 mins
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

1.2km of this walk has short steep hills and another 840m has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (790m) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

1.6km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 790m follows a smooth and hardened path. The remaining (440m) follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 2.6km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 210m has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 2.8km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 2.8km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 2km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 850m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk walk.

Chowder Head

548 m Circuit, 20 mins

This loop walk is the shortest way to access the views from Chowder Head. The optional side trip leads to an informal lookout on an unfenced rock platform. A great spot to enjoy the sailing boats on Sydney Harbour. In spring, this walk is particularly spectacular with a wide range of wildflowers on

Total climbing: 36m

Moderate track

Clifton Gardens to Georges Heights

1.7 km Return, 1 Hr

The walk up to Georges Heights is a very scenic one, with the climax being the view from Georges Heights lookout. The walk is also surrounded by old military buildings. Within these buildings is the Bacino Bar and Cafe, worth a drop-in for a coffee or lunch.

Total climbing: 107m

Moderate track

Bradleys Head Walk

1.7 km Circuit, 1 Hr

The walk around Bradleys Head is packed with great views and cultural heritage. The views over Sydney Harbour can be enjoyed from many vantage points. There are a number of places of historic significance, including HMAS Sydney's Mast and Athol Hall. Athol Hall has a wonderful, grassed lawn with exc

Total climbing: 83m

Moderate track

Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head to Athol Hall

3 km Circuit, 1 hr 30 mins

The walk around Bradleys Head is a great way to see Sydney Harbour and some interesting cultural heritage. The walk passes stunning views at Bradleys Head, to the mast of HMAS Sydney, before coming back to the old Athol Hall for afternoon tea. The entrance to Taronga Zoo is passed twice so be prepar

Total climbing: 138m

Moderate track

Bradleys Head and Chowder Head walk

3.7 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

This walk is a great way to explore the history of Bradleys Head whilst enjoying the views of Sydney Harbour, including the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and a majestic angophora forest. Starting from the ferry wharf below Taronga Zoo, this walk follows a clear track along the shore, visiting seve

Total climbing: 219m

Moderate track

Taronga Wharf to Chowder Bay

4.4 km One way, 2 hrs

Starting at Taronga Wharf, this walk passes many icons of Sydney, including Taronga Zoo, HMAS Sydney Mast, Chowder Bay. The walk also provides views across the water to the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Fort Denison and the city skyline. The walk has many brilliant vantage points over the harbour wit

Total climbing: 246m

Moderate track

Taronga Zoo, Clifton Gardens return via Sirius Cove

6.5 km Circuit, 3 hrs 30 mins

This walk winds along the coast of Sydney Harbour with many beautiful views across to the city and of the bush surrounding the track. Bacino Bar at Clifton Gardens is worth a visit for a coffee before walking through the streets over to Sirius Cove. The walk passes Taronga Zoo, which could be added

Total climbing: 352m

Moderate track

Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach

6.8 km One way, 3 hrs

This walk explores a great section of Sydney Harbour. The walk starts at the Taronga Zoo ferry wharf with views of the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The spectacular views continue as you explore bushland and the bays along the way. The walk also explores a historic section of the harb

Total climbing: 328m

Hard track

Taronga Zoo to Chowder Bay return via Bradleys Head Rd

7 km Circuit, 3 hrs

This walk is a great way to explore Bradleys Head, enjoying it's stunning views of Sydney Harbour, the history and the surrounding bush land. The walk around to Chowder Bay passes Athol Hall, which is a nice place for a coffee and some cake before heading to the Bay for a swim and another coffee at

Total climbing: 334m

Moderate track

Taronga Zoo to Spit Bridge

10.4 km One way, 5 hrs

This 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. The walk then passes the Bacino Bar on the way through the military heritage buildings. This is an excellent walk to do on

Total climbing: 410m

Hard track

Taronga Zoo to Manly

18.9 km One way, 8 hrs

This very long day walk has some stunning views, excellent heritage sites, a Zoo and beautiful beaches. What more could you ask for? The many sidetrips and places to stop and enjoy the views, having a coffee at the Bacino Bar or fish and chips on Balmoral Beach, will all make this walk an excellent

Total climbing: 746m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk walk.

Taronga to Musgrave Wharf

1.7 km One way, 1 Hr

This wharf-to-wharf walk is a great way to see Sydney Harbour. The walk is very scenic, with frequent views of the harbour. A stop in Sirius Cove to have a swim, play on the swings or a picnic is a great way to make an outing of this walk.

Total climbing: 111m

Moderate track

Taronga Zoo to Camp Curlew

930 m Return, 30 mins

This track takes you from Taronga Zoo Ferry, directly to Camp Curlew. A perfect little walk for the Impressionist wanting to recreate the attraction to Camp Curlew for painting. Little Sirius Cove is a secluded beach, worth the short sidetrip. Camp Curlew is a secluded spot on Sydney Harbour and ha

Total climbing: 61m

Moderate track

Cremorne Point Circuit

2.7 km Circuit, 1 hr 15 mins

On this walk, you will circumnavigate Cremorne Point along the harbour-side paths, winding through gardens and sections of native bushland. The extra time for the side trip to Robertsons Point Lookout is well rewarded and in the warmer months, why not bring your swimmers and enjoy a dip at Maccallum

Total climbing: 115m

Easy track

Cremorne Point to Mosman Wharf

2 km One way, 45 mins

This walk explores the foreshore tracks of Cremorne Reserve, taking in fantastic harbour views, beautiful gardens and a sidetrip to Robertsons Point lighthouse. Starting from Cremorne ferry wharf, the walk climbs to Robertsons Point and lighthouse, then meanders down past interesting houses and hist

Total climbing: 68m

Easy track

Cremorne Point to Taronga Zoo

4.2 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

This delightful walk from Cremorne to Taronga Zoo enjoys stunning harbour views and a number of sites to explore along bushland and suburban tracks. Starting from Cremorne ferry wharf, there is an option for a closer look at Robertsons Point lighthouse before continuing around Cremorne Reserve into

Total climbing: 218m

Moderate track

Robertsons Point Lookout

478 m Return, 15 mins

A short walk but a fun time. Catch a ferry to Cremorne Point and grab a bight to eat before climbing the steps and having a play in the kids playground. Then wander along the footpath to the lookout at the end of Cremorne Point, know as Robertsons Point. The view across Sydney Harbour is great. Ther

Total climbing: 11m

Easy track

Strickland House and Milk Beach

706 m Return, 25 mins

Starting from Vaucluse Rd, you will head down past the stately Strickland House to the small but lovely Milk Beach on Sydney Harbour. There are several interesting buildings in the Strickland House complex as well as some interesting open exotic gardens to explore. From behind Strickland House, you

Total climbing: 31m

Easy track

Hermitage Foreshore Track

2.2 km One way, 1 Hr

The Hermitage Foreshore Walk is a wonderful way to explore Sydney Harbour from the perspective of South Head. This walk starts from Nielsen Park and follows a well maintained track along the narrow strip of harbour-side bushland to Bayview Hill Rd. Along the way, you will visit some secluded beaches

Total climbing: 123m

Moderate track

History of Nielsen Park

896 m Return, 20 mins

On this short walk, you will follow the footpaths through Nielsen Park, visiting some of the historic buildings. Walking past the beautiful Shark Bay, you may be temped to take a dip or at least stop and enjoy the blue water and sandstone boulders. Climbing up the stairs, you will then be able to e

Total climbing: 25m

Easy track

Mt Trefle

1.7 km Circuit, 40 mins

This walk explores the bushy interior section of Nielsen Park. On this walk, you will visit historic Greycliffe House and the Steele Point Gun Emplacement. The walk climbs over the Mount Trefle summit. At just over 40m above sea level, I suspect most walkers will not consider it much of a mountain,

Total climbing: 58m

Easy track

Nielsen Park and Strickland House loop

2.5 km Circuit, 1 Hr

On this walk, you will stroll along the shore of Sydney Harbour, discovering many great views and the secluded Milk Beach before visiting the grand Strickland and Greycliffe Houses. This is a great way to explore the natural beauty, as well as some stately gardens, at the northern end of the Hermita

Total climbing: 104m

Moderate track

Nielsen Park Circuit

1.8 km Circuit, 40 mins

With much to offer, this walk is a great way to explore the history, water, views and bushland of Nielsen Park. This walk first leads past Shark Bay - a great place for a swim - with the chance to enjoy the views and grab a bite to eat from the cafe. Then, it's up some steps to visit the historic gu

Total climbing: 54m

Easy track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk walk starts at the HMAS Sydney Mast, Bradleys Head (gps: -33.853055, 151.24629)

Bus. (get details)

Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.<br /> (get details)

The Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk ends at the Chowder Bay Lower Gate (gps: -33.838667, 151.25467)

Bus. (get details)

Car. Parking fees apply in the area.<br /> (get details)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Sydney Harbour National Park

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.

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