Clifton Gardens to Georges Heights

Download & Print Map and Notes

1 Hr

1.7 km Return

107 m

Moderate track

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.

Track on hill behind buildings at Chowder bay

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

(0km) Clifton Gardens Baths → Chowder Bay Lower Gate

210 m

5 mins

13m

-10m Moderate track

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.

(0km) Chowder Bay Lower Gate → Roundabout at end of Chowder Bay Road

230 m

4 mins

19m

-5m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the gate, this walk heads towards the wharf approximately 80m away. The walk soon passes Bacino Kiosk on the left, and continues along the foreshore footpath to the start of the wharf.
Turn left: From the wharf, this walk heads directly away from that wharf, heading up the stairs. At the top of the stairs, this walk follows the footpath right, around a flag pole and house on the left. The walk continues past a round-about, to the start of a car park, opposite Bacino Bar.

Chowder Bay

Chowder Bay looks over Sydney Harbour, to Vaucluse and Rose Bay. The bay is named after the food of the American whalers stationed at Clifton Gardens, 'clam chowder'. Chowder Bay then became a Submarine Mining Depot in 1889. Today, Chowder Bay still has great views from the remaining military buildings on the hillside. One of the newer buildings houses a cafe, and other buildings stand as monuments to their former use. Chowder Bay offers great views with easy access to Clifton Gardens for a swim.

(0km) Roundabout at end of Chowder Bay Road → Int. Bacino Bar back deck and Chowder Bay Trk

20 m

1 mins

0m Moderate track

Turn left: From the road, this walk heads north away from the harbour to the base of the stone steps on the left hand side of Bacino Bar.

(0km) Int. Bacino Bar back deck and Chowder Bay Trk → Bacino Bar

30 m

1 mins

-3m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads onto the decking of Bacino Bar. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Bacino Cafe

The Bacino Bar is in Building No.2 at Chowder Bay, with great views across Sydney Harbour. The bar sells pastas, panini, arancini, tramezzini, stuffed eggplant and biscotti, along with homemade sandwiches and treats. The Bacino Bar prices are reasonable, ranging between $5-12 for the delicacies, and their coffee is made of their own blend. The bar is open every day from 7am- 4pm except for Christmas. A public toilet is available at the Eastern end of the building. More info.

(0km) Int. Bacino Bar back deck and Chowder Bay Trk → Georges Head Lookout

400 m

9 mins

49m

-5m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection behind Bacino Bar, the walk heads up the steep stone steps, away from the cafe. The track then tends right, across the hill for a short time climbing the uneven stairs to meet the road and signposted intersection.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads across the road to head up the bush track on the hill for approximately 50m, to the signposted intersection behind 'Georges Head Lookout'.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to Georges Head Lookout, down the hill to the circular paved lookout above the fortifications.

Georges Heights

Georges Heights is a gun emplacement with a commanding 180degree view over the entrance to the harbour. The old gun emplacements are still in position, with their arcs of fire explained in the signs nearby. The view from this lookout is magnificent.

Maps for the Clifton Gardens to Georges Heights 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.

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 Clifton Gardens to Georges Heights bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Clifton Gardens to Georges Heights

Altitude analysis for Clifton Gardens to Georges Heights

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	1.7 km
		Time	1 Hr
		.
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	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

510m of this walk has short steep hills and another 210m has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (140m) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

560m of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 160m follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (140m) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 540m of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 320m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 860m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 860m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 860m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Clifton Gardens to Georges Heights walk.

Georges Heights Lookout

144 m Return, 7 mins

The Georges Heights Lookout has a brilliant view, which is well worth the short stroll from the road. The track is wheelchair-accessible and leads past some interesting signs about the area. The grass surrounding the lookout is also a nice place to lay the picnic rug for lunch. Georges Heights is t

Total climbing: 2m

Very easy

Chowder Bay to Georges Heights Lookout

842 m Return, 30 mins

Chowder Bay to Georges Heights Lookout is a fantastic walk to burn off a coffee from the Bacino Bar. The walk passes the Bacino Bar and enjoys the view from an old gun emplacement at George Heights Lookout. The sandstone seats and shaded grassy areas make this a perfect walk for a picnic too.

Total climbing: 60m

Moderate track

WW1 Hospital to Georges Heights Lookout

904 m Return, 30 mins

The WW1 hospital above Georges Head is an interesting collection of historic buildings, which are nicely complemented by Georges Heights Lookout. The walk follows a well-marked footpath with some excellent views and heathy bushland around it.

Total climbing: 26m

Easy track

Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk

2.8 km One way, 1 hr 30 mins

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,

Total climbing: 161m

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

Chowder Bay to Middle Head return via Chowder Bay Rd

4.9 km Circuit, 2 hrs 30 mins

The walk from Chowder Bay to Middle Head is an interesting one, passing Georges Head Lookout and its views over South Head, and then going up to the WW1 hospital. The track continues with an exploration of the whole of Middle Head, including forts, a nudist beach (a sidetrip option) and stunning vie

Total climbing: 200m

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 Clifton Gardens to Georges Heights 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

Balmoral Beach to The Spit

4.3 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

This walks follows the coast from Balmoral to the Spit and across Spit Bridge. There are some alternate tracks to consider at high-tides, which take the streets over the headlands. Balmoral and Chinamans Beaches are very nice places for lunch and a swim. Allows time to wander and explore. There ar

Total climbing: 85m

Hard track

Balmoral to Middle Head Forts

3.9 km Circuit, 2 hrs

This walk to the Middle Head fortifications is a great way to break up your day at the beach. There are plenty of places to explore, and the forts are quite interesting and historically significant. The track is well marked and has some information signs. The views of Sydney Harbour are great and it

Total climbing: 187m

Hard track

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

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 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

Camp Cove Cannon

358 m Return, 15 mins

Spend some time relaxing and exploring Camp Cove - the first landing place for Europeans in Australia. On this walk, you will head across the northern end of Camp Cove Beach, up some steps to follow an old sandstone cobbled road. This road leads to a great vantage point, with views over the Sydney H

Total climbing: 14m

Easy track

Lady Bay Beach

992 m Return, 30 mins

This walk leads to a popular nudist (clothing optional) beach on Sydney Harbour's South Head. The walk follows the clear footpath / old roads past several significant historic and beautiful sites before climbing down a set of steps to find the beach. The beach is protected from the main surf on the

Total climbing: 38m

Moderate track

South Head Heritage Trail

1.7 km Circuit, 45 mins

This walk explores the tip of Sydney Harbour's South Head. On this walk, you will visit several historic and scenic places, following a footpath most of the way. You will start at Camp Cove, the first landing place for Europeans in Australia, and also visit a number of gun emplacements, designed to

Total climbing: 64m

Easy track

Green (Laings) Point Loop

243 m Circuit, 15 mins

On this walk, you will circumnavigate Green Point (also known as Laings Point), on Sydney Harbour's South Head. The point is surrounded in history and great harbour views. Starting from the end of Pacific St, you will head through some open parkland and a short side trip leads to Camp Cove, the fir

Total climbing: 10m

Easy track

Middle Head

1.9 km Circuit, 1 Hr

This walk leads you around the perimeter of Middle Head. This is a great place to explore, with many forts, barracks and views over Sydney Harbour. The forts area is an excellent place to spend some time walking through the tunnels and gun pits.

Total climbing: 101m

Moderate track