BushwalkBushwalk
3 h 45 min to 5 h
| Start | (-33.8457205,151.2397244) |
| Mode | Bus Car (There is free parking available.) Ferry |
| Directions | From Military Road, A8
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| Finish | (-33.8002434,151.2468681) |
| Mode (end) | Car Shuttle Bus Car (There is free parking available.) |
| Turn map | Directions & comments |
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After another 10 m find the "Taronga Zoo" (5 m on your left).
 Taronga Zoo
Taronga Zoo
Taronga Zoo was founded in 1916, with the vision of imitating the Hamburg Zoo's bar-less exhibits. Since its opening, Taronga Zoo has directed more attention to research, education and conservation efforts to support the animals. Taronga Zoo is open everyday 9am- 5pm. Phone: +61 2 9969 2777 or email: groups@zoo.nsw.gov.au.
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Taronga Zoo was founded in 1916, with the vision of imitating the Hamburg Zoo's bar-less exhibits. Since its opening, Taronga Zoo has directed more attention to research, education and conservation efforts to support the animals. Taronga Zoo is open everyday 9am- 5pm. Phone: +61 2 9969 2777 or email: groups@zoo.nsw.gov.au.
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Then find the "Athol Hall" (100 m on your left).
 Athol Hall
Athol Hall
Athol Hall, built in 1908, was once a hotel. Sections of the original building date back to the 1800's. The hall has an excellent vantage point over the harbour with the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and city all well within its scope. Athol Hall today is a cafe and function centre with the cafe open Tues-Fri and Sun, 11am -3pm.
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Athol Hall, built in 1908, was once a hotel. Sections of the original building date back to the 1800's. The hall has an excellent vantage point over the harbour with the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and city all well within its scope. Athol Hall today is a cafe and function centre with the cafe open Tues-Fri and Sun, 11am -3pm.
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The starting point of an alternate route. A shorter alternate route linking Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Athol Hall Trk to Int. Borogegal Walking Trail. To take the alternate route turn sharp left here. Details below.
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After another 25 m find the "HMAS Sydney Memorial Mast" (45 m on your right).
 HMAS Sydney Memorial Mast
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.
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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.
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The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Chowder Head. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip continue straight when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
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Then find the "Morella St lookout" (on your right).
 Morella St lookout
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.
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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.
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Then find the "Clifton Gardens Reserve" (15 m on your left).
 Clifton Gardens Reserve
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.
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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.
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After another 130 m find the "Bacino Kiosk" (on your left).
 Bacino Kiosk
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.
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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.
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After another 10 m find the "Chowder Bay" (on your left).
 Chowder Bay
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.
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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.
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After another 15 m find the "Bacino Cafe" (30 m on your right).
Bacino Cafe
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.
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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.
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The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip taking you to the Georges Heights Gun Emplacement. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 400 m find the "WW1 Hospital" (30 m on your left).
 WW1 Hospital
WW1 Hospital
This military hospital was in use from 1916 to 1923, and could treat up to 420 troops at any one time. Sydney Harbour Trust completed restoration of the buildings mid-2005. These buildings are New South Wales' only surviving military hospital buildings from WW1.
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This military hospital was in use from 1916 to 1923, and could treat up to 420 troops at any one time. Sydney Harbour Trust completed restoration of the buildings mid-2005. These buildings are New South Wales' only surviving military hospital buildings from WW1.
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After another 310 m pass the toilet (125 m on your left).This toilet is wheelchair accessible. sunrise-sunset 
After another 15 m pass the "The Boathouse Balmoral Beach" (8 m on your right). T:+61 2 9974 5440
Mo-Su 07:00-16:00 |
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The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Rocky Point. To start this optional side trip veer right here. On returning from this side trip turn sharp right when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 10 m find the "Balmoral Beach" (5 m on your left).
 Balmoral Beach
Balmoral Beach
Balmoral Beach takes its name from the royal castle at Braemar in Scotland. This is a beautiful beach, with a great foreshore walk overlooking the sandy beach. The beach is a popular spot with locals and visitors, for sun baking, swimming and having a picnic. Balmoral Beach has very little surf, with a sheltered, easterly aspect. There is also a shark-net swimming area, toilets, shops, cafes and plenty of beach to share on a sunny day.
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Balmoral Beach takes its name from the royal castle at Braemar in Scotland. This is a beautiful beach, with a great foreshore walk overlooking the sandy beach. The beach is a popular spot with locals and visitors, for sun baking, swimming and having a picnic. Balmoral Beach has very little surf, with a sheltered, easterly aspect. There is also a shark-net swimming area, toilets, shops, cafes and plenty of beach to share on a sunny day.
After another 150 m pass the "Bathers Pavilion" (55 m on your left).This toilet is wheelchair accessible. sunrise-sunset |
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The starting point of an alternate route. An alternative route linking Int. Wyargine Reserve Trk and Balmoral Beach to Chinamans Beach Reserve South. To take the alternate route turn left here. Details below.
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The alternate route finishes here. Turn left to rejoin the main route at the 8.3 km waypoint. Details below.
After another 135 m come to the "Chinamans Beach and Reserve".
 Chinamans Beach and Reserve
Chinamans Beach and Reserve
Chinamans Beach and Reserve are wonderful places to have a picnic or a swim, with lots of areas to sit in the sun or shade beside the clear water. The beach does not provide any surf with its north-easterly aspect, but is perfect for launching your kayak or boat into the harbour. Chinamans Reserve has some parking, play equipment, toilets and road access by McLean Cres.
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Chinamans Beach and Reserve are wonderful places to have a picnic or a swim, with lots of areas to sit in the sun or shade beside the clear water. The beach does not provide any surf with its north-easterly aspect, but is perfect for launching your kayak or boat into the harbour. Chinamans Reserve has some parking, play equipment, toilets and road access by McLean Cres.
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The starting point of an alternate route. An alternative route linking Int. Grecia Lane Trk and Chinamans Beach Reserve North to Int. Middle Harbour Yacht Club car park and Spit Rd. To take the alternate route turn left here. Details below.
After another 205 m find the "Spit Syphon" (8 m on your left).
 Spit Syphon
Spit Syphon
The Spit Syphon was built between 1922 and 1925 by the Public Works Department. It was necessary in order to pump sewage from the north without interfering with water transport. The building is styled with Egyptian influences as displayed by its tall, square concrete walls.
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The Spit Syphon was built between 1922 and 1925 by the Public Works Department. It was necessary in order to pump sewage from the north without interfering with water transport. The building is styled with Egyptian influences as displayed by its tall, square concrete walls.
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After another 10 m (at the intersection of Spit Road & Parriwi Road) veer right, to head along Spit Road (a highway|trunk).
After another 130 m pass the toilet (40 m on your left).This toilet is wheelchair accessible. sunrise-sunset
Then find the "Sydney Harbour Kayaks" (9 m on your right).
Sydney Harbour Kayaks
Sydney Harbour Kayaks
Sydney Harbour Kayaks, at the southern end of the Spit Bridge, provide sales and rentals of kayaks. One hour in a single plastic kayak costs $20, and a double $40. The enterprise also provides tours of the harbour, catering for individuals through to large groups. For further information and bookings, contact: info@sydneyharbourkayaks.com.au or (02) 99604389
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Sydney Harbour Kayaks, at the southern end of the Spit Bridge, provide sales and rentals of kayaks. One hour in a single plastic kayak costs $20, and a double $40. The enterprise also provides tours of the harbour, catering for individuals through to large groups. For further information and bookings, contact: info@sydneyharbourkayaks.com.au or (02) 99604389
Then come to the "Spit Bridge".
 Spit Bridge
Spit Bridge
The Spit Bridge was originally built in 1924 to replace the punt service. The current Spit Bridge was built during the 1950's. The bridge is a bascule bridge, as it's middle section can be raised to allow tall ships through. This ability of the bridge does, however, stop traffic on a major arterial road, which has caused the bridge to be the centre of some controversy. The Spit Bridge carries the Spit Rd and the Manly Scenic Walkway.
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The Spit Bridge was originally built in 1924 to replace the punt service. The current Spit Bridge was built during the 1950's. The bridge is a bascule bridge, as it's middle section can be raised to allow tall ships through. This ability of the bridge does, however, stop traffic on a major arterial road, which has caused the bridge to be the centre of some controversy. The Spit Bridge carries the Spit Rd and the Manly Scenic Walkway.
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After another 10 m find the "Ellery's Punt Reserve" (8 m on your left).
 Ellery's Punt Reserve
Ellery's Punt Reserve
Ellery's Punt Reserve is a very nice grassed area on the north eastern side of the Spit Bridge. The reserve has road access and parking, and seems to be a popular spot for fishing from the bank. There is also seating and shaded areas.
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Ellery's Punt Reserve is a very nice grassed area on the north eastern side of the Spit Bridge. The reserve has road access and parking, and seems to be a popular spot for fishing from the bank. There is also seating and shaded areas.
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| Turn map | Directions & comments |
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| Turn map | Directions & comments |
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Class 4/6 Hard track |
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| Length | 10.4 km |
| Time | 3 h 45 min to 5 h |
| Quality of track | Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6) |
| Gradient | Very steep (4/6) |
| Signage | Minimal directional signs (4/6) |
| Infrastructure | Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6) |
| Experience Required | Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6) |
| Weather | Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6) |
Toilet: There are 10 on route, on average they are 940 m apart with the largest gap of 2.7 km.
Seat: There are 4 on route, on average they are 2.1 km apart with the largest gap of 10.2 km.| Item | From Start | Name & link to notes |
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Seat
| 20 m | [seat] |
Seat
| 30 m | [seat] |
Seat
| 30 m | [seat] |
Seat
| 135 m | [seat] |
Toilet
| 260 m | [toilet] |
Toilet
| 620 m | [toilet] |
Toilet
| 1.3 km | [toilet] |
Toilet
| 4 km | [toilet] |
Toilet
| 4.4 km | [toilet] |
Toilet
| 6.3 km | [toilet] |
Toilet
| 6.4 km | [toilet] |
Toilet
| 6.8 km | Tramshed |
Toilet
| 7.1 km | Bathers Pavilion |
Toilet
| 9.7 km | [toilet] |
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After another 35 m continue straight.
Then head up the steps (about 50 m long)
After another 30 m pass the "Bradleys Head Lighthouse" (115 m on your right).
After another 115 m pass the "Clifton Gardens Car Park" (55 m on your left).
After another 145 m pass the water tap (on your right).
Then pass the playground (30 m on your left).
Then cross the The Spit Bridge (about 95 m long)
After another 40 m pass the sign (5 m on your left).
Then head down the steps (about 30 m long)
After another 7 m head through/around the gate.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 20 m to the main route.
