Check out the New Wildwalks site -- This site is no longer maintained and is just for archive

Home arrow Hiking near Sydney arrow Balmoral Beach to The Spit     

Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Balmoral Beach to The Spit are found in each of the tabs below
Balmoral Beach to The Spit
Time: 2 hrs 30 mins Walking time
Please allow extra time to rest and to explore
2.1 km E of Mosman
Length: 4.3 km Walk Length
As this is a One Way walk, the 4.3 km only includes the walking distance from the start to the end point
Mosman(LGA)
Climb: 85 m Total Climbing
This walk has a total cumulative climb of 85 m, this is the total of the elevation gains made in each of the walks uphill sections
There is car access and parking near the start and end of this walk There is a bus stop within 2km of the start and end of this walk
Style: One way
Track: Hard

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 are plenty of options for swimming. (open in app)


There are closures in Sydney Harbour National Park
Today's Fire rating
LOW MODERATE (No fire ban)
  Bushwalking track notes photographs, maps and camping spots for Balmoral Beach to The Spit

Map of Walk

Location

                Sponsor of Balmoral Beach to The Spit bushwalking tracknotes
Map of Balmoral Beach to The Spit
Problem loading PDF Try here
Map Controls - Show Contours | Hide Path | Hide Distances | Hide Names
Map Scale 1 km
Balmoral Park car park
Rocky Point Bridge
Rocky Point Bridge
Int. Wyargine Reserve Trk and Balmoral Beach
Int. Stanton Rd and Wyargine Reserve Trk
Int. Armitage Lane and Hopetoun Ave
Int. Wyargine Reserve Trk and Balmoral Beach
Chinamans Beach Reserve South
Middle of Chinamans Beach
Int. Grecia Lane Trk and Chinamans Beach Reserve North
Int. Grecia Lane Trk and Chinamans Beach Reserve North
Middle Harbour Yacht Club entrance
Int. Middle Harbour Yacht Club car park and Spit Rd
Spit Bridge South
Int. Spit Rd and Ellery's Punt Reserve Road
Int. Ellery's Punt Rd and Avona Cres Trk
Int. Ellery's Punt Reserve Rd and Manly Scenic Walkway
End of Battle Boulevard
Starting point for this hiking track: Rocky Point Bridge

Base maps are used under licence and is © Department of lands   Panorama Avenue Bathurst 2795   www.lands.nsw.gov.au

Maps that cover the walk area (please always carry maps of the area)

Print a map and track notes here
 Parramatta River 1:25 000 Map Series NSW-91303N 
 Sydney Heads 1:25 000 Map Series NSW-91302N 
 Sydney 1:100 000 Map Series 9130 

Photo Gallery

 
Balmoral Beach
 
Balmoral Beach +
 
Balmoral Beach
 
Balmoral Beach +
 
Bridge in the middle of Balmoral Beach
 
Bridge in the middle of Balmoral Beach +

 
Balmoral Beach from Rocky Point
 
Balmoral Beach from Rocky Point +
 
Track along the coast to Chinamans Beach
 
Track along the coast to Chinamans Beach +
 
Ferry crossing the heads
 
Ferry crossing the heads +

 
Kayaker passing the coast track
 
Kayaker passing the coast track +
 
Chinamans Beach
 
Chinamans Beach +
 
Coastal track to Chinamans
 
Coastal track to Chinamans +

 
Spit Rd
 
Spit Rd +
 
Spit Bridge footpath
 
Spit Bridge footpath +
 
Battle Boulevard
 
Battle Boulevard +

Terrain

Cross sectional view of the Balmoral Beach to The Spit bushwalking track

Cross Section of the Balmoral Beach to The Spit bushwalking track



Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Balmoral Beach to The Spit bushwalking track

Summary of the gradients over the the lenght of the Balmoral Beach to The Spit bushwalking track

Overview of this walks Grading - Based on the AS 2156.1 - 2001
These details are new. This new feature still requires more testing and refining. Please use the 'Walker Feedback' for report specific issues. Please e-mail Matt if you have any general comments. Hope you find it helpful.

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.
Length 4.3km
Time 2 hrs 30 mins
.


Grade 4/6

Track: Hard
AS 2156.1 Gradient Very steep (4/6)
Quality of track Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Signs Minimal directional signs (4/6)
Experience Required Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
Infrastructure Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
*This summary of grading information is new and still in testing

Some more detail of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining the grading looking at sections of the walk.
Gradient
1.8km of this walk is flat with no steps and another 1.7km is very steep. Whilst another 720m has gentle hills with occasional steps and the remaining 90m has short steep hills.

Quality of track
1.7km of this walk follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and another 950m follows a smooth and hardened path. Whilst another 860m follows a clear and well formed track or trail and the remaining 790m follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs
1.8km of this walk is clearly signposted and another 1.7km has minimal directional signs. The remaining (790m) has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required
Around 2.6km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.7km requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.

Weather
Around 2.6km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 1.7km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure
Around 2.6km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 1.7km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Track Notes


Catch the bus to Balmoral Park car park
Public transport (bus) available to this Bushwalk 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.
(Links currently not working sorry)
Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|
Drive to Balmoral Park car park
You can drive or ride to this start of this Bushwalk There is free parking available.
You can drive or ride to the start of this walk
Use these links to plan your trip to the start of this walk.
Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

(0 km) Balmoral Park car park to Rocky Point Bridge
Walk: Easy - beach
Length = 856 m Time = 14 mins
Climb = 5 m Descent = -9 m
From Balmoral Park car park, this walk heads onto the beach and follows along it, past the pipe and wharf, then continues up the beach to then head up the stairs onto the bridge, connecting the small rocky island to the promenade above the beach.

Balmoral Beach Alt = 2 m
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.

(0.86 km) Rocky Point Bridge to Rocky Point
Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 109 m Time = 2 mins
Climb = 0 m Descent = -1 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill towards the sea. The walk passes a few bench seats and bins on the way out to the edge of the point.
(Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn right to continue along this walk.)

(0.86 km) Rocky Point Bridge to Int. Wyargine Reserve Trk and Balmoral Beach
Track: Moderate - beach
Length = 475 m Time = 8 mins
Climb = 8 m Descent = -3 m
Continue straight: From the bridge, this walk heads along the beach to the north, keeping the sea to the right, towards the headland. The walk heads along the beach for approximately 200m, to the intersection just off the beach, past the last beachfront house.

(1.33 km) Int. Wyargine Reserve Trk and Balmoral Beach to Chinamans Beach Reserve South
Alternate Route: Track: Moderate - bushtrack,road,bushtrack ( Show detail)
Length = 853 m Time = 18 mins
Climb = 42 m Descent = -43 m
Veer left: From the intersection just behind the beach, this walk winds up stairs away from the beach, to a rocky outcrop where the track turns. The walk then continues up the hill to meet the signposted intersection at the end of Stanton Rd.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads up the road following 'Stanton Rd' then 'Burran Ave' signs, to veer left onto Hopetoun Ave. The walk soon passes Kirk Oswald Ave (off to the left). After a while the road again splits into two levels, opposite the intersection of Armitage Rd.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill, following the sign 'Armitage Lane' along the road, and around to the left into Rosherville Rd. The walk continues along the footpath, passing a large boulder and a bench on the right before winding down behind the playground in Rosherville Reserve. The track passes the playground, taking the closest access track to the southern end of Chinamans Beach.
Turn sharp left to rejoin the main walk, following the notes from 2.17km 'Chinamans Beach Reserve South'.

(1.33 km) Int. Wyargine Reserve Trk and Balmoral Beach to Chinamans Beach Reserve South
Track: Hard - notrack
Length = 843 m Time = 16 mins
Climb = 24 m Descent = -25 m
Turn right: (This section is only possible at low tide and with calm seas.) From the intersection, this walk heads away from the houses and towards the rockshelf, keeping the bush on the left. The walk keeps the water to the right as it weaves around the rockshelf for approximately 500m, to some boat sheds with rail tracks into the water. From these boat sheds, the walk continues to follow the rocky headland to the beach.

Chinamans Beach and Reserve Alt = 3 m
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.

(2.17 km) Chinamans Beach Reserve South to Int. Grecia Lane Trk and Chinamans Beach Reserve North
Track: Moderate - beach
Length = 225 m Time = 4 mins
Climb = 4 m Descent = -5 m
Turn right: From the end of the beach, this walk heads along the sand, keeping the water to the right, until near the middle of Chinamans Beach. A wood-railed track heads off to the toilet block on the left, marking the intersection.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads along the beach with the water to the right. The walk leads to the stairs at the end of the beach.

(2.4 km) Int. Grecia Lane Trk and Chinamans Beach Reserve North to Int. Middle Harbour Yacht Club car park and Spit Rd
Alternate Route: Track: Moderate - footpath ( Show detail)
Length = 1.11 km Time = 25 mins
Climb = 55 m Descent = -56 m
Turn left: From the base of the stairs (at the northern end of Chinamans Beach), this walk heads up the stairs away from the beach, to the intersection with Cyprian St. The track heads to the right, up Cyprian St, to the intersection with Parriwi Rd. At Parriwi Rd, the walk turns right, around the railing and up the hill. The walk continues along Parriwi Rd for some time, down to the intersection with Spit Rd. The walk continues along Spit Rd, to the driveway entry to Middle Harbour Yacht Club car park.
Veer right to rejoin the main walk, following the notes from 3.33km 'Int. Middle Harbour Yacht Club car park and Spit Rd'.

(2.4 km) Int. Grecia Lane Trk and Chinamans Beach Reserve North to Middle Harbour Yacht Club entrance
Track: Hard - notrack
Length = 862 m Time = 16 mins
Climb = 18 m Descent = -19 m
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads along the rocky shoreline with the water to the right, as it weaves around the houses to a small beach. The walk continues over some sandy sections between the rocks for approximately 700m, to come to a large Sydney Water building, the Spit Syphon. The walk climbs onto the concrete platform of the Spit Syphon to continue along the road, passing 'The Shores' restaurant and a boat ramp. The walk continues past the Middle Harbour Yacht Club building to the main entrance facing the car park.

Spit Syphon Alt = 3 m
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. More info

(3.26 km) Middle Harbour Yacht Club entrance to Spit Bridge South
Walk: Easy - road,footpath
Length = 355 m Time = 6 mins
Climb = 2 m Descent = -5 m
Veer left: From the entrance of Middle Harbour Yacht Club, this walk heads away from the buildings to the road.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads along Spit Rd towards the bridge, keeping the shops on your right. The walk heads along the road to where it splits, to go over the bridge, opposite 'Sydney Harbour Kayaks'.

Sydney Harbour Kayaks Alt = 2 m
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 More info

(3.62 km) Spit Bridge South to Int. Spit Rd and Ellery's Punt Reserve Road
Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 351 m Time = 6 mins
Climb = 11 m Descent = -2 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads over the Spit Bridge, with the road to the left of the footpath. The walk crosses the bridge to where it meets the road down to Ellery's Punt Reserve, first on the right.

Spit Bridge Alt = 0 m
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.

(3.97 km) Int. Spit Rd and Ellery's Punt Reserve Road to Int. Ellery's Punt Reserve Rd and Manly Scenic Walkway
Walk: Easy - footpath,road
Length = 104 m Time = 2 mins
Climb = 2 m Descent = -7 m
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads downhill away from the main road for approximately 20m to the intersection below the bridge, on the left.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill towards the water. The walk soon comes to Ellery's Punt Reserve car park on the right. This walk continues past this, down the footpath to the signposted intersection.

Ellery's Punt Reserve Alt = 6 m
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.

(4.07 km) Int. Ellery's Punt Reserve Rd and Manly Scenic Walkway to Int. Battle Boulevard and Manly Rd
Track: Moderate - footpath
Length = 232 m Time = 5 mins
Climb = 11 m Descent = 0 m
Turn right: From the 'Manly Scenic Walkway' map and info sign, this walk heads across the grass following the coast line, keeping the water to the left and heading towards the "Ellery's Punt Reserve" sign. From the sign, the walk passes under the Spit Bridge and then up the flight of stairs that come to the end of Battle Boulevard.
Continue straight: From the end of the cul-de-sac, this walk follows Battle Bvd up the road to the car park just near the intersection with Manly Road.

Catch the bus from Int. Battle Boulevard and Manly Rd
Public transport (bus) available from this Bushwalk 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.
(Links currently not working sorry)
Plan your trip to --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|
Drive from Int. Battle Boulevard and Manly Rd
You can drive or ride from this end of this Bushwalk There is free parking available.
You can drive or ride from the end of this walk
Use these links to plan your trip from the end of this walk.
Plan your trip to --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

Getting there

Plan your trip to the start of the walk and back from the end of the walk

Public Transport links currently not working, sorry
Public Transport Timetables

To the start of the walk

From
Castle Hill
Chatswood
Dural
Epping
Gosford
Hornsby
Katoomba
Manly
Parramatta
Penrith
Strathfield
Sutherland
Sydney
From the end of the walk

To
Castle Hill
Chatswood
Dural
Epping
Gosford
Hornsby
Katoomba
Manly
Parramatta
Penrith
Strathfield
Sutherland
Sydney

Driving Directions
Map Car Shuffle
To the start of the walk

Drive from:
From the end of the walk

Drive to:


Near by



Nearest know Outdoor Stores near the start of this walk
Store Address Phone Distance (straight line)
Outdoor Equipment 60 Spring St , Bondi Junction (02) 9389 8122 7.1 km
Inski 46 York St , Sydney (02) 9233 3200 6.4 km
Mitchells Adventure 81 York St , Sydney (02) 9299 6321 6.4 km
Venus Repair Workshop Suite 36a 104 Bathurst St , Sydney (02) 9267 0706 6.7 km
Wildsports Upper Floor 447 Kent St , Sydney (02) 9264 2095 6.7 km


A list of the nearest UHF CB repeaters I found to Balmoral Beach to The Spit.
Channel Call sign
(more info)
Site Distance and dir from Balmoral Beach to The Spit
Click to re-center search
5 SYD05 Sydney Adventist Hospital 185 Fox Valley Rd WAHROONGA
Emergency use only
18 km (to the NW)
1 SYD01 12/14 Ormonde Parade HURSTVILLE 21 km (to the SW)
6 VMB7 CB Repeater Site 16 Alan Rd BEROWRA HEIGHTS 26 km (to the NNW)
7 SYD07 7 Glamorgan St BLACKTOWN 32 km (to the W)
8 MDC08 Gencom Site Lot 6 Wakefield Close KARIONG 44 km (to the N)

Weather and Park info

Fire Danger
This walk passes Greater Sydney Region fire area which currently has a LOW MODERATE rating and No fire ban in place.
(Tomorrow the Fire Danger Rating is LOW MODERATE, No fire ban.) (Downloaded 8 years ago)
Please Note: Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather and Climate
Weather and Climate summary detailed weather and climate information here
°C (feels like °)
km/h from the
% humidity     (as at )
A graph displaying the average daily temperature range for the year

Walker Feedback

Comments
Add NewSearch
Only registered users can write comments!
 
Loading the images not too much longer now :)


-server web1.wildwalks.com- Page was generated in 0.051963 seconds Copyright | Privacy | About us | Disclaimer | Contact Us | Sponsorship | Newsletter