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 with some spots to stop for a coffee and lunch. A great walk to see Sydney Harbour from a different view.
(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 Taronga Wharf to Chowder Bay
Cross sectional view of the Taronga Wharf to Chowder Bay bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Taronga Wharf to Chowder Bay 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
4.4km
Time
2 hrs
.
Grade 3/6
Track: Moderate
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)
*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 has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 1.4km has short steep hills. The remaining (1.1km) is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
2km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 1.7km follows a smooth and hardened path. The remaining (630m) follows a clear and well formed track or trail.
Signs
Around 3.8km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 620m has directional signs at most intersection.
Experience Required
This whole walk, 4.4km requires no previous bushwalking experience.
Weather
This whole walk, 4.4km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
Around 3.5km 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).
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Catch the ferry to Taronga Zoo
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for upto date running time info Use these links to plan your Ferry (and train) trip to the end of this walk.
(0 km)
Taronga Zoo Wharf
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Taronga Zoo Entrance Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 218 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 11 m
Descent = -5 m
From the wharf, the walk heads uphill along the footpath beside the road to the Taronga Zoo entrance at the pedestrian crossing.
Taronga Zoo
Alt = 14 m
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. More info
(0.22 km)
Taronga Zoo Entrance
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Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Athol Hall Trk Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 412 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 24 m
Descent = -15 m
Turn right: From the opposite the zoo entrance, the walk heads down the ramp leaving the road up to the left. The track soon leads to a a lookout with a set of bench seats and good harbour views. The walk continues along the footpath to a wire fence then follows the 'Walking Track' sign along the hillside to climb a few steps and cross a wooden bridge. The track comes to the corner of Athol Hall's grass clearing. Veer right: From the intersection, the walk heads down the stairs then continues along the hill for a short time. The walk descends more stairs to a signposted intersection.
(0.63 km)
Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Athol Hall Trk
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Athol Hall Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - footpath
Length = 70 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 9 m
Descent = 0 m
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to 'Athol Hall' up the stairs, crossing a large grassy area. The walk then continues up to Athol Hall entrance. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then veer left to continue along this walk.)
Athol Hall
Alt = 33 m
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. More info
(0.63 km)
Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Athol Hall Trk
to
HMAS Sydney Mast, Bradleys Head Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 671 m
Time = 16 mins
Climb = 31 m
Descent = -40 m
Continue straight: From the stairs, this walk heads around the hillside with the harbour below on the right. The walk travels across large sections of boardwalk which undulate slightly as the walk comes up to a trail (which leads to a bench overlooking Sydney Harbour). From the trail, this walk keeps contouring along the hillside, south and tending left, to the intersection, signposted as the way to 'Cannons picnic area'. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads towards the car park, keeping the harbour to the right. The walk leads approximately 10m to the intersection with a track (leading down to Bradleys Head Amphitheatre). Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads along the footpath next to the car park for a short distance, until it comes to be above the flag pole, HMAS Sydney Mast.
HMAS Sydney Memorial Mast
Alt = 13 m
The HMAS Sydney Memorial Mast was erected in 1934, following the HMAS Sydney's decommissioning in 1928[1]. 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
(1.3 km)
HMAS Sydney Mast, Bradleys Head
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Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Taylors Bay Lookout track Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 787 m
Time = 17 mins
Climb = 42 m
Descent = -29 m
Continue straight: 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'.
(2.09 km)
Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Taylors Bay Lookout track
to
Taylors Bay Lookout Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 49 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -6 m
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. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn right to continue along this walk.)
(2.09 km)
Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Taylors Bay Lookout track
to
Int. End of Iluka Rd access and Borogegal Trks Track: Moderate - footpath
Length = 677 m
Time = 17 mins
Climb = 41 m
Descent = -51 m
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.
(2.77 km)
Taylors intersection
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Chowder Head track intersection Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 566 m
Time = 14 mins
Climb = 47 m
Descent = -30 m
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.
(3.33 km)
Chowder Head track intersection
to
Chowder Head Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 87 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -10 m
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.) (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then veer right to continue along this walk.)
Chowder Head
Alt = 23 m
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.
(3.33 km)
Chowder Head track intersection
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Bottom of Morella Rd track Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 110 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 12 m
Descent = -2 m
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).
(3.44 km)
Bottom of Morella Rd track
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Morella St lookout Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 168 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 3 m
Descent = -14 m
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
Alt = 29 m
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.
(3.61 km)
Morella St lookout
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Bottom of Sarahs walk steps Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 75 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -17 m
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].
(3.68 km)
Bottom of Sarahs walk steps
to
Clifton Gardens baths Track: Moderate - footpath
Length = 251 m
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 3 m
Descent = -16 m
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
Alt = 2 m
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.[18]
Today, Clifton Gardens is touted as 'remnant bushland'[19], 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.
(3.94 km)
Clifton Gardens Baths
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Chowder Bay Lower Gate Track: Moderate - beach
Length = 207 m
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 13 m
Descent = -10 m
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
Alt = 5 m
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
(4.14 km)
Chowder Bay Lower Gate
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Roundabout at end of Chowder Bay Road Track: Moderate - footpath
Length = 230 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 19 m
Descent = -5 m
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
Alt = 19 m
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.
Bacino Cafe
Alt = 23 m
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
Catch the bus from Roundabout at end of Chowder Bay Road
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.
Sydney Harbour National ParkLink to official closures and fire bans page 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. Region: Sydney & Surrounds Park feesCampingFacilities Current Park Closure information for Sydney Harbour National Park Closure information last downloaded Sunday 27th of September 2015 07:00 AM Closed areas: Park closure sunset to sunrise for pest management Pest management activities are taking place between sunset and sunrise at the following selected sites within Sydney Harbour National Park. Please abide by all park signage. Closed areas are:
Closed areas: Shark Island upcoming closures Shark Island in Sydney Harbour will be closed to public access due to essential wharf repairs on the following dates:
16 to 17 September 2015
24 to 27 September 2015.
Other incidents: Sydney Harbour National Park accommodation Constables, Green Point and Steele Point Cottages are no longer available for accomodation bookings. New options are being considered for the conservation, management and use of these buildings.
Closed areas: Collins Flat Beach unavailable for venue hire Collins Flat Beach is currently unavailable for venue hire due to the impact of high visitation on the critical habitat found at this location. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact NPWS Mosman office on (02) 9960 6266 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Moderate
1 km
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for upto date running time info
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
There is free parking available.
not too much longer now :)