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 to your walk to make a great day out.
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There are closures in Sydney Harbour National Park Today's Fire rating LOW MODERATE (No fire ban)
Cross sectional view of the Taronga Zoo, Clifton Gardens return via Sirius Cove bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Taronga Zoo, Clifton Gardens return via Sirius Cove 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
6km
Time
3 hrs 30 mins
.
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
3.4km of this walk has short steep hills and another 2km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (1.1km) is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
3.8km of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path and another 1.8km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (830m) follows a clear and well formed track or trail.
Signs
Around 4.2km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 2.2km has directional signs at most intersection.
Experience Required
This whole walk, 6km requires no previous bushwalking experience.
Weather
This whole walk, 6km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
Around 6km 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
to
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
to
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
to
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
to
Int. End of Iluka Rd access and Borogegal Trks Track: Moderate - footpath
Length = 1.46 km
Time = 34 mins
Climb = 83 m
Descent = -80 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'. 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
to
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
to
Morella St lookout Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 278 m
Time = 6 mins
Climb = 15 m
Descent = -16 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). 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
to
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
Western end of Clifton Gardens Track: Moderate - footpath
Length = 129 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 3 m
Descent = -13 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.
(3.81 km)
Western end of Clifton Gardens
to
Chowder Bay Lower Gate Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - footpath,beach
Length = 329 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 13 m
Descent = -13 m
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. 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. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then veer right to continue along this walk.)
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
(3.81 km)
Western end of Clifton Gardens
to
Sirius Cove Reserve Track: Moderate - road
Length = 1.82 km
Time = 40 mins
Climb = 83 m
Descent = -86 m
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk heads away from the water and follows the road (coming out of the car park) up the hill. The walk continues along Morella Rd. then turns right into David St. The walk then turns right into Burrawong Ave. and soon turns left into Thompson St, continuing to the round-about intersection with Bradleys Head Rd. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads west along Thompson St, passing Ruby St (on the right). The walk then turns right onto Prince Albert St, then immediately turning left into the laneway between houses no. 22 and 24. At the end of the laneway, the walk turns left onto Sirius Cove Rd, and continues down to the end, past the car park, and onto the grassy reserve to the middle of the beach.
Sirius Cove Reserve
Alt = 3 m
Sirius Cove Reserve is next to the sandy beach of Little Sirius Cove, Mosman. The reserve is open and grassy, with a few picnic tables, a fenced playground and drinking fountain at the western end, and a toilet block at the eastern end. The beach has no surf and faces south to Cremorne Point. Road access is via Sirius Cove Road.
(5.64 km)
Sirius Cove Reserve
to
Bottom of Whiting Beach Rd steps Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 245 m
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 17 m
Descent = -6 m
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk heads along the park foreshore with the water to your right, then heads up the hill bending right. The walk follows the footpath below some houses and past a small beach with a two-storey scout hall. Just after the last house, the path comes to a three-way intersection at the start of a large wall/fence. There is a 'Curlew Camp' sign pointing back to 'Sirius Cove'[18].
(5.88 km)
Bottom of Whiting Beach Rd steps
to
Camp Curlew Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 361 m
Time = 8 mins
Climb = 18 m
Descent = -28 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign pointing to 'Curlew Camp'[19], following the footpath beside the tall barbed wire fence and wall. The track leads over a few sections of boardwalk, and soon comes to an intersection (with a track on the right marked with another 'Curlew Camp' sign[20], pointing '130 metres'. Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill following the 'Welcome to Curlew Camp' sign. The track quickly turns right, over a boardwalk, then turns left down more stairs. The walk then winds down the hill to the corner of a large rock, just above the water. Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down towards the water and onto the wooden platform. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn sharp right to continue along this walk.)
Camp Curlew
Alt = 4 m
Camp Curlew was created in 1890 as an artists' retreat, as was popular at the time. Artists of the day would visit for long periods (although women were not permitted to stay overnight), enjoying the surrounds and painting some of Australia's most prized works[21]. Arthur Streeton is a notable artist who stayed at the camp. The site was less than rustic, with tents to accommodate billiards and dining, and also a hired cook and youth to help with odd jobs[ref url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sydney_artists'_camps#Curlew_Camp]. Camp Curlew was abandoned after the siting of Taronga Zoo in the area in 1912.
(5.88 km)
Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Curlew Camp Trk
to
Taronga Zoo Wharf Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 341 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 22 m
Descent = -26 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads along the fenceline, with the water below on the right of the track. The walk heads along large sections of boardwalk with a tall barbed- wire fence above on the left. After approximately 300m, the track turns left above a small beach and then after the beach turns right. The walk continues along the hillside, with the tall fence on the left, then heads up boardwalked steps and passes a building on the left before crossing the cul-de-sac to Taronga Zoo wharf.
Catch the ferry from 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 from the end of this walk.
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.
I did the Taronga Zoo, Clifton Gardens return via Sirius Cove walk today (13-Mar-10). It was a wonderful experience. The track notes were very clear and useful in most part. But our party of four was confused and ended up doing extra distance, from Bacino Kiosk onwards as the track note was not very clear. We ended up walking longer via Chowder Bay Road and then Midlehead Road.
Other then this one hitch, we enjoyed the walk totaly.
admin - re: Improve track note
Super Administrator | 2010-03-14 23:18:36
Karu Rangasamy wrote:
confused and ended up doing extra distance, from Bacino Kiosk
Hi Karu
Thanks for the feedback. Sounds like you guys had fun. Sorry for the detour. I think I can see where you got confused, it was not as clear as it could have been to turn around and head back a short distance from the kiosk. I have changed the notes to make this section a 'side trip' so it should now be clearer. I appreciate the feedback, let me know if I can make it even better.
Matt :)
Sydnat - A jewel in the crown of Sydney
IP:121.44.41.xxx | 2010-05-16 12:38:29
Did the walk today and I have to say it is really special! It's amazing that right in the heart of Sydney like this there is such beautiful nature to explore. It's one of the things that make this city a pleasure to live in. Despite the fact that it is so close to the city, it seems almost like a hidden secret. I got to see places today that I never knew existed despite having been here for 13 years!
The walk offers a great combination of attractions. There is nature that remains pretty much as it was before white people arrived, with native flora and fauna. There is significant aboriginal history and landmarks from the last 200 years. There are restrooms along the way, an amphitheatre (never knew that existed) and so many great little spots to have a picnic. Then there is the walk through the affluent neighbourhood. (I get almost as much of a kick from admiring magnificent dwellings as I do from the bush). And then there are the stunning panoramic views of the city and harbour, including the bridge, opera house and botanic gardens.
The walk took us a bit under two hours but we didn't really stop much along the way. Mostly it is easy but from Clifton Gardens to Sirius Cove is a steep uphill followed by a steep downhill again.
There are lots of little side trips to explore down to lookouts and private little beaches that you may well have to yourself. So many attractions and magical little spots that beg you to come back and enjoy in the future.
And all this right in the heart of Sydney. How lucky we are!
Shayne - Beautiful relaxing walk
IP:152.91.9.xxx | 2011-09-17 00:24:48
Did this walk with a good friend on the 10th Sept. Bit chilly, but the cover of the trees into the walk sheltered for most part. Absolute glorious views of the Harbour and a lot of historical landmarks. Was lucky enough to have people from the Dept of Environment & Heritage who gave us GPS and an aural instrument to listen to at each point along the way. Found the walk quite easy and very relaxing. We stopped at Clifton Gardens and had a nice Tuna wrap at a quaint little kiosk. We took the road back via the loop. You need to take the track notes with you or you will get lost! If I do this walk again, which I am sure I will, I will just return the way we came. Cheers
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 :)