Middle Head Battery walk

And Walk

Middle Head Battery walk

(0km) Cobblers Beach Trail trackhead → Int. Old Fort and Govenors Rds

70 m
1 mins
0m
-3m

Very easy

From the Cobblers Beach Trail track head (beside the car park[1] near the end of Middle Head Rd,
Mosman[2]), this walk heads to the very end of Middle Head Rd towards the sandstone wall[3]. After 50m the walk heads over the bridged ‘Middle Head Moat’[4][5], then around the boom gate to come to a signposted intersection with ‘Old Fort Rd’ and ‘Govenors Rd’[6]. (There is a public toilet

[Toilet]

in the sandstone building the right)

(0.07km) Int. Old Fort and Govenors Rds → Old Fort Road gun brackets

220 m
4 mins
2m
-4m

Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads gently uphill along the signposted and asphalt ‘Old Fort Rd’[7], initially keeping the toilet to the right

[Toilet]

and ‘Barracks No.1’[8] to the left. After about 130m the old road heads over a rise and then leads down between the metal bollards[9] to come to an intersection in a large clearing beside a row large gun timber brackets (bases)[10], marked with a ‘Middle Head’ sign[11]

(0.29km) Old Fort Road gun brackets → Middle Head Fort

50 m
1 mins
1m
0m

Easy track

Continue straight: From beside the row of large gun timber brackets (bases)[12], this walk heads downhill for 50m along the wide gravely trail[13] towards the water to come the large network of concrete and sandstone forts and gun emplacements[14][15][16]. The area can be explored, taking care of cliff edges and large potential falls into the fortifications.

Outer Middle Head Battery

The Outer Middle Head Battery is the main complex in the Middle Head Fortifications. Work for building the fortifications started in 1801 and the last batteries were constructed in 1942, with the majority of the work being done 1870 and 1911 . There is a network of tunnels and rooms underground that was build to support the gunning placements to protect Sydney Harbour from enemy invasion. There are formal tours available or you can take care and explore the area yourself.

(0.33km) Outer Forts → Western Fort

110 m
4 mins
5m
-31m

Hard track

Turn left: From the open area beside the outer forts, this walk heads north[18] keeping the tallest fort[19] to the right. After about 10m the walk turns right to follow a wide grassy track behind a tree and across a bridge[20] giving more views of the concrete forts[21] (on the right). The walk continues around the back of the forts for about 50m, then veers left to head more steeply down

[Trip Hazard]

[22] for another 15m to come beside the unfenced western forts[23] and tall cliff[24]. Keep two full body lengths back from cliffs and significant drops to reduce the risk of falling. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn sharp right.

Maps for the Middle Head Battery walk 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 Middle Head Battery walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Middle Head Battery walk

Accessibility summary information for the Middle Head Battery walk

Parking: There are 0 designated accessible parking areas on this walk.

Toilets: There are 0 designated accessible toilets on this walk.

Seats: There are 0 places to sit on this walk.

Hazards: There are 1 specific noteable accessability related hazards on this walk.
Trip Hazard Ground is rough and slopes moderately steeply down to unfenced drop into gun emplcement and cliff edge. Significant unfenced fall risk. Found about 330m into the walk.

Accessibility Details

1 Toilet

Unisex flushing toilet. Entrance is 69cm wide, toilet seat 43cm high, handbasin outside is 76cm high. Room is 1.4x1m. There is a 10cm step to access the building.
This is found 80m into this walk at -33.826819053663,151.26513138413
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 80m into this walk

2 Trip Hazard

Ground is rough and slopes moderately steeply down to unfenced drop into gun emplcement and cliff edge. Significant unfenced fall risk.
This is found 330m into this walk at -33.827119856808,151.26853644848
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 330m into this walk

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	664 m
		Time	30 mins
		.
Grade 2/6 Easy track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
		Quality of track	Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
		Signs	Clearly signposted (1/6)
		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

Around 270m of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps, whilst the remaining 65m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

Around 270m of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail, whilst the remaining 65m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

This whole walk, 330m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 330m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 330m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 330m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Middle Head Battery walk walk starts and ends at the Cobblers Beach Trail trackhead (gps: -33.826961, 151.2643)
Your transport options to Cobblers Beach Trail trackhead are by;

Bus. (get details)
Car. Parking fees apply in the area.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-shnp-mhbw
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 Forest

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-shnp-mhbw

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/mhbw

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

Special Maps/ brochures
* A3 topo maps
* PDF with Lands Topo map base
* PDF with arial image (and map overlay)
I wanted to get the main site live first, this extra stuff will come in time.
Happy walking
Matt 🙂

Cobblers Beach

And Walk

Cobblers Beach

Download & Print Map and Notes

(0km) Cobblers Beach Trail trackhead → Cobblers Beach Trail sign

50 m
1 mins
0m
-2m

Easy track

From the Cobblers Beach Trail track head (beside the car park[1] near the end of Middle Head Rd[2]), this walk heads around the locked gate

[Pinch Point]

[3] and follows the grassy trail gently downhill for about 40m to come to an intersection beside the ‘Sydney Harbour National Park’ sign[4].

(0.05km) Cobblers Beach Trail sign → Cobblers Beach

420 m
10 mins
8m
-48m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Cobblers Beach Road’ arrow on the ‘Sydney Harbour National Park’ sign[5] downhill along the gravely management trail. After 110m the trail narrows for about 5m (to 90cm) to pass a pile of spoil[6] then about 20m later comes in an unmarked intersection (with a faint track on the right)[7].
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows the wide management trail downhill. The trail starts to bend left and heads noteably more steeply downhill

[Wheelchair Steep Rough]

[8] in places over the next 220m where the trail mostly flattens out[9] and bends sharply right. After this bend, the trail continues to lead more gently downhill for another 50m to come to an open grassy area signposted as ‘Cobblers Beach’[10]. Access to the sand is down a few uneven stone steps

[Trip Hazard]

Cobblers Beach

Cobblers Beach[11] is a small pretty and clothing optional beach on the northern edge of Middle Head in Sdynday Harbour NP. From the beach, you can see across the water to Grotto Point and Balmoral Beach in the distance. The small sandy beach is about 80m long and about 10m wide depending on the tide. There are rocks along the shorline[13]. Wearing clothing is optional on the sandy beach area however clothing is required to be worn in the surrounding bushland and on the grassed area directly behind the beach.

Maps for the Cobblers Beach 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 Cobblers Beach bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Cobblers Beach

Accessibility summary information for the Cobblers Beach

Parking: There are 0 designated accessible parking areas on this walk.

Toilets: There are 0 designated accessible toilets on this walk.

Seats: There are 0 places to sit on this walk.

Hazards: There are 1 specific noteable accessability related hazards on this walk.
Trip Hazard A series of 4 cut sandstone steps (ranging up to 34cm high) and debris to access sandy beach area. Found about 440m into the walk.

Accessibility Details

1 Pinch Point

Pinchpoints beside metal gate. The flatest area beside the gate is 1m wide (total width 1.5m). There is alternate around gate via car park over the concrete wheelstops. Gate is 96cm high.
This is found 20m into this walk at -33.8268016,151.2643133
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 20m into this walk

2 Wheelchair Steep Rough

This trail has long steep and very rough sections that will require signficant assistance for most people using a wheelchair.
This is found 190m into this walk at -33.8252533,151.26465
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 190m into this walk

3 Trip Hazard

A series of 4 cut sandstone steps (ranging up to 34cm high) and debris to access sandy beach area.
This is found 440m into this walk at -33.8259083,151.2634083
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 440m into this walk

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	930 m
		Time	30 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		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)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

Around 290m of this walk is very steep, whilst the remaining 180m has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

Around 420m of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles, whilst the remaining 50m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 420m of this walk has directional signs at most intersection, whilst the remaining 50m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 470m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 470m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 290m of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 180m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Cobblers Beach walk starts and ends at the Cobblers Beach Trail trackhead (gps: -33.826982, 151.26425)
Your transport options to Cobblers Beach Trail trackhead are by;

Bus. (get details)
Car. Parking fees apply in the area.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-shnp-cb
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 Forest

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-shnp-cb

Inner Middle Head Battery walk

And Walk

Inner Middle Head Battery walk

Download & Print Map and Notes

(0km) Cobblers Beach Trail trackhead → Int. Old Fort and Govenors Rds

70 m
1 mins
0m
-3m

Very easy

[Toilet]

in the sandstone building the right)

(0.07km) Int. Old Fort and Govenors Rds → Int. Govenors Rd and Inner Forts Trk

140 m
2 mins
0m
-4m

Easy track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Govenors Rd’ [7] and ‘Soldiers Institute’[8] signs gently uphill along the sealed Governors Rd. The road leads uphill for 130m past a few historic barrack buildings to where the road bends (sharply right). Here the walk continues straight (gently downhill), across the gravel area (marked with an arrow post at the end of the white metal pole fence[9]).

(0.2km) Int. Govenors Rd and Inner Forts Trk → Inner Forts intersection

110 m
2 mins
1m
0m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Inner Middle Head Forts’ sign[10] along the mostly flat dirt track (away from the road) for about 90m to come to an unsignposted intersection with another track and a sandstone fort (on the right).

(0.31km) Inner Forts intersection → Disappearing Gun Pit North

70 m
2 mins
0m
-18m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads along the clear dirt track[11] towards the distant water view between two long sandstone trenches[12]. After 60m this walk heads across the grassy section[13] to come to the top edge of the northern Disappearing Gun Pit

[Trip Hazard]

[14][15] beside the ocean cliffs[16]. Take extra care as the ground slopes towards the gun pit and cliff edges – stay 2 body lengths back from any significant drop.

Inner Middle Head Battery

The inner Middle Head battery, is about 300m north of the main fortification area on Middle Head, Sydney Harbour National Park. The area has a number of fortifications, tunnels and hiding gun placement[17][18]. There are trenches leading down to some tunnels. Some of the tunnels are locked [19] with horizontal bar gates to protect the nesting sites of microbats that have taken up residence in the fortifications. The view of the harbour are stunning and the history interesting and worth exploring. Take great care around the cliffs and gun emplacements staying two full body lengths back from significant drops to avoid injury.

Maps for the Inner Middle Head Battery walk 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 Inner Middle Head Battery walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Inner Middle Head Battery walk

Accessibility summary information for the Inner Middle Head Battery walk

Parking: There are 0 designated accessible parking areas on this walk.

Toilets: There are 0 designated accessible toilets on this walk.

Seats: There are 0 places to sit on this walk.

Hazards: There are 1 specific noteable accessability related hazards on this walk.
Trip Hazard Ground is rough and slopes moderately steeply down to unfenced drop into gun emplcement. Significant unfenced fall risk. Found about 370m into the walk.

Accessibility Details

1 Toilet

Unisex flushing toilet. Entrance is 69cm wide, toilet seat 43cm high, handbasin outside is 76cm high. Room is 1.4x1m. There is a 10cm step to access the building.
This is found 70m into this walk at -33.826819053663,151.26513138413
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 70m into this walk

2 Trip Hazard

Ground is rough and slopes moderately steeply down to unfenced drop into gun emplcement. Significant unfenced fall risk.
This is found 370m into this walk at -33.8245483,151.2667416
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 370m into this walk

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	762 m
		Time	30 mins
		.
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	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

200m of this walk is flat with no steps and another 110m has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (70m) has short steep hills.

Quality of track

210m of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 110m follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (65m) follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 270m of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 110m has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 380m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 380m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 200m of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 180m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Inner Middle Head Battery walk walk starts and ends at the Cobblers Beach Trail trackhead (gps: -33.826961, 151.2643)
Your transport options to Cobblers Beach Trail trackhead are by;

Bus. (get details)
Car. Parking fees apply in the area.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-shnp-imhbw
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 Forest

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-shnp-imhbw

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/imhbw

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

Arabanoo Lookout

And Walk

Arabanoo Lookout

Download & Print Map and Notes

Tania Park

Tania Park is home to a large oval[1], and is found on Dobroyd Scenic Dr, Balgowlah Heights. This oval can be accessed on the Manly to Spit walking track and is home to the start of the Arabanoo Lookout path. The oval has basic facilities at the western edge such as toilets[2][3], children’s playground [4], drinking water [5], BBQ [6] and picnic tables [7].

(0km) Dobroyd Scenic Drive → Arabanoo Lookout

70 m
1 mins
0m
-5m

Very easy

From the car parking bays on the north eastern edge of Tania Park on Dobroyd Scenic Dr, Balgowlah Heights[8] this walk heads towards the ‘Arabanoo Lookout’ sign[9]. From the edge of the road, this walk follows the (1.5m wide) concrete footpath, directly away from the oval and road, gently uphill[10], initially passing the ‘Arabanoo’ information sign[11][12]. About 35m from the road this walk comes to the fenced (1.2m high) lookout area[13], and seats

[Seat]

Arabanoo Lookout

Arabanoo Lookout provides great views over Port Jackson, North Harbour and to Manly. The lookout also has some interesting information signs and plarques[14][15][16][17][18] providing information on the significance of the area. There are two large stone seats

[Seat]

at the lookout.
This lookout is named after Arabanoo, an Aboriginal man kidnapped in December 1788, by British marines on Governor Phillips orders. The Governor believed that this was justified as he wished to facilitate communication between the British and the Aborigines. Arabanoo lived in the company of the Europeans until the 18th May 1789 where he died due to smallpox infection.

Maps for the Arabanoo Lookout 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 Arabanoo Lookout bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Arabanoo Lookout

Accessibility summary information for the Arabanoo Lookout

Parking: There are 0 designated accessible parking areas on this walk.

Toilets: There are 0 designated accessible toilets on this walk.

Seats: There are 2 places to sit on this walk.
They are 70m apart.

Hazards: There are 0 specific noteable accessability related hazards on this walk.

Accessibility Details

1 Seat

A concrete and stone seat, 35cm high, 45cm deep and 3m wide with no arm or backrest.
This is found 70m into this walk at -33.807849607204,151.26906082034
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 70m into this walk

2 Seat

A curved concrete and stone seat, 39cm high (33cm at the frount), 45cm deep and 7.5m wide with no arm or backrest.
This is found 70m into this walk at -33.807869665228,151.26913189888
Click to see more images take nearby.

Found 70m into this walk

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	142 m
		Time	15 mins
		.
Grade 1/6 Very easy	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Flat, no steps (1/6)
		Quality of track	Smooth and hardened path (1/6)
		Signs	Clearly signposted (1/6)
		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

This whole walk, 70m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

This whole walk, 70m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

This whole walk, 70m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 70m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 70m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 70m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Arabanoo Lookout walk starts and ends at the Dobroyd Scenic Drive (gps: -33.808363, 151.2688)
Your main transport option to Dobroyd Scenic Drive is by;

Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-manlylga-al
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 Forest

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-manlylga-al

Georges Heights Lookout

And Walk

Georges Heights Lookout

Download & Print Map and Notes

(0km) Int. Chowder Bay Trk and Georges Heights Rd → Georges Head Lookout

70 m
1 mins
0m
-2m

Very easy

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 Georges Heights Lookout 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 Georges Heights Lookout bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Georges Heights Lookout

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	144 m
		Time	7 mins
		.
Grade 1/6 Very easy	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Flat, no steps (1/6)
		Quality of track	Smooth and hardened path (1/6)
		Signs	Clearly signposted (1/6)
		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

This whole walk, 70m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

This whole walk, 70m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

This whole walk, 70m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 70m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 70m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 70m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Georges Heights Lookout walk starts and ends at the Int. Chowder Bay Trk and Georges Heights Rd (gps: -33.836478, 151.25821)
Your transport options to Int. Chowder Bay Trk and Georges Heights Rd are by;

Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-shnp-ghl
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 Forest

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-shnp-ghl

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/ghl

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk

And Walk

Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk

Download & Print Map and Notes

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’[2]. HMAS Sydney itself was a Chatham Class light cruiser which saw action in WW1.
More info.

(0km) HMAS Sydney Mast, Bradleys Head → Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Taylors Bay Lookout track

790 m
17 mins
42m
-29m

Easy track

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’.

(0.79km) Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Taylors Bay Lookout track → Taylors Bay Lookout

50 m
1 mins
0m
-6m

Moderate track

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. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

(0.79km) Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Taylors Bay Lookout track → Chowder Head track intersection

1.2 km
31 mins
88m
-81m

Moderate track

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.
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.

(2.03km) Chowder Head track intersection → Chowder Head

90 m
2 mins
0m
-10m

Moderate track

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.) At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer right.

Chowder Head

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.

(2.03km) Chowder Head track intersection → Morella St lookout

280 m
6 mins
15m
-16m

Moderate track

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

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.

(2.31km) Morella St lookout → Bottom of Sarahs walk steps

80 m
3 mins
0m
-17m

Easy track

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].

(2.38km) Bottom of Sarahs walk steps → Clifton Gardens baths

250 m
5 mins
3m
-16m

Moderate track

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

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

(2.63km) Clifton Gardens Baths → Chowder Bay Lower Gate

210 m
5 mins
13m
-10m

Moderate track

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

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.

Maps for the Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk 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.

Parramatta River	1:25 000 Map Series	91303N PARRAMATTA RIVER	NSW-91303N
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 Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk

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	2.8 km
		Time	1 hr 30 mins
		.
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	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

1.2km of this walk has short steep hills and another 840m has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (790m) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

1.6km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 790m follows a smooth and hardened path. The remaining (440m) follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 2.6km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 210m has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 2.8km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 2.8km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 2km 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).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk walk starts at the HMAS Sydney Mast, Bradleys Head (gps: -33.853055, 151.24629)
Your transport options to HMAS Sydney Mast, Bradleys Head are by;

Bus. (get details)
Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
(get details)

The Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk ends at the Chowder Bay Lower Gate (gps: -33.838667, 151.25467)
Your transport options to Chowder Bay Lower Gate are by;
Bus. (get details)
Car. Parking fees apply in the area.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-shnp-bhtcbw
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 Forest

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-shnp-bhtcbw

Seaforth Oval to Davidson Park

And Walk

Seaforth Oval to Davidson Park

Download & Print Map and Notes

Seaforth Oval

Seaforth Oval is a large playing oval on the Wakehurst Parkway in North Balgowlah. It is managed by Manly Council, who have also recently been upgrading the Timber Getters Track in association with NPWS. There is a distant view of Chatswood from the oval. There are toilets, but they are usually locked. There is a large car park, shelter and sign with information about the Harbour to Hawkesbury walk. More info.

(0km) Seaforth Oval → Bantry Bay Picnic Area

890 m
25 mins
9m
-111m

Hard track

From the corner of the car park with the information signs, the walk heads into the bush and down the wooden steps to the bottom, where it flattens out at the signposted intersection with the Engraving Track[1].
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Timbergetters Track’ sign[2] down the wooden steps and through the bush, winding steadily down a long hill as it drops down several more sets of steps, following the bush track to the signposted intersection with the Old Bullock Track[3] (closed for maintenance at time of writing).
Continue straight: From the intersection (with the signposted ‘Old Bullock Track’[4] on the right), this walk heads west down the three wooden steps and along the track, winding through the dense scrub for a while. The walk crosses a small creek at some stepping stones and passes an old telegraph pole with no power lines attached. The track continues in this manner for a little while longer before it comes to the top of a short set of rock steps, where it starts to wind down into the valley using several scattered sets of wooden steps and one long set of rock steps, until coming down to the large picnic area at the bottom.

Bantry Bay Picnic Area

The area of Bantry Bay has been popular with day visitors since the late 1800s. In the early 1900s, the picnic area was also home to a dance hall (foundations still visible), dining room, picnic ground and overnight accommodation. Today, the picnic area has a picnic table and a number of fireplaces. There is also a public wharf, toilets, open grassy area, shade from trees and a great view across the water. There are no garbage facilities. The picnic area is at the bottom of the Timber Getters Track, below Seaforth Oval, on the eastern shore of Bantry Bay. More info.

(0.89km) Bantry Bay Picnic Area → The Bluff Lookout

1.8 km
48 mins
166m
-77m

Hard track

Turn right: From the picnic area (keeping the water on the left), this walk follows the “Bantry Bay Track” sign along the rocky bush track which undulates along the side of the hill, winding through the bush for a little while. The walk passes by the base of some cliffs and starts to climb up the hill at a rocky outcrop, continuing to wind up the long rocky hill as the track climbs to the top of the valley, eventually winding up some rock steps to a large rock platform, Here, the walk passes some track markers pointing back down the valley to a short bush track, leading to the signposted intersection of the Bluff Track at the lookout.

Bluff Lookout

The Bluff is a large, unfenced rocky hilltop, in Garigal National Park, that provides great views up Middle Harbour. The views extend across the bushland of the National Park, along Bantry Bay, to the city of Sydney (You can even see Centrepoint Tower). Apart from the distant views, the bluff is also an interesting rock feature, with a number of caves containing honeycomb rock formations.

(2.72km) The Bluff Lookout → Int of Bluff and Natural Bridge Tracks

210 m
4 mins
11m
0m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Bluff Track’ sign along the rocky service trail, heading away from the lookout and through the bush for a little while before coming to the intersection with a defined bush track on the right.
Continue straight: From the intersection, the track follows the service trail (with the bush track on the right), heading north-west through the bush for a little while before coming to the signposted intersection with the Natural Bridge Track.

(2.92km) Int of Bluff and Natural Bridge Tracks → Natural Bridge

500 m
15 mins
1m
-71m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the Natural Bridge Track along the bush track, heading away from the service trails for a short distance before coming to the intersection of the Currie Road Oval bush track at the track marker.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the track marker along the bush track, heading west through the bush for a short distance to a large rock outcrop. From here, the walk continues along the defined bush track, winding down the long and sometimes steep rocky hill, into the valley. The vegetation gradually gets thicker, until this walk comes down to a wide rock arch crossing a creek – the Natural Bridge.

Natural Bridge

The Natural Bridge is a sandstone arch in Garigal National Park. The arch spans an unnamed creek feeding into Bantry Bay. The Natural Bridge track uses this arch to cross the creek, and is not always noticed by walkers as the surrounding vegetation hides the full view of the feature from the track. The arch has formed the eroding forces of water flowing down the creek. The arch provides an interesting natural feature to explore and enjoy.

(3.43km) Natural Bridge → Int of Natural Bridge and Currie Road Tracks

250 m
6 mins
39m
0m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the bridge, the walk follows the bush track heading west (with downstream to the left) up the hill and away from the creek, steadily winding up a gentle hill. This steepens as the walk climbs up a few sets of wooden steps, continuing up the rock hill to the top, where it comes to the signposted intersection of the Currie Road Track.

(3.68km) Int of Natural Bridge and Currie Road Tracks → Int of Bates Creek and Currie Rd tracks

180 m
3 mins
5m
-1m

Easy track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the H/H walker on the ‘Currie Road Track’ sign south, along the service trail. The track soon comes to a four-way intersection with a large gum tree in the centre.

(3.86km) Int of Bates Creek and Currie Rd tracks → Back of Magazine Buildings

1.9 km
40 mins
50m
-114m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track, heading through the dense vegetation. After a little while, the track starts to zigzag down the rocky hill and through the bush until it flattens out and crosses Bates Creek. The walk then turns left and continues through the bush, meandering along the flat bush track until coming to the signposted intersection with the Magazine Track.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Magazine Track’ sign along the wide, flat trail which winds around behind some houses (on the right). The track continues along a narrower, rocky bush track which steadily winds down a long hill to the bottom of the valley, where it flattens out just above the water. From here, the walk continues along the bush track, winding up and down along the side of the hill until it follows a track marker up to the magazine buildings’ fence line. The track runs parallel to this fence as it heads along to an open, square concrete tank just off to the left of the track, from which the roofs of the magazine buildings and Middle Harbour Creek are both visible.

Bantry Bay Explosives Magazine complex

The Magazine Buildings were the premier storage facility for merchants’ explosives between 1915 and 1974. During this time, the carefully constructed building where crucial for the safe storage of explosives used for building public works such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and additionally used by the Australian Navy during World War II. There is currently no public access to the site, and the buildings are best viewed from across the water at Bantry Bay Picnic Area, or anywhere on the other side of Bantry Bay. More info.

(5.74km) Back of Magazine Buildings → Int of Magazine and Flat Rock Beach Tracks

1.1 km
23 mins
44m
-53m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the open concrete tank, this walk follows the bush track, with the ground sloping up to the right, as it heads down a short rocky hill. The track flattens out and follows the fence line to the end, where it turns left and continues down the rocky hill, along the bush track running parallel to a shorter fence. Soon, the track turns right and leaves the fence line. The walk follows the bush track heading away from the buildings and down the rocky hill, to the waters edge where it continues along the side of the hill, following Middle Harbour Creek for a long while. In time, the track winds around behind a small beach to the intersection of a narrow bush track heading down a short hill on the left.

(6.79km) Int of Magazine and Flat Rock Beach Tracks → Flat Rock Beach

30 m
1 mins
0m
-6m

Moderate track

Turn sharp left: From the intersection, this walk follows the narrow bush track heading down the hill to the small beach at the bottom. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer left.

Flat Rock Beach

Flat Rock Beach is a small, south-facing beach on Middle Harbour, in Garigal National Park. The sand is deposited on a rock shelf that pokes through in places, forming interesting sculptures. The beach is frequented by walkers and boaters enjoying their day by the water. The beach can be accessed by a bush track from the end of Killarney Drive, Killarney Heights. Historically, the beach was a popular picnic area and serviced by a ferry in the early 1900’s. Today, there are no facilities, but some shade is provided by the trees at the back of the beach.

(6.79km) Int of Magazine and Flat Rock Beach Tracks → Int of Davidson Park driveway and Flat Rock Track

2.4 km
1 Hr
154m
-157m

Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track with the ground sloping up to the right, heading up the wooden steps. The track flattens out and turns right, following the track marker through the bush and up the rocky hill, using the spread-out sets of wooden steps. The walk comes to an intersection and a signpost for the ‘Magazine Track’[5].
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Flat Rock Track’ sign along the bush track heading down the side of the hill, with the ground sloping up to the right. The walk winds down the rocky track for a little while, before flattening out as it passes by a small pipeline and then continues along the side of the hill. The track meanders through the bush for a while before coming to the four-way intersection with a bush track (which heads up the rocky hill to the right, and down to a private property at the bottom of the hill on the left).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track along the side of the hill, with the ground sloping up to the right. The track meanders through the dense bushland, occasionally catching a nice view over Middle Harbour Creek down to the left, and continues to the intersection of a rough service trail on the right, which heads uphill.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track along the side of the hill, with the ground sloping up to the right as it heads through the bush. The walk stays above Middle Harbour Creek for a while before it drops down a steep set of wooden steps to the intersection with the Davidson Park driveway, at a wooden picnic seat.

(9.21km) Int of Davidson Park driveway and Flat Rock Track → Int of Davidson Park driveway and Rotary Rotunda path

770 m
13 mins
12m
-11m

Very easy

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the flat driveway towards the Roseville Bridge, heading under a pipe bridge and coming to the intersection with the driveway to Davidson Park.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the Davidson Park driveway, crossing under Roseville Bridge with Middle Harbour Creek on the left. The walk passes a small car park and bends to the right, winding around the large picnic areas (on the left), passing a building with some toilets (also on the left), and continuing along for a little while before coming to the signposted intersection of the Rotary Rotunda footpath.

Davidson picnic area

Davidson Picnic Area is in Garigal National Park, under Roseville Bridge (access via Warringah Road, south bound lanes, or via many walking tracks in the area). The picnic area has a boat ramp, wheelchair-accessible toilets, large open grassy areas, picnic tables, free electric BBQ’s, and a large rotunda. There are plenty of shady spots provided by the trees. The northern section of the picnic area has a small beach swimming area, and the southern section boasts a boat ramp. The park is open 6am to 8pm (6:30pm outside daylight savings time). Ticket machines are provided to pay the car access fee.

Maps for the Seaforth Oval to Davidson Park 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.

Parramatta River	1:25 000 Map Series	91303N PARRAMATTA RIVER	NSW-91303N
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Seaforth Oval to Davidson Park bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Seaforth Oval to Davidson Park

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	10 km
		Time	4 hrs 30 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

5km of this walk has short steep hills and another 2.8km is very steep. Whilst another 1.2km is flat with no steps and the remaining 770m has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

9km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 770m follows a smooth and hardened path. The remaining (610m) follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 6km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 4.2km has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 7km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 2.6km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 10km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 7km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 3km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Seaforth Oval to Davidson Park walk starts at the Seaforth Oval (gps: -33.781957, 151.23724)
Your transport options to Seaforth Oval are by;

Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

The Seaforth Oval to Davidson Park ends at the Int of Davidson Park driveway and Rotary Rotunda path (gps: -33.7682, 151.20325)
Your transport options to Int of Davidson Park driveway and Rotary Rotunda path are by;
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-gariganp-sotdp
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 Forest

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-gariganp-sotdp

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/sotdp

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

Castle Rock Beach

And Walk

Castle Rock Beach

Download & Print Map and Notes

(0km) End of Ogilvry Rd → Castle Rock Beach

100 m
3 mins
0m
-20m

Moderate track

From the end of Ogilvry Rd, walk follows the ‘MSW To the Spit’ sign on the telegraph pole, down the stairs to a 4 way sign posted intersection.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the ‘Manly Scenic Walk’ arrow down the concrete steps towards the water, to the signposted intersection of the ‘Manly to Spit’ and ‘Castle Rock’ beach tracks.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk leads down the concrete steps to Castle Rock Beach.

Castle Rock Beach

Castle Rock Beach can be found a short walk down from the Manly-to-Spit walking track, near Ogilvy Road. This small, secluded beach is a great spot for those wanting a quieter day at the beach, instead of the more popular and larger beaches in the area.

Maps for the Castle Rock Beach 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 Castle Rock Beach bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Castle Rock Beach

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	200 m
		Time	30 mins
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		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

This whole walk, 100m has short steep hills.

Quality of track

This whole walk, 100m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 75m of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 25m has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 75m of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 25m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 100m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 100m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Castle Rock Beach walk starts and ends at the End of Ogilvry Rd (gps: -33.811, 151.25954)
Your transport options to End of Ogilvry Rd are by;

Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-shnp-crb
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 Forest

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-shnp-crb

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/crb

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head to Athol Hall

And Walk

Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head to Athol Hall

Download & Print Map and Notes

(0km) Taronga Zoo Wharf → Taronga Zoo Entrance

220 m
4 mins
11m
-5m

Very easy

From the wharf, the walk heads uphill along the footpath beside the road to the Taronga Zoo entrance at the pedestrian crossing.

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: [email protected]. More info.

(0.22km) Taronga Zoo Entrance → Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Athol Hall Trk

410 m
9 mins
24m
-15m

Moderate track

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.

(0.63km) Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Athol Hall Trk → HMAS Sydney Mast, Bradleys Head

670 m
16 mins
31m
-40m

Easy track

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

(1.3km) HMAS Sydney Mast, Bradleys Head → Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Taylors Bay Lookout track

790 m
17 mins
42m
-29m

Easy track

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’.

(2.09km) Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Taylors Bay Lookout track → Taylors Bay Lookout

50 m
1 mins
0m
-6m

Moderate track

(2.09km) Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Taylors Bay Lookout track → Athol Hall car park

110 m
2 mins
10m
0m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign ‘Park Entrance’ up the hill. The track meanders up the hill for a short time to come out onto Bradleys Head Rd.

(2.2km) Athol Hall car park → Athol Hall

100 m
2 mins
0m
-5m

Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk crosses the road and heads down the footpath towards the building. The walk continues down the hill to the front steps and entrance of 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. More info.

(2.3km) Athol Hall → Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Athol Hall Trk

70 m
2 mins
0m
-9m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the entrance to Athol Hall, this walk follows the footpath through the grass, down the hill towards the harbour. The walk heads down stairs to a signposted intersection.

(2.37km) Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Athol Hall Trk → Taronga Zoo Wharf

630 m
13 mins
20m
-35m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, the walk heads up the stairs, which are unsignposted, next to the Athol Hall sign. The track then continues to contour before meeting a second set of stairs which lead to the corner of Athol Hall’s grass clearing.
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk heads along the hill and soon crosses a wooden bridge before heading down some stone steps. The track leads around the hillside to an intersection next to a wire fence, where the walk continues along the fairly flat path to find a set of bench seats and a harbour lookout. From here, the walk continues past the view and up the ramp to come to an intersection with a road opposite the Taronga Zoo Entrance.
Turn left: From the pedestrian crossing, the walk heads down the hill towards the Sydney Harbour Bridge, along the footpath to the wharf entrance on the left.

Maps for the Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head to Athol Hall 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.

Parramatta River	1:25 000 Map Series	91303N PARRAMATTA RIVER	NSW-91303N
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head to Athol Hall bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head to Athol Hall

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	3 km
		Time	1 hr 30 mins
		.
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	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

1.4km of this walk is flat with no steps and another 1.4km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (250m) has short steep hills.

Quality of track

2.1km of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path and another 860m follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (70m) follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 2km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 1km has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 3km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 3km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 2.9km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 110m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head to Athol Hall walk starts and ends at the Taronga Zoo Wharf (gps: -33.845752, 151.23978)
Your transport options to Taronga Zoo Wharf are by;

Ferry. (get details)
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-shnp-tzbhtah
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 Forest

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-shnp-tzbhtah

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/tzbhtah

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

Taronga Zoo to Spit Bridge

And Walk

Taronga Zoo to Spit Bridge

Download & Print Map and Notes

(0km) Taronga Zoo Wharf → Taronga Zoo Entrance

220 m
4 mins
11m
-5m

Very easy

From the wharf, the walk heads uphill along the footpath beside the road to the Taronga Zoo entrance at the pedestrian crossing.

Taronga Zoo

(0.22km) Taronga Zoo Entrance → Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Athol Hall Trk

410 m
9 mins
24m
-15m

Moderate track

Athol Hall

(0.63km) Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Athol Hall Trk → Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Taylors Bay Lookout track

280 m
6 mins
14m
-10m

Moderate track

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.
Turn left: From the entrance to Athol Hall, this walk heads up the hill, with the views of Sydney Harbour on the left. The walk continues up the road, where it crosses to the parking toll booth.
Continue straight: From the corner of Bradley Head Rd and the car park, this walk heads down the hill just behind the parking pay booth. The track meanders down the hill to a signposted intersection. Now Turn left to rejoin the main walk .

(0.63km) Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Athol Hall Trk → HMAS Sydney Mast, Bradleys Head

670 m
16 mins
31m
-40m

Easy track

HMAS Sydney Memorial Mast

(1.3km) HMAS Sydney Mast, Bradleys Head → Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Taylors Bay Lookout track

790 m
17 mins
42m
-29m

Easy track

(2.09km) Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Taylors Bay Lookout track → Taylors Bay Lookout

50 m
1 mins
0m
-6m

Moderate track

(2.09km) Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Taylors Bay Lookout track → Bottom of the Iluka and Morella access track

1.1 km
27 mins
67m
-77m

Moderate track

(3.18km) Bottom of the Iluka and Morella access track → Chowder Head track intersection

150 m
4 mins
21m
-4m

Moderate track

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.

(3.33km) Chowder Head track intersection → Chowder Head

90 m
2 mins
0m
-10m

Moderate track

Chowder Head

(3.33km) Chowder Head track intersection → Morella St lookout

280 m
6 mins
15m
-16m

Moderate track

Morella St lookout

(3.61km) Morella St lookout → Bottom of Sarahs walk steps

80 m
3 mins
0m
-17m

Easy track

(3.68km) Bottom of Sarahs walk steps → Clifton Gardens baths

250 m
5 mins
3m
-16m

Moderate track

Clifton Gardens Reserve

(3.94km) Clifton Gardens Baths → Chowder Bay Lower Gate

210 m
5 mins
13m
-10m

Moderate track

Bacino Kiosk

(4.14km) 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.

(4.37km) Roundabout at end of Chowder Bay Road → Int. Bacino Bar back deck and Chowder Bay Trk

20 m
1 mins
6m
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.

(4.39km) Int. Bacino Bar back deck and Chowder Bay Trk → Bacino Bar

30 m
1 mins
0m
-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.

(4.39km) 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

(4.79km) Georges Head Lookout → Int. WW1 Hospital and Chowder Bay Trk

450 m
8 mins
15m
-11m

Easy track

Turn around: From the circular lookout of Georges Head Lookout, this walk follows the sandstone pavement back to the road at the signposted intersection.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the signs to ‘Balmoral Beach’ up the hill for a short while. The track opens out to a clearing on the left which has some old structures in it. This is the World War 1 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.

(5.25km) Int. WW1 Hospital and Chowder Bay Trk → Rocky Point Bridge

1.7 km
35 mins
14m
-87m

Hard track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads up and across the hill, leaving the WW1 hospital behind on the left. The path continues up the hill, passing a sculpture (a bit overgrown on the right), then bending left (passing through a gate that is locked overnight at 6pm) up to Middle Head Rd. The walk crosses the road to the signposted intersection on the other side.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to ‘Balmoral Beach’ downhill away from the road. The walk heads down many flights of stairs and turns right, through a fence. The track then turns left to continue down more stairs, which lead the walk across a bridge and next to an oval with a signposted intersection.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads toward the sea, keeping the oval to your left. The walk passes ‘1st Balmoral Sea Scouts’ on the right before coming to the car park.
Continue straight: 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

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.

(6.94km) Rocky Point Bridge → Rocky Point

110 m
2 mins
0m
-1m

Moderate track

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. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

(6.94km) Rocky Point Bridge → Int. Wyargine Reserve Trk and Balmoral Beach

480 m
8 mins
8m
-3m

Moderate track

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.

(7.42km) Int. Wyargine Reserve Trk and Balmoral Beach → Chinamans Beach Reserve South

850 m
18 mins
42m
-43m

Moderate track

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. Now Turn sharp left to rejoin the main walk .

(7.42km) Int. Wyargine Reserve Trk and Balmoral Beach → Middle of Chinamans Beach

1 km
19 mins
25m
-30m

Hard track

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.
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.

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.

(8.42km) Middle of Chinamans Beach → Int. Grecia Lane Trk and Chinamans Beach Reserve North

70 m
1 mins
3m
0m

Moderate track

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.

(8.49km) Int. Grecia Lane Trk and Chinamans Beach Reserve North → Int. Middle Harbour Yacht Club car park and Spit Rd

1.1 km
25 mins
55m
-56m

Moderate track

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. Now Veer right to rejoin the main walk .

(8.49km) Int. Grecia Lane Trk and Chinamans Beach Reserve North → Middle Harbour Yacht Club entrance

860 m
16 mins
18m
-19m

Hard track

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

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.

(9.35km) Middle Harbour Yacht Club entrance → Spit Bridge South

360 m
6 mins
2m
-5m

Easy track

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

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: [email protected] or (02) 99604389 More info.

(9.7km) Spit Bridge South → Int. Spit Rd and Ellery’s Punt Reserve Road

350 m
6 mins
11m
-2m

Easy track

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

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.

(10.05km) Int. Spit Rd and Ellery’s Punt Reserve Road → Int. Ellery’s Punt Reserve Rd and Manly Scenic Walkway

100 m
2 mins
2m
-7m

Easy track

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

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.

(10.16km) Int. Ellery’s Punt Reserve Rd and Manly Scenic Walkway → Int. Battle Boulevard and Manly Rd

230 m
5 mins
11m
0m

Moderate track

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.

Maps for the Taronga Zoo to Spit Bridge 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.

Parramatta River	1:25 000 Map Series	91303N PARRAMATTA RIVER	NSW-91303N
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 Taronga Zoo to Spit Bridge bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Taronga Zoo to Spit Bridge

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	10.4 km
		Time	5 hrs
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	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)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

3.3km of this walk is flat with no steps and another 3.2km has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 2.1km is very steep and the remaining 1.9km has short steep hills.

Quality of track

4.1km of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path and another 3.1km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. Whilst another 1.7km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and the remaining 1.5km follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

7km of this walk is clearly signposted and another 1.7km has directional signs at most intersection. The remaining (1.7km) has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required

Around 9km 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 9km 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 8km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 2.6km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Taronga Zoo to Spit Bridge walk starts at the Taronga Zoo Wharf (gps: -33.845752, 151.23978)
Your transport options to Taronga Zoo Wharf are by;

Ferry. (get details)
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

The Taronga Zoo to Spit Bridge ends at the Int. Battle Boulevard and Manly Rd (gps: -33.800405, 151.24678)
Your transport options to Int. Battle Boulevard and Manly Rd are by;
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-shnp-tztsb
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 Forest

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-shnp-tztsb

Download Pdf

Open iPhone app

Short URL = http://wild.tl/tztsb

Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)

And Walk

Middle Head Battery walk

(0km) Cobblers Beach Trail trackhead → Int. Old Fort and Govenors Rds

Very easy

(0.07km) Int. Old Fort and Govenors Rds → Old Fort Road gun brackets

Easy track

(0.29km) Old Fort Road gun brackets → Middle Head Fort

Easy track

Outer Middle Head Battery

(0.33km) Outer Forts → Western Fort

Hard track

Maps for the Middle Head Battery walk walk

Cross sectional view of the Middle Head Battery walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Middle Head Battery walk

Accessibility summary information for the Middle Head Battery walk

Accessibility Details

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Some more details of this walks Grading

Gradient

Quality of track

Signs

Experience Required

weather

Infrastructure

Similar walks

Other Nearby walks

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

Fire Danger

Weather Forest

Park Information & Alerts

Comments

And Walk

Cobblers Beach

(0km) Cobblers Beach Trail trackhead → Cobblers Beach Trail sign

Easy track

(0.05km) Cobblers Beach Trail sign → Cobblers Beach

Hard track

Cobblers Beach

Maps for the Cobblers Beach walk

Cross sectional view of the Cobblers Beach bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Cobblers Beach

Accessibility summary information for the Cobblers Beach

Accessibility Details

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Some more details of this walks Grading

Gradient

Quality of track

Signs

Experience Required

weather

Infrastructure

Similar walks

Other Nearby walks

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

Fire Danger

Weather Forest

Park Information & Alerts

Comments

And Walk

Inner Middle Head Battery walk

(0km) Cobblers Beach Trail trackhead → Int. Old Fort and Govenors Rds

Very easy

(0.07km) Int. Old Fort and Govenors Rds → Int. Govenors Rd and Inner Forts Trk

Easy track

(0.2km) Int. Govenors Rd and Inner Forts Trk → Inner Forts intersection

Moderate track

(0.31km) Inner Forts intersection → Disappearing Gun Pit North

Moderate track

Inner Middle Head Battery

Maps for the Inner Middle Head Battery walk walk

Cross sectional view of the Inner Middle Head Battery walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Inner Middle Head Battery walk

Accessibility summary information for the Inner Middle Head Battery walk

Accessibility Details

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Some more details of this walks Grading

Gradient

Quality of track

Signs

Experience Required