Taronga Wharf to Chowder Bay

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Safer Bushwalks Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.

Getting There Transport options and directions

Start	From the Bradleys Head Road (-33.8457205,151.2397244)
Mode	Bus Car (There is free parking available.) Ferry
Directions	From Bradfield Highway Turn on to Warringah Freeway, M1 then drive for 65 m Keep right onto Warringah Freeway, M1 and drive for another 1.3 km Keep right onto Military Road Offramp, A8 and drive for another 260 m Continue onto Military Road, A8 and drive for another 1.9 km Turn right onto Belmont Road and drive for another 310 m At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Belmont Road and drive for another 260 m At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Belmont Road and drive for another 620 m Turn right onto Military Road and drive for another 295 m At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Bradleys Head Road and drive for another 920 m At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Bradleys Head Road and drive for another 1.6 km
Finish	(-33.8384259,151.2560745)
Mode (end)	Car Shuttle Bus Car (There is free parking available.)

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

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

Turn map	Directions & comments
	From the Bradleys Head Road Start (a footpath). After another 10 m turn left. After another 20 m pass the emergency call device (40 m on your right). After another 10 m pass a seat (45 m on your left)., has a backrest. Then pass a seat (80 m on your left)., has a backrest. Continue straight. Then pass the "Taronga Zoo Cafe" (30 m on your right). After another 8 m pass a seat (50 m on your right)., has a backrest. After another 10 m pass the shelter (15 m on your right). After another 100 m pass a seat (30 m on your left).
	After another 90 m (from the Bradleys Head Road) turn right, to head along Bradleys Head Road (a road).
	After another 15 m (from the Bradleys Head Road) turn right (a footpath). After another 10 m find the "Taronga Zoo" (5 m on your left). 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]. After another 15 m pass the toilet (20 m on your left).
	After another 10 m continue straight.
	After another 30 m continue straight.
	After another 225 m continue straight.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Athol Hall. To start this optional side trip turn sharp left here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 85 m continue straight. After another 650 m continue straight.
	After another 30 m turn right. After another 60 m pass the toilet (on your left). Then pass the water tap (on your left). Then find the "HMAS Sydney Memorial Mast" (6 m on your left). HMAS Sydney Memorial Mast The HMAS Sydney Memorial Mast was erected in 1934, following the HMAS Sydney's decommissioning in 1928. The mast stands as a sign of respect for 'Australian officers, sailors and ships lost at sea and in combat'. HMAS Sydney itself was a Chatham Class light cruiser which saw action in WW1.
	Turn left.
	After another 15 m (from the Bradleys Head Road) veer right, to head along Bradleys Head Road (a highway\|tertiary). After another 115 m (from the Bradleys Head Road) continue straight, to head along Bradleys Head Road.
	After another 30 m (from the Bradleys Head Road) veer right (a footpath). After another 30 m pass the shelter (15 m on your left).
	After another 590 m continue straight. After another 660 m continue straight.
	After another 400 m veer right.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Chowder Head. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip continue straight when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 155 m turn left.
	After another 125 m veer left.
	After another 160 m turn right. Then head up the steps (about 60 m long) Then find the "Morella St lookout" (on your right). Morella St lookout This informally named clearing behind some houses on Morella St provides a great view across the harbour. The fairly large clearing has been maintained and is a good place to stop if wanting to avoid the large groups at Clifton Gardens.
	After another 30 m turn right. Then head up the steps (about 30 m long)
	After another 105 m continue straight. After another 35 m pass the water tap (20 m on your left). After another 150 m pass the water tap (on your right). Then find the "Clifton Gardens Reserve" (15 m on your left). Clifton Gardens Reserve Clifton Gardens was developed as a picnic spot in the late 1800s, with a local hotelier building a wharf and dance pavilion. In 1909, Sydney Ferries Ltd purchased the estate, and further developed the area, including a large swimming enclosure. The structure burned down in 1956. Today, Clifton Gardens is touted as 'remnant bushland', offering birdwatching, a netted swimming enclosure, change rooms, a fenced playground, and of course, spectacular views over Chowder Bay. A short bush track leads through to Rawson Oval.
	After another 65 m turn right. After another 150 m find the "Bacino Kiosk" (on your left). 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. After another 8 m pass the "Bacino's Kiosk" (7 m on your left). After another 50 m head up the steps (about 9 m long) After another 8 m pass the "Ripples at Chowder Bay" (20 m on your left). W:www.aquadining.com.au
	After another 9 m veer right.
	After another 80 m turn left.
	After another 5 m turn right.
	After another 10 m come to the end. "Chowder Bay". Chowder Bay Chowder Bay looks over Sydney Harbour, to Vaucluse and Rose Bay. The bay is named after the food of the American whalers stationed at Clifton Gardens, 'clam chowder'. Chowder Bay then became a Submarine Mining Depot in 1889. Today, Chowder Bay still has great views from the remaining military buildings on the hillside. One of the newer buildings houses a cafe, and other buildings stand as monuments to their former use. Chowder Bay offers great views with easy access to Clifton Gardens for a swim. About 25 m past the end is a car park. This car park is wheelchair accessible. About 40 m past the end is "Bacino Cafe". Bacino Cafe The Bacino Bar is in Building No.2 at Chowder Bay, with great views across Sydney Harbour. The bar sells pastas, panini, arancini, tramezzini, stuffed eggplant and biscotti, along with homemade sandwiches and treats. The Bacino Bar prices are reasonable, ranging between $5-12 for the delicacies, and their coffee is made of their own blend. The bar is open every day from 7am- 4pm except for Christmas. A public toilet is available at the Eastern end of the building. About 50 m past the end is a toilet.

An optional side trip to Athol Hall.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. Then head down the steps (about 30 m long) After another 45 m head down the steps After another 10 m come to a toilet.
	The end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 85 m to the main route.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start.
	After another 15 m come to the end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 15 m to the main route.

An optional side trip to Chowder Head.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start.
	After another 20 m come to the end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 20 m to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Taronga Wharf to Chowder Bay

Grading

	Class 3/6 Moderate track
Length	4.4 km
Time	1 h 45 min to 2 h

Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)

Some facilities on route

Shelter: There are 2 on route, on average they are 1.5 km apart with the largest gap of 2.8 km.

Toilet: There are 4 on route, on average they are 920 m apart with the largest gap of 3 km.

Seat: There are 4 on route, on average they are 880 m apart with the largest gap of 4.2 km.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Seat	30 m	[seat]
Seat	40 m	[seat]
Seat	40 m	[seat]
Shelter	45 m	[shelter]
Seat	145 m	[seat]
Toilet	275 m	[toilet]
Toilet	630 m + 95 m	[toilet]
Toilet	1.4 km	[toilet]
Shelter	1.5 km	[shelter]
Toilet	4.4 km	[toilet]

Articles Discover more details to thrive on track

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].

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.

HMAS Sydney Memorial Mast
The HMAS Sydney Memorial Mast was erected in 1934, following the HMAS Sydney's decommissioning in 1928. The mast stands as a sign of respect for 'Australian officers, sailors and ships lost at sea and in combat'. HMAS Sydney itself was a Chatham Class light cruiser which saw action in WW1.

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.

Morella St lookout
This informally named clearing behind some houses on Morella St provides a great view across the harbour. The fairly large clearing has been maintained and is a good place to stop if wanting to avoid the large groups at Clifton Gardens.

Clifton Gardens Reserve
Clifton Gardens was developed as a picnic spot in the late 1800s, with a local hotelier building a wharf and dance pavilion. In 1909, Sydney Ferries Ltd purchased the estate, and further developed the area, including a large swimming enclosure. The structure burned down in 1956. Today, Clifton Gardens is touted as 'remnant bushland', offering birdwatching, a netted swimming enclosure, change rooms, a fenced playground, and of course, spectacular views over Chowder Bay. A short bush track leads through to Rawson Oval.

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.

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.

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.

Get more information
Wildwalks

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Sydney Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri
  
  Saturday 26 April
  
  25°C
  Showers developing. Possible storm.
  80% chance of rain
  2 → 10mm
  
  Partly cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely from the late morning. Showers tending to rain in the west during the evening. The chance of a thunderstorm. Light winds.
  
  Fire Danger Rating: No Rating
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 9:40am to 2:00pm, UV Index predicted to reach 5 [Moderate]
  
  Sunday 27 April
  
  17°C → 23°C
  Rain.
  95% chance of rain
  8 → 45mm
  
  Cloudy. Very high chance of rain. The chance of a thunderstorm, possibly severe. Light winds becoming southwesterly 15 to 25 km/h in the early afternoon.
  
  Monday 28 April
  
  17°C → 23°C
  Shower or two.
  70% chance of rain
  0 → 6mm
  
  Partly cloudy. High chance of showers along the coastal fringe, medium chance elsewhere. Winds south to southwesterly 20 to 30 km/h becoming light during the evening.
  
  Tuesday 29 April
  
  15°C → 24°C
  Shower or two.
  70% chance of rain
  0 → 6mm
  
  Mostly sunny morning. High chance of showers, most likely in the afternoon and evening. Light winds becoming southerly 15 to 20 km/h during the day then tending southwesterly during the evening.
  
  Wednesday 30 April
  
  15°C → 20°C
  Shower or two.
  70% chance of rain
  0 → 15mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely later in the day. Winds south to southwesterly 20 to 30 km/h.
  
  Thursday 1 May
  
  12°C → 20°C
  Shower or two.
  70% chance of rain
  0 → 15mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers. Winds south to southwesterly 20 to 30 km/h.
  
  Friday 2 May
  
  12°C → 22°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 4mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely during the morning. Winds southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h turning south to southeasterly during the day.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Sydney Harbour National Park alerts
  Closed areas: Manly Scenic Walkway partial closure
  The Castle Rock Track section of Manly Scenic Walkway is closed from Monday 28 April until further notice due to maintenance works by Northern Beaches Council.
  Detours will be in place:
  
  Walkers heading west should exit Grotto Point track, head north along Barrabooka track, onto Barrabooka Street and turn left onto Ogilvy Road. Then walk down Ogilvy Road to re-enter Castle Rock track and continue west along Clontarf track.
  
  Walkers heading east along Clontarf track should turn left at the intersection with Castle Rock track, head east along Ogilvy Road, turn right at Barrabooka Street and continue onto Barrabooka track. Then head east on Grotto Point track.
  
  For more information, please contact Northern Beaches Council.
  
  Other planned events: North Head Scenic Drive gate opening times
  The North Head Scenic Drive gate opening times are:
  
  AEDT From 7 October 2024 to 6 April 2025 - from 5am to 8.30pm
  
  AEST From 7 April 2025 to 5 October 2025 - from 6am to 6pm
  
  Closed areas: Bluefish Point closed
  The Bluefish Point bushland area is closed to public access for public safety and to protect the landscape and important plant and animal communities. Access to rock pools is difficult and dangerous. Please stay on sign-posted walking tracks when visiting Sydney Harbour National Park for your safety and observe warning signs in the area.
  
  Closed areas: Collins Beach Road drainage improvement works
  Major drainage improvement works are planned for Collins Beach Road during the week commencing 10 March 2025. Collins Beach Road will be closed for the duration of the works and signs will be displayed advising of the closure. Visitors wishing to access Collins Beach are advised to use the Stuart St Manly access track.
  Works are expected to be completed in the week commencing 31 March - weather permitting.
  
  Closed areas: Fort Denison closed
  Service upgrades and extensive conservation works on the fort are ongoing through to mid-2025.
  Fort Denison – Muddawahnyuh remains closed to visitors during this time.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance.
  Standard work hours during the construction phase will be between:
  
  7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday
  
  8am to 1pm on Saturday
  
  For more information, visit the project webpage or email us. Visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.
  
  Other planned events: 1080 pest management operation
  NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will be conducting a baiting program using manufactured baits, fresh baits and Canid Pest Ejectors (CPEs) containing 1080 poison (sodium fluroacetate) for the control of foxes.
  The program is continuous and ongoing between Saturday 1 February 2025 and Thursday 31 July 2025 in the following areas of Sydney Harbour National Park:
  
  Chowder Bay
  
  Dobroyd Head
  
  Bradleys Head
  
  Georges Head
  
  Middle Head
  
  North Head (North Head includes the adjoining land of Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, Australian Institute of Police Management and Quarantine Station).
  
  Please don’t touch baits or ejector devices. All baiting locations are identifiable by signs.
  Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW national parks and reserves. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
  Fox baiting in these reserves is aimed at reducing their impact on threatened species.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local park office on:
  Middle Head: 02 9960 6266 (business hours)
  NPWS after-hours call centre: 1300 056 294 (after hours)
  North Head Sanctuary, Many (Harbour Trust Lands): 02 8969 2128 (business hours).
  
  Closed areas: North Head partial closure
  Some parts of North Head in Sydney Harbour National Park are closed due to fire damage and geological instability. The closed areas include:
  
  Bluefish Point
  
  Wastewater Treatment Plant emergency access road
  
  The following areas, and the bushland surrounding them, are also closed due to steep and unstable ground:
  
  Old Man's Hat
  
  Cannae Point
  
  Quarantine Head
  
  Do not enter the closed areas.
  Open areas include:
  
  Q Station
  
  North Head Sanctuary and Bella Vista Cafe (entry via North Fort)
  
  The track between Shelly Beach and Bluefish Drive
  
  Bluefish Drive to the Avenue of Honour
  
  Collins Flat Beach
  
  Fairfax track
  
  Burragula and Yiningma lookouts
  
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the National Parks Contact Centre on 1300 072 757 or Sydney North area office on 02 9451 3479 between 9.30am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service

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