Taronga Wharf to Chowder Bay

Downloads GPX PDF

Safer Bushwalks
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

Start	(-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

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
	Start. After another 10 m turn left. After another 30 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 turn right, to head along Bradleys Head Road.
	After another 15 m turn right. After another 10 m find the "Taronga Zoo" (5 m on your left). Taronga Zoo 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: groups@zoo.nsw.gov.au. + - Taronga Zoo was founded in 1916, with the vision of imitating the Hamburg Zoo's bar-less exhibits. Since its opening, Taronga Zoo has directed more attention to research, education and conservation efforts to support the animals. Taronga Zoo is open everyday 9am- 5pm. Phone: +61 2 9969 2777 or email: groups@zoo.nsw.gov.au. 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 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. + - 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 veer right, to head along Bradleys Head Road. After another 115 m continue straight, to head along Bradleys Head Road.
	After another 30 m veer right. 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 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. + - 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 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. + - 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 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. + - 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 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. + - 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 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. + - 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

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

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: groups@zoo.nsw.gov.au.

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

Reviews & Feedback

Weather & Alerts

Show Full Weather

Alerts and Closures

Show all alerts

Show all alerts

Show all alerts

Other Journeys

Some of the information and maps on this page was generated using data from the awesome © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Please see how you can embed some widgets, access data and other stuff to that might be helpful.

Weather Forecast for {{location.name}}

Alerts and Closures