Taronga Zoo, Clifton Gardens return via Sirius Cove
Download & Print Map and Notes
3 hrs 30 mins
6.5 km Circuit
352 m
Moderate track
(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.
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 → Athol Hall
70 m
2 mins
9m
0m
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. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer left.
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.
(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.
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
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.
(1.3km) HMAS Sydney Mast, Bradleys Head → Int. End of Iluka Rd access and Borogegal Trks
1.5 km
34 mins
83m
-80m
Moderate 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’.
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, this walk heads into Taylors Gully, with Taylors Bay below on the right. The track continues for approximately 300m, contouring around the hill with views of Taylors Bay on the right. Tending right, this walk enters and exits Taylors Gully, to continue approximately 250m to the signposted intersection at the beginning of the houses, on the left.
(2.77km) Taylors intersection → Chowder Head track intersection
570 m
14 mins
47m
-30m
Moderate track
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.
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
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.
(3.33km) 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.
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.
(3.61km) 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].
(3.68km) Bottom of Sarahs walk steps → Western end of Clifton Gardens
130 m
3 mins
3m
-13m
Moderate track
(3.81km) Western end of Clifton Gardens → Chowder Bay Lower Gate
330 m
7 mins
13m
-13m
Moderate track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads down onto the beach, towards the wharf in the middle of the beach. The walk passes an Illawarra Flame tree, as it heads approximately 100m along the beach to the start of the wharf.
Continue straight: From the wharf, this walk heads towards the playground-end of the beach. The walk leads along the beach, passing the playground and rocky outcrop on the left to tend right onto a boardwalk. The boardwalk takes the walk to the lower gate of Chowder Bay. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer right.
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. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer right.
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.
(3.81km) Western end of Clifton Gardens → Sirius Cove Reserve
1.8 km
40 mins
83m
-86m
Moderate track
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk heads away from the water and follows the road (coming out of the car park) up the hill. The walk continues along Morella Rd. then turns right into David St. The walk then turns right into Burrawong Ave. and soon turns left into Thompson St, continuing to the round-about intersection with Bradleys Head Rd.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads west along Thompson St, passing Ruby St (on the right). The walk then turns right onto Prince Albert St, then immediately turning left into the laneway between houses no. 22 and 24. At the end of the laneway, the walk turns left onto Sirius Cove Rd, and continues down to the end, past the car park, and onto the grassy reserve to the middle of the beach.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads west along Thompson St, passing Ruby St (on the right). The walk then turns right onto Prince Albert St, then immediately turning left into the laneway between houses no. 22 and 24. At the end of the laneway, the walk turns left onto Sirius Cove Rd, and continues down to the end, past the car park, and onto the grassy reserve to the middle of the beach.
Sirius Cove Reserve
Sirius Cove Reserve is next to the sandy beach of Little Sirius Cove, Mosman. The reserve is open and grassy, with a few picnic tables, a fenced playground and drinking fountain at the western end, and a toilet block at the eastern end. The beach has no surf and faces south to Cremorne Point. Road access is via Sirius Cove Road.
(5.64km) Sirius Cove Reserve → Bottom of Whiting Beach Rd steps
250 m
5 mins
17m
-6m
Easy track
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk heads along the park foreshore with the water to your right, then heads up the hill bending right. The walk follows the footpath below some houses and past a small beach with a two-storey scout hall. Just after the last house, the path comes to a three-way intersection at the start of a large wall/fence. There is a ‘Curlew Camp’ sign pointing back to ‘Sirius Cove’[18].
(5.88km) Bottom of Whiting Beach Rd steps → Camp Curlew
360 m
8 mins
18m
-28m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign pointing to ‘Curlew Camp’[19], following the footpath beside the tall barbed wire fence and wall. The track leads over a few sections of boardwalk, and soon comes to an intersection (with a track on the right marked with another ‘Curlew Camp’ sign[20], pointing ‘130 metres’.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill following the ‘Welcome to Curlew Camp’ sign. The track quickly turns right, over a boardwalk, then turns left down more stairs. The walk then winds down the hill to the corner of a large rock, just above the water.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down towards the water and onto the wooden platform. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn sharp right.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill following the ‘Welcome to Curlew Camp’ sign. The track quickly turns right, over a boardwalk, then turns left down more stairs. The walk then winds down the hill to the corner of a large rock, just above the water.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down towards the water and onto the wooden platform. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn sharp right.
Camp Curlew
Camp Curlew was created in 1890 as an artists’ retreat, as was popular at the time. Artists of the day would visit for long periods (although women were not permitted to stay overnight), enjoying the surrounds and painting some of Australia’s most prized works. Arthur Streeton is a notable artist who stayed at the camp. The site was less than rustic, with tents to accommodate billiards and dining, and also a hired cook and youth to help with odd jobs. Camp Curlew was abandoned after the siting of Taronga Zoo in the area in 1912.
(5.88km) Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Curlew Camp Trk → Taronga Zoo Wharf
340 m
9 mins
22m
-26m
Moderate track
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads along the fenceline, with the water below on the right of the track. The walk heads along large sections of boardwalk with a tall barbed- wire fence above on the left. After approximately 300m, the track turns left above a small beach and then after the beach turns right. The walk continues along the hillside, with the tall fence on the left, then heads up boardwalked steps and passes a building on the left before crossing the cul-de-sac to Taronga Zoo wharf.
Maps for the Taronga Zoo, Clifton Gardens return via Sirius Cove 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, Clifton Gardens return via Sirius Cove bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Taronga Zoo, Clifton Gardens return via Sirius Cove
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 | 6.5 km | ||
| Time | 3 hrs 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
3.4km of this walk has short steep hills and another 2km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (1.1km) is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
3.8km of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path and another 1.8km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (830m) follows a clear and well formed track or trail.
Signs
Around 4.2km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 2.2km has directional signs at most intersection.
Experience Required
This whole walk, 6km requires no previous bushwalking experience.
weather
This whole walk, 6km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
Around 6km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 850m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).
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Plan your trip to and from the walk here
The Taronga Zoo, Clifton Gardens return via Sirius Cove 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)
Short URL = http://wild.tl/tzcgrvsc
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 🙂
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