Taronga Zoo to Spit Bridge
Download & Print Map and Notes
5 hrs
10.4 km One way
410 m
Hard 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.
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 → 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 .
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
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. 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
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.
(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
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, 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.
(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
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 → 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.
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.
(3.94km) 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.
(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.
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.
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
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.
(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.
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.
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 .
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.
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’.
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.
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.
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).
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1 hr 30 mins
Moderate track
3 km Circuit
1 hr 30 mins
Moderate track
3.6 km Circuit
1 hr 30 mins
Hard track
3.7 km One way
1 hr 45 mins
Moderate track
3.9 km Circuit
2 hrs
Hard track
4.3 km One way
2 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
4.4 km One way
2 hrs
Moderate track
4.9 km Circuit
2 hrs 30 mins
Moderate track
6.1 km One way
2 hrs 30 mins
Hard track
6.5 km Circuit
3 hrs 30 mins
Moderate track
6.8 km One way
3 hrs
Hard track
7 km Circuit
3 hrs
Moderate track
8.7 km Circuit
4 hrs
Moderate track
9.1 km One way
3 hrs 45 mins
Moderate track
13.7 km One way
5 hrs 45 mins
Moderate track
18.9 km One way
8 hrs
Hard track
22.6 km One way
9 hrs 45 mins
Hard track
Other Nearby walks
1.7 km One way
1 Hr
Moderate track
930 m Return
30 mins
Moderate track
2.7 km Circuit
1 hr 15 mins
Easy track
2 km One way
45 mins
Easy track
4.2 km One way
1 hr 45 mins
Moderate track
478 m Return
15 mins
Easy track
9.8 km One way
4 hrs
Moderate track
2.2 km One way
1 Hr
Moderate track
896 m Return
20 mins
Easy track
1.7 km Circuit
40 mins
Easy track
2.5 km Circuit
1 Hr
Moderate track
1.8 km Circuit
40 mins
Easy track
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)
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)
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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