Last updated: April 17, 2020
Sirius Cove Reserve is a dog-friendly hideaway in the suburb of Mosman in Sydney’s lower north shore. Often referred to as Little Sirius Cove, this charming natural treasure boasts a quiet beach, a playground and a large picnic area.
It’s also a great starting point for the walking trail going east to Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head and Chowder Bay, or going west to Cremorne Point.
How to Get to Sirius Cove
If travelling by car, the reserve has a designated parking area. If this is at full capacity, try free street parking nearby.
A more fun way to travel is by ferry. The closest ferry stops are the South Mosman and Mosman Bay wharves west of Sirius Cove, and Taronga Zoo wharf east of Sirius Cove. It’s a short hike (up to 20 mins) from any of these wharves.
Alternatively, if you’re travelling by bus, check the bus timetable on the NSW Transport Info website.
Sirius Cove can also be reached via the walking trail that connects with Taronga Zoo and Bradleys Head following the shoreline. Cremorne Point on the other side of the bay is a bit further away.
Sirius Cove Reserve and Beach
Quietly tucked away in one of the many lower north shore bays, Sirius Cove Reserve is a peaceful little paradise with excellent facilities for the whole family. Including the dog! Yes, Sirius Cove is one of the best places to let your dog run around and go for a splash.
Sirius Cove was named after HMS Sirius, the flagship of the First Fleet that arrived in New South Wales at the end of the 18th century.
Located right at the end of Sirius Cove Rd in Mosman, west of Taronga Zoo, the reserve is wide and grassy and is equipped with picnic tables, a fenced playground for children, a drinking fountain and a toilet/shower block.
Surrounded by a sandstone wall, the 250m wide beach faces south into a deep bay that flows into Sydney Harbour. The water is very quiet and shallow and therefore perfect to walk into with your dog without getting all too wet.
Unleashed dogs are permitted in the park, on the beach and in the water all day from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays this is restricted to non-peak hours before 9am and after 4pm.
Dogs love hanging out in friendly Sirius Cove but please be mindful of other visitors when letting your dog out running.
Curlew Camp
An interesting fact about Sirius Cove that not many people know about is that in the late 19th century many leading Australian artists used to come here to create some of their most famous paintings.
Curlew Camp, as it was called, became a famous gathering spot for artists, writers and musicians. The camp was located just around the corner of Sirius Cove, at Little Sirius Cove that has a small beach.
The “Curlew Camp Artist’s Walk” is the walking trail from South Mosman Ferry Wharf towards Taronga Zoo that the artists followed to get to the camp.
The camp was ultimately abandoned in 1912 when the area was chosen to build the new Taronga Zoo, but the historical significance of Curlew Camp however has always remained.
Walking Tracks and Beaches Nearby
Sirius Cove Reserve can easily be accessed by foot via the foreshore walking trail that connects places like Cremorne Point, Mosman Bay, Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head and Chowder Bay.
Go East: Whiting Beach, Athol Bay and Bradleys Head
If you’re visiting the reserve and you feel like hiking, it’s best to head east towards Taronga Zoo and Bradleys Head. The starting point of this easy trail is located at the eastern end of the beach.
Climb up the stairs and follow the path towards Little Sirius Cove and Little Sirius Point at the very tip of the bay.
Just around the corner of Little Sirius Point is Whiting Beach, a small, south-facing strip of sand with densely vegetated slopes, right in front of Taronga Zoo.
Continue the walking trail past Taronga Zoo Wharf and you’ll soon arrive at Athol Bay, another quiet beach that’s perfect for a refreshing swim or picnic. From Athol Bay, follow the beautiful Bradleys Head Walking Track ending at Bradleys Head.
The foreshore walking trail doesn’t have to end here. If you still have energy you can continue all the way to Chowder Bay and Balmoral Beach.
Go West: Mosman Bay and Cremorne Point
From Sirius Cove Reserve, you can also go the other direction, towards Mosman Bay and Cremorne Point.
Follow Curlew Camp Road and look out for the sign that says “Curlew Camp Walk”. This walking trail takes you through quiet suburban streets to Mosman Bay and Cremorne Point.
The easy 3km foreshore circuit trail around Cremorne Point offers beautiful views of Mosman Bay, Sydney Harbour and the city skyline. Highly recommended!
Sirius Cove Map
The reserve has a small, designated parking area which tends to fill up quickly on summer days. Free street parking also available nearby.
