Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach Walk

The 6.5 km walk from Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach features secluded beaches, picturesque bays, impressive lookouts, and historic landmarks.

Widely considered one of the most enjoyable walking tracks in Sydney Harbour, this family-friendly hike showcases stunning scenery throughout.

Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach
Distance: 6.5 km (one way)
Duration: 2-3 hours (depending on stops)
Grade: Easy / moderate
Dogs: Not allowed on the trail

Getting There

The easiest and most enjoyable way to reach Taronga Zoo is by taking a ferry from Circular Quay.

Alternatively, Taronga Zoo is serviced by buses stopping directly in front of the entrance, with regular routes from Central, Town Hall, Wynyard, and North Sydney.

Taronga Zoo also has a bus stop right in front of the entrance with regular services from Central, Town Hall, Wynyard, and North Sydney.

For those who prefer to drive, you can reach the zoo by turning onto Bradleys Head Road from Military Road and continuing for 1.3 km. Be aware that parking at the zoo can be quite pricey, so you may want to consider parking on nearby suburban streets.

The walk starts on Athol Wharf Road, just a short distance from the Taronga Zoo ferry wharf (see location on map).

Highlights and Map

The Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach walk can be divided into three sections:

  1. Taronga Zoo to Bradleys Head
  2. Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay
  3. Chowder Bay to Balmoral Beach

In this guide, we are going to focus on the following eight highlights and landmarks along this popular walking track:

  1. Athol Bay
  2. Bradleys Head
  3. Taylors Bay
  4. Clifton Gardens Reserve
  5. Chowder Bay
  6. Georges Head Lookout
  7. Georges Heights
  8. Balmoral Beach

The map below shows these highlights marked from 1 to 8, starting at the Taronga Zoo ferry wharf.

Map and highlights of the walk

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Track Notes

In the track notes below, we begin at the Taronga Zoo ferry wharf, heading south toward Bradleys Head before turning north toward Chowder Bay and continuing to Balmoral Beach.

The track is straightforward to follow, with plenty of signage along the way to keep you on course.

1. Athol Bay

The section between the zoo and Bradleys Head serves as an easy and enjoyable introduction to the 6.5 km adventure ahead.

Starting from the ferry wharf, follow the footpath along Athol Wharf Road and keep an eye out for the signpost marking the beginning of the walk.

Athol Bay
Athol Bay

The track hugs the shoreline around Athol Bay, providing stunning views of the Harbour. You’ll pass by Athol Beach, a quiet, secluded stretch of sand right next to the walking track, facing Athol Bay.

While the water here tends to be calm, it’s worth noting that it isn’t among Sydney’s cleanest beaches due to Harbour water pollution. Still, it’s a lovely spot to take a peaceful stroll and appreciate the scenic surroundings.

2. Bradleys Head

The trail continues past Athol Bay and leads to Bradleys Head, a unique and historically significant spot within Sydney Harbour National Park.

Bradleys Head features the foremast of HMAS Sydney, a light cruiser dismantled on Cockatoo Island in 1929. The mast was erected here in 1934 as a memorial to all Australian ships lost and Australian sailors who died in wartime.

HMAS Sydney foremast at Bradleys Head
HMAS Sydney foremast at Bradleys Head

Next to the mast is an amphitheatre that offers stunning views of the city skyline, the Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge.

Bradleys Head Amphitheatre
Bradleys Head Amphitheatre

Another notable attraction at Bradleys Head is the Fortification Complex, which preserves numerous relics from Sydney’s military history. Built in the 19th century, this complex was part of Sydney Harbour’s defence system, designed to protect New South Wales from potential threats.

3. Taylors Bay

From Bradleys Head, continue along the walking trail as it winds alongside the road before veering into bushland, heading toward Taylors Bay.

Here, the trail transforms into a true bushwalk, surrounded by native trees like eucalyptus and ferns, and teeming with wildlife, including birds and lizards.

Taylors Bay in Mosman
Taylors Bay in Mosman

The track circles around Taylors Bay, with an option to take a short detour down to a small, secluded beach nestled in the bay.

If you can find this short path, it’s well worth the visit!

4. Clifton Gardens Reserve

After leaving Taylors Bay, the trail continues toward the Chowder Head peninsula before arriving at Clifton Gardens Reserve.

Clifton Gardens Reserve at Chowder Bay
Clifton Gardens Reserve at Chowder Bay

Clifton Gardens Reserve has been a beloved family picnic destination since the 19th century, and it’s easy to see why.

This picturesque spot features a rocky beach with a netted swimming enclosure, excellent BBQ and picnic facilities, a fenced playground, and convenient toilet amenities.

5. Chowder Bay

The trail continues along the beach at Clifton Gardens to Chowder Bay, an excellent spot to take a break with a coffee or a meal at one of the local cafes or restaurants.

Chowder Bay
Chowder Bay

Take your time to explore Chowder Bay and soak in the sweeping views of Sydney Harbour, with Clifton Gardens and Chowder Head to the south and Watsons Bay and South Head on the opposite side.

To continue on the main walking track, look for the signpost for Headland Park and Bungaree’s Walkway, located next to the cafe near the parking area.

Bungaree's Walkway in Chowder Bay
Bungaree’s Walkway in Chowder Bay

Bungaree’s Walkway is a short but steep path leading up to Headland Park and Georges Heights. This track connects with the Gunners Barracks, a former military post that now serves as a popular venue for weddings.

6. Georges Head Lookout

One of the standout highlights of the Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach walk is Georges Head Lookout, which can be accessed by following the path on the lawn behind the Gunners Barracks.

This popular lookout offers breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour, including North Head and South Head directly ahead and the city skyline to the west.

City views from Georges Head Lookout
City views from Georges Head Lookout

Beyond its impressive views, Georges Head Lookout is also home to historic military relics, including tunnels, battlements, and cannons, offering a glimpse into Sydney’s past.

7. Georges Heights

From Georges Head Lookout, return to the main walking track and continue north through the bush toward Middle Head.

The stretch through Georges Heights between Georges Head Lookout and Balmoral Beach offers breathtaking views of North Head, South Head, and the expansive ocean beyond.

Scenic views from Georges Heights
Scenic views from Georges Heights

Along the path, you’ll find several lookout points providing uninterrupted views, as well as a few benches perfect for taking a break and soaking in the stunning vistas that make Sydney so special.

The final stretch before reaching Balmoral Beach passes through a protected area where native trees thrive. This section features boardwalks and stairs elevated above the ground to safeguard the local vegetation from the spread of water mould in the soil.

Protected area in Headland Park
Protected area

While this part of the trail is fairly steep, the lush surroundings create the feeling of walking through a vibrant rainforest.

At the end of this section, the trail concludes at Balmoral Park, a spacious open field with an oval, a fitness station, as well as toilet and shower facilities.

8. Balmoral Beach

To reach Balmoral Beach, simply cross Balmoral Park and the car park on the opposite side.

Rotunda at Balmoral and Edwards Beach
Rotunda at Balmoral and Edwards Beach

Balmoral Beach is one of Sydney’s most popular family-friendly beaches, and it’s easy to see why when you get there.

The water here is usually calm, making it ideal for a relaxing swim. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants to choose from if you’d like to enjoy lunch in Balmoral before heading back to Taronga Zoo!

 

Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach Walk

 

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Author:

AJ Mens

AJ Mens is a digital publisher based in Sydney, Australia, and the editor-in-chief of Sydney Uncovered and Blue Mountains Uncovered.

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