The short walking track from Taronga Zoo Wharf to Sirius Cove Beach is a scenic, family-friendly trail with lovely views of Sydney Harbour along the way.
While most people walk to Bradleys Head from the ferry wharf, the trail in the other direction to Sirius Cove Reserve is just as picturesque, with short side paths to Whiting Beach and Curlew Camp.
| Taronga Zoo Wharf to Sirius Cove Reserve | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 1.5 km (one way, including side trails) |
| Duration: | 1 hour |
| Grade: | Easy (some steps) |
| Dogs: | On a lead |
Getting There
Since the walk starts at the Taronga Zoo ferry wharf, the best way to get there is by ferry from Circular Quay. Ferries run about three to four times per hour.
Instead of returning the same way from Sirius Cove, you can continue walking to either Mosman Bay Wharf or South Mosman Wharf and catch a ferry back to Circular Quay from there.
If you prefer to drive, the best place to park is along Sirius Cove Road in Mosman, at the other end of the walk.
Find the entire walk in this interactive map.
Track Notes
The walk is easy to follow, reasonably well-maintained, and suitable for all ages and fitness levels. There are some stairs, but the track never gets steep.
On a warm summer’s day, bring your swimmers, as both Whiting Beach and Sirius Cove Beach are great spots for a quick dip.
1. Start of the Walk
From the Taronga Zoo ferry wharf, look for the walking path just behind the now-decommissioned cable car building.
The first part of the walk, between the wharf and Whiting Beach, follows a boardwalk with several sets of steps.
As you make your way along the track, you’ll enjoy fantastic views of Sydney Harbour on your left, with a few spots where you can pause and take it all in.
After just a few hundred metres, you’ll catch your first glimpses of the beautiful Whiting Beach.
2. Whiting Beach
To reach Whiting Beach, follow the path that leads down to the sand via a series of steps. It’s not very steep, and the path is easy to follow.
One of the perks of living in Sydney is having access to so many secluded beaches scattered around the Harbour, some easy to find, others a bit more hidden.
Whiting Beach is one of those quiet, beautiful spots, offering great views of the Harbour and city skyline. In summer, it can get a little busy at times, including on the water with boats sailing past, but overall, it’s a lovely place to spend a few hours.
Note that dogs aren’t allowed on this beach. However, they are welcome at Sirius Cove Beach nearby.
3. Little Sirius Point
From Whiting Beach, the path soon reaches an unmarked junction where you can turn left to visit Little Sirius Point.
It’s a short 150-metre side trail that’s well worth doing, as the views at the end are pretty special.
The path isn’t as clearly defined or maintained as the main trail, but it’s still an easy stroll.
It leads to an open, rocky area with panoramic views of the Harbour, the city skyline, Curraghbeena Point, and Bradleys Head.
4. Curlew Camp
Heading back to the main walking track from Little Sirius Point, you’ll soon arrive at a signposted junction for the trail to Curlew Camp.
Like the previous side trail, it’s a short detour that’s well worth doing, offering a glimpse into an interesting chapter of Sydney’s history.
Curlew Camp was a secluded spot along the foreshore below Taronga Zoo where many artists came for inspiration between the late 1800s and 1912.
Among them were some of Australia’s most distinguished and innovative painters, including Tom Roberts, Arthur Streeton, and Julian Ashton.
The path leads to a lookout platform overlooking Sirius Cove, with information boards that share more about this unique location on Sydney Harbour.
To return to the main trail, simply retrace your steps to the junction and turn left to continue the final stretch to Sirius Cove Reserve.
5. Sirius Cove Reserve
After around 400 metres along this final stretch, you’ll reach beautiful Sirius Cove Reserve, with the beach on your left and a large grassy area just behind it.
The reserve is spacious and well-equipped, featuring picnic tables, a fenced playground, a drinking fountain, and a toilet/shower block. It’s also dog-friendly, with off-leash access allowed both in the park and on the beach.
As mentioned earlier, you can return to the ferry wharf via the same path, or for a change of scenery, cross the reserve and continue walking to South Mosman Wharf.
That wharf is about 800 metres away and has regular ferry services back to Circular Quay.
Thanks AJ for all that detailed information.
Thank you Jacob, you are most welcome.