Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach Walk

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[{"address":"Taronga Zoo Wharf","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.10218818160659443,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":-33.84584070195884,"longitude":151.23976898239115},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"Take the ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo Wharf. You can also take a bus from Mosman Junction if that works better for you. "},{"type":"link","content":"https://transportnsw.info/routes/details/sydney-ferries/f2/090F2"},{"metadata":{"width":800,"height":494},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FIICbuqNeE9YRFKimxW8F%2FAthol%20Beach%20on%20Sydney%20Harbour.jpg?alt=media&token=967cc0f6-0be1-451b-9160-815eff4a4605"},{"type":"text","content":"From the ferry wharf you can see this small beach, I am not sure what it's called but it can be a lovely spot for a dip in summer."}]},{"address":"563R+PR","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":-33.84573377327427,"longitude":151.24208641098002},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Athol Beach & Athol Hall"},{"type":"audio","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FIICbuqNeE9YRFKimxW8F%2F1%20Taronga%20Zoo%20to%20Balmoral.mp3?alt=media&token=320894fd-5ccb-4a93-bb51-27b8e1504d02"},{"type":"text","content":"This 6km long track will take you about 2 hours to complete if you do it at an average pace. You can also choose to finish the walk at the 4km point at Chowder Bay and backtrack to the wharf for the trip home. Alternatively, jump on a bus near Georges Head back to civilisation.\n\nWhat makes the Taronga to Balmoral walk unique is that even though the city skyline is just a couple of kilometres away, you feel like you are miles from any city while walking here.\n\n"},{"type":"text","content":"Also, check out my page for recommendations on restaurants along the way! "},{"type":"link","content":"https://sydneyexpert.com/taronga-zoo-balmoral-beach-walk/"},{"type":"text","content":"The first short detour off the walking trail is to one of the harbours best kept secret beaches Athol Beach. \n\nThis small beach can be reached along a track leading off the main trail. It’s a favourite spot for boaties who often anchor here to have lunch, swim and enjoy the view.\n\nThis beach is usually pretty empty and safe if you feel like a quiet swim.\n\n"},{"metadata":{"width":988,"height":565},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FIICbuqNeE9YRFKimxW8F%2FAthol-Hall-Cafe-Bradleys-Head-.jpeg?alt=media&token=606a1250-47ef-4d39-a351-0ecd6f7a9a58"},{"type":"text","content":"An alternate path will take you up the hill blob:https://app.freeguides.com/cb2b5fe9-8945-428c-8946-26a6f1bc5306to Athol Hall, a historic building dating from 1908. Initially, it was a private residence that became the Athol Gardens Hotel in the 1860s. For many years, it was a popular spot for dances and parties.\n\nThese days, NSW Parks and Wildlife owns the hall and operates as a cafe. For many years it was a popular wedding venue. "}]},{"address":"46WW+V6","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":-33.85286917320752,"longitude":151.2456044043427},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Bradleys Head Amphitheatre "},{"type":"audio","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FIICbuqNeE9YRFKimxW8F%2F2%20Taronga%20Zoo%20to%20Balmoral.mp3?alt=media&token=055db28c-b3ca-49b1-bfe3-4d5c104cf58d"},{"type":"text","content":"In 1895 the land along this part of the harbour was levelled after being found suitable for coal mining. Thankfully, protesters were able to halt the development and save the land for us all to enjoy."},{"metadata":{"width":963,"height":650},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FIICbuqNeE9YRFKimxW8F%2FViewfromBradleysHeadSydneyWalk.jpeg?alt=media&token=3cf419cf-8791-441c-bd61-7cad6345ec9f"},{"type":"text","content":"The headland is named after the first lieutenant of the first fleet ship, the HMS Sirius Lieutenant Bradley, a cartographer who mapped much of the colony during his time here."},{"type":"text","content":"The amphitheatre was built after the film Mission Impossible 2 used the site for a stunt involving Tom Cruise rescuing a hostage. These days it hosts weddings and occasionally musical performances.\n\nThe rock jetty is a favourite fishing spot and popular for wedding photos because of the perfect city backdrop behind it. In addition, the parkland provides a decent amount of shade for picnicking.\n\nBradley’s head is a great spot to watch the sunset and only a short walk back to the zoo wharf at dusk so you can make it back before dark.\n\nWalk on, and you will find a lighthouse at the point and some old military fortifications to explore; the most significant is the mast of HMAS Sydney, which you will find in the park at the headland. The HMAS Sydney battled the German ship Emden, in 1914 and was erected in 1934 to memorialise all Australian sailors killed in the war."},{"metadata":{"width":1000,"height":618},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FIICbuqNeE9YRFKimxW8F%2FBradleys-Head-Sydney-Picnic-spot.jpeg?alt=media&token=3d546b60-8217-47c9-84c0-a25332c70033"},{"type":"text","content":"One last oddity before we move on, look out into the water just before the lighthouse, and you will see a Doric-style column sticking up out of the water. The pillar was one of the original from the Sydney General Post Office. When the building was demolished, it was moved here to mark one nautical mile to Fort Denison.\n\nContinue on the track, which is now called Taylor’s Bay Track, to surprise surprise, Taylor’s Bay!"}]},{"address":"Ashton Park","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":-33.843932652532494,"longitude":151.24655119645007},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Taylors Bay"},{"type":"audio","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FIICbuqNeE9YRFKimxW8F%2F3%20Taronga%20Zoo%20to%20Balmoral.mp3?alt=media&token=6dc41413-dc7d-443f-83ef-67c256a1b7d5"},{"type":"text","content":"Continue on the track, which is now called Taylor’s Bay Track, to surprise surprise, Taylor’s Bay!"},{"metadata":{"width":963,"height":650},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FIICbuqNeE9YRFKimxW8F%2FKookaburra-on-the-Bradleys-Head-trail-Sydney-harbour.jpeg?alt=media&token=28a951f4-ae87-4507-87f5-5864cb180f30"},{"type":"text","content":"This track is bordered by a narrow strip of harbourside rainforest lined with Sydney Red Gums, and at times the scrub becomes quite thick. It’s very hard to believe you are just a few kilometres away from the busy city streets.\n"},{"type":"text","content":"If you go exploring here, you may find some Aboriginal engravings of kangaroos near a small stream."},{"metadata":{"width":976,"height":650},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FIICbuqNeE9YRFKimxW8F%2FBalmoral-track-views-Sydney-Harbour-.jpeg?alt=media&token=449d72fa-a064-4f45-8aaf-8518e4523237"},{"type":"text","content":""}]},{"address":"2 Iluka Rd","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.10218818160659443,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":-33.84380883245403,"longitude":151.2513202743077},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"Taylors Bay has a fascinating history; this is where three Japanese midget submarines entered Sydney Harbour during WW2 and fired a torpedo at HMAS Kuttabul, killing 21 sailors. \n\nOne of three subs was blown up by its own crew when it became caught in the netting installed to protect the harbour from a submarine attack. The other two submarines escaped.\n\nRead more about the Japanese subs in Sydney Harbour on the link below.\n\nToday it is a peaceful bay that is home to pleasure craft."},{"metadata":{"width":1000,"height":1333},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FIICbuqNeE9YRFKimxW8F%2F20180114_111612.jpg?alt=media&token=c66063f3-86af-4820-89f5-ce8e24d599bc"},{"type":"link","content":"https://www.navy.gov.au/history/feature-histories/japanese-midget-submarine-attack-sydney-harbour"}]},{"address":"Chowder Bay - Gooree","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":-33.83985683653533,"longitude":151.25213135256334},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Chowder Bay and Clifton Gardens\n"},{"type":"audio","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FIICbuqNeE9YRFKimxW8F%2F3%20Taronga%20Zoo%20to%20Balmoral.mp3?alt=media&token=4787ac76-aaa0-4ab9-99cb-1d7fdf5ddcaa"},{"type":"text","content":"In the 1830s, a whaling station was established in Mosman at what is now called Chowder Bay. \nThe bay got its name from the American whalers who made chowder from their catch while they were based here. By the 1890s, whaling had ceased, and a base was built for the Submarine Mining Corps.\n\n"},{"metadata":{"width":1000,"height":583},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FIICbuqNeE9YRFKimxW8F%2FChowder-Bay-Sydney-harbour.jpeg?alt=media&token=bc353c34-8b04-4304-8c32-ea436d93c0a3"},{"type":"text","content":"The bay provides a fantastic view of the harbour traffic, and the water off the bay is the starting point of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race."}]},{"address":"Building 11","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":-33.83845318135957,"longitude":151.25345735739103},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS)"},{"type":"audio","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FIICbuqNeE9YRFKimxW8F%2F5%20Taronga%20Zoo%20to%20Balmoral.mp3?alt=media&token=b80a5dd3-7306-4d5f-8c39-f914456588ff"},{"type":"text","content":"Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS) have taken over some of the old buildings and inside one is a small museum that highlights the area’s marine life. It also gives a lot of geographic detail on the harbour floor."},{"type":"text","content":"We enjoyed the virtual dive simulator that lets you pretend you are chasing fish in Sydney Harbour.\n\n"},{"metadata":{"width":941,"height":650},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FIICbuqNeE9YRFKimxW8F%2FSydney-Institute-of-Marine-Science-Virtual-Reality-.jpeg?alt=media&token=7c025038-46fc-48ae-8126-3bee0f9bfef3"},{"type":"text","content":"The centre is open to the public one weekend a month, and luckily this coincided with our last visit.\n\n"},{"type":"text","content":"From here, it’s decision time. If you have some energy left, you can continue to Balmoral; it’s about another 2km or 40 mins walk. In my opinion, Balmoral is one of the most beautiful harbour beaches.\n\nIf it’s time to stop, I suggest you check out one of the many cafes mentioned at the bottom of the page linked before catching the 244 bus back to Wynyard Station. The bus leaves from outside Drift Cafe on Chowder Bay Road."},{"type":"link","content":"https://sydneyexpert.com/taronga-zoo-balmoral-beach-walk/"}]},{"address":"George heights points","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":-33.836618318718415,"longitude":151.25828701138138},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# George Heights Point "},{"type":"audio","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FIICbuqNeE9YRFKimxW8F%2F6%20Taronga%20Zoo%20to%20Balmoral.mp3?alt=media&token=e7e828cc-5a20-4703-a5b8-c4184a7a174e"},{"type":"text","content":"If you are still with me, you need to walk up the stairs behind the buildings at Chowder Bay and continue along the road until it comes to Drift Cafe. Here you can either take a shortcut to Balmoral or continue straight to Middle Head.\n\nThe shortcut, known as Bungaree’s Walkway (dedicated to historic indigenous leader Bungaree), leads to George Head Lookout. Take the staircase to the cafe’s right and follow it until you see the sign for Gunners Barracks or Georges Heights Lookout."},{"metadata":{"width":1000,"height":1156},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FIICbuqNeE9YRFKimxW8F%2F20190908_122031.jpg?alt=media&token=915c7950-8571-4338-a894-e886cc71f209"},{"type":"text","content":"While the stairs are tough on the knees, and a cardio workout. The hard work pays off when you reach the top and take in the Georges Heights lookout with its 180-degree views over the harbour and across to Manly, Vaucluse and the city.\n\nThis area is part of Headlands Park. Along with the lookout, there is also an artists village to explore here if you have time. "},{"metadata":{"width":800,"height":493},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FIICbuqNeE9YRFKimxW8F%2FNorth%20Head%20from%20Middle%20Harbour%20Sydney%20harbour%20walk.jpg?alt=media&token=55f3af06-57b7-4e9f-a621-7af078de1813"},{"metadata":{"width":800,"height":479},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FIICbuqNeE9YRFKimxW8F%2FSydney-Harbour-walk-Middle-Harbour-Headland-Park.jpeg?alt=media&token=15d49307-e9aa-4be9-9ae8-2e0e87761e98"}]},{"address":"Middle Head – Gubbuh Gubbuh","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":-33.8271791492681,"longitude":151.26810948494102},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Middle Head "},{"type":"audio","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FIICbuqNeE9YRFKimxW8F%2F7%20Taronga%20Zoo%20to%20Balmoral.mp3?alt=media&token=0c4718f5-7018-45cf-beda-7feb4e16ed3b"},{"type":"text","content":"When you are ready to move on, retrace your steps to the main track and follow it until it comes out on Middle Head Road. Cross the road and head down the staircase to Balmoral Beach.\n\nThe alternate route continues along Chowder Bay Road and past Obelisk Beach, which is clothing optional if you fancy a swim and do not bring your bathers."},{"type":"text","content":"Head to the right and continue to Middle Head before you retrace your steps and walk up a steep Middle Head Road. Keep walking until you come to a long metal staircase leading down to Balmoral Beach.\n\n"},{"metadata":{"width":293,"height":172},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FIICbuqNeE9YRFKimxW8F%2Fmiddle%20head%20.jpeg?alt=media&token=45b429ca-5439-4f33-9e81-20da3b5770c6"}]},{"address":"29 The Esplanade","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":-33.825697539883926,"longitude":151.25165751240522},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Balmoral Beach "},{"type":"audio","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FIICbuqNeE9YRFKimxW8F%2F8%20Taronga%20Zoo%20to%20Balmoral.mp3?alt=media&token=4890beb0-7eeb-4f2a-82b0-0609bd0037fd"},{"type":"text","content":"The prettiest harbour beach in Sydney Harbour, Balmoral offers its visitors calm, clear waters, a lovely shaded park, excellent harbour views from Rocky Point and lots of food options from fine dining, great takeaway fish and chips.\n\nI suggest grabbing some seafood and salad and heading to Rocky Point or the shaded area by the beach for a picnic. The potato scallops are too good; we usually try to balance them with some healthy seafood salad and fresh prawns, so we don’t feel quite so guilty!"},{"metadata":{"width":1000,"height":595},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FIICbuqNeE9YRFKimxW8F%2FBalmoralRotunda.jpeg?alt=media&token=36c076d3-0a0b-4469-8841-a355bd1f614d"},{"type":"text","content":"Balmoral is named after a castle in Scotland and in the 1880s was home to an artists' camp. In the early 1920s, a ferry brought daytrippers to the area and shortly after, a tram line opened, and Sydneysiders far and wide discovered the beauty of the area.\n\nI am particularly fond of the gorgeous rotunda above built in the 1930s"},{"metadata":{"width":930,"height":650},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FIICbuqNeE9YRFKimxW8F%2FBathers-Pavillion-Balmoral-Sydney-.jpeg?alt=media&token=677939f7-ac04-46a9-b027-a667ff1db4c2"},{"type":"text","content":"Thankfully, this gorgeous old tree survived the 1920s beach redevelopment.\n "},{"type":"text","content":"These days, while still incredibly popular with locals and those in the know, the area does not attract anywhere near the number of visitors as Bondi or Manly and is perfect if you want to get a little off the beaten track.\n\n"}]},{"address":"Rocky Point Island","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.10218818160659443,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":-33.82312070147563,"longitude":151.25221629554218},"media":[{"metadata":{"width":1000,"height":1000},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FIICbuqNeE9YRFKimxW8F%2F20171007_151130-02.jpeg?alt=media&token=dba485bd-c5a2-4616-b599-23d268bf83d8"},{"type":"text","content":"Rocky Point Island makes a brilliant spot for lunch. You can choose to look back over Balmoral Beach or sit looking out to the head and the harbour traffic. "},{"metadata":{"width":578,"height":462},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FIICbuqNeE9YRFKimxW8F%2FView%20to%20North%20Head%20from%20Rocky%20Point%20at%20Balmoral.jpg?alt=media&token=f0fe5b36-91ac-4500-bcd7-7f8429cc3da6"}]},{"address":"6 The Esplanade","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.10218818160659443,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":-33.82153415727777,"longitude":151.25127215796894},"media":[{"type":"link","content":"https://transportnsw.info/routes/bus"},{"metadata":{"width":900,"height":1600},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FIICbuqNeE9YRFKimxW8F%2FUntitled%20design%20(1).png?alt=media&token=a68fc598-590f-4be8-8c4f-0ef8eef0b15b"},{"type":"text","content":"The walk ends here at Edward Beach.\n\nThere are two buses that depart from here. One, the 114 will take you to Mosman Junction where you can change to a city bus. \n\nThe other, the 238, goes to Taronga Wharf for the ferry back. \n\nOf course you can retrace your steps and do the whole thing in reverse for a real workout! "}]}]