Taronga Zoo to Chowder Bay

A ferry ride across Sydney Harbour is a great way to start any short walk, and as this walk starts at Taronga Zoo ferry wharf, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy the much-loved ride from Circular Quay to Taronga. Part of the 6 km Taronga to Balmora Beach Walk, the track is a mix of graded gravel and rough limestone steps, generally quite flat except towards the Chowder Bay end, where we descend to the water level.

Once docked at Taronga, head out of the wharf and turn right at Athol Wharf Rd. Walking uphill for a few minutes, a sealed path commences on the right of the road. Following this path, you walk below the road level, heading around the bay towards Bradley’s Head.

A few hundred metres along you’ll pass Athol Hall, a grand old estate with a cafe (that hosts functions) and a view to die for. Continuing on, you’ll soon be walking along the cliffs above the bay, with a stunning south-easterly view of the city, Opera House and bridge.

At Bradley’s Head, take time to wander out onto the limestone jetty which juts out from a man-made amphitheatre – very popular with local anglers. Kids will also love the impressive remains of convict-built cannon batteries, and the mast of HMAS Sydney (the first one), erected on the headland. There are toilets available too.

Heading around the point, and on from Bradley’s Head, we walk north towards Taylor’s Bay, a lush, shady bay that hosts a great collection of birds, butterflies and spiders! Tall walkers might keep an eye out for dangling arachnids, weaving their huge webs. Taylor’s Bay is also where the Japanese midget-sub came to rest after it’s WWII torpedo raid in Sydney Harbour.

The last section of the walk includes a descent from Chowder Head to Chowder Bay, a sharp, rocky beach that’s great for crab hunting.

Walking Trail Map

(Start at red marker)