Taronga Zoo & Clifton Gardens via Sirius Cove

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Safer Bushwalks Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.

Getting There Transport options and directions

Start	(-33.8456825,151.2395956)
Mode	Bus Car (There is free parking available.) Ferry
Directions	From Bradfield Highway, Milsons Point. Turn on to Warringah Freeway, M1 then drive for 65 m Keep right onto Warringah Freeway, M1 and drive for another 1.3 km Keep right onto Military Road Offramp, A8 and drive for another 260 m Continue onto Military Road, A8 and drive for another 1.9 km Turn right onto Belmont Road and drive for another 310 m At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Belmont Road and drive for another 260 m At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Belmont Road and drive for another 620 m Turn right onto Military Road and drive for another 300 m At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Bradleys Head Road and drive for another 910 m At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Bradleys Head Road and drive for another 1.6 km

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From the wharf, the walk heads uphill along the footpath beside the road to the Taronga Zoo entrance at the pedestrian crossing.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start heading along Bradleys Head Road. After another 230 m continue straight, to head along Bradleys Head Road. After another 9 m find the "Taronga Zoo" (on your left). Taronga Zoo Taronga Zoo was founded in 1916, with the vision of imitating the Hamburg Zoo's bar-less exhibits. Since its opening, Taronga Zoo has directed more attention to research, education and conservation efforts to support the animals. Taronga Zoo is open everyday 9am- 5pm. Phone: +61 2 9969 2777 or email: groups@zoo.nsw.gov.au. After another 15 m pass the toilet (15 m on your left).
	Turn right. After another 35 m continue straight. After another 30 m continue straight.
	After another 225 m continue straight.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Athol Hall. To start this optional side trip turn sharp left here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 85 m continue straight. After another 20 m come to the "Lookout" (35 m on your right). After another 630 m continue straight. After another 50 m pass the toilet (on your left). Continue straight. After another 10 m pass the water tap (8 m on your right). Then find the "HMAS Sydney Memorial Mast" (6 m on your right). HMAS Sydney Memorial Mast The HMAS Sydney Memorial Mast was erected in 1934, following the HMAS Sydney's decommissioning in 1928. The mast stands as a sign of respect for 'Australian officers, sailors and ships lost at sea and in combat'. HMAS Sydney itself was a Chatham Class light cruiser which saw action in WW1. After another 35 m pass the "Bradleys Head Lighthouse" (65 m on your right).
	Veer left, to head along Bradleys Head Road. After another 115 m continue straight, to head along Bradleys Head Road.
	After another 30 m turn right. After another 8 m pass the shelter (10 m on your left). After another 610 m continue straight.
	After another 660 m continue straight.
	After another 400 m veer right.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Chowder Head. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip continue straight when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 155 m turn left.
	After another 125 m veer left.
	After another 160 m turn right. Then head up the steps (about 60 m long) Then find the "Morella St lookout" (on your right). Morella St lookout This informally named clearing behind some houses on Morella St provides a great view across the harbour. The fairly large clearing has been maintained and is a good place to stop if wanting to avoid the large groups at Clifton Gardens.
	After another 60 m turn right. Then head up the steps (about 30 m long)
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Chowder Bay Lower Gate. To start this optional side trip veer right here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 105 m veer left. After another 30 m pass the water tap (7 m on your right). After another 30 m veer left. Then head up the steps (about 35 m long)
	Veer left. After another 30 m pass a seat (25 m on your left). After another 15 m continue straight. Then head up the steps (about 35 m long)
	Turn right, to head along Morella Street.
	After another 370 m turn right, to head along Clifton Street.
	After another 135 m (at the intersection of Thompson Street & Burrawong Avenue) turn right, to head along Thompson Street. After another 70 m (at the intersection of Thompson Street & Buena Vista Avenue) continue straight, to head along Thompson Street. After another 45 m (at the intersection of Thompson Street & Silex Road) continue straight, to head along Thompson Street. After another 55 m (at the intersection of Thompson Street & Saint Elmo Street) continue straight, to head along Thompson Street.
	After another 115 m continue straight. After another 110 m (at the intersection of Thompson Street & Ruby Street) continue straight, to head along Thompson Street.
	After another 90 m (at the intersection of Prince Albert Street & Thompson Street) turn left, to head along Prince Albert Street (a highway\|tertiary). After another 40 m (at the intersection of Lennox Street & Prince Albert Street) turn right, to head along Lennox Street (a residential road). After another 240 m pass the car park (15 m on your left). After another 15 m head up the steps (about 45 m long)
	Turn left, to head along Sirius Cove Road. After another 115 m (at the intersection of Sirius Cove Road & Curlew Camp Road) continue straight, to head along Sirius Cove Road. After another 55 m pass the toilet (5 m on your left). After another 125 m find the "Sirius Cove Reserve" (20 m on your right). Sirius Cove Reserve Sirius Cove Reserve is next to the sandy beach of Little Sirius Cove, Mosman. The reserve is open and grassy, with a few picnic tables, a fenced playground and drinking fountain at the western end, and a toilet block at the eastern end. The beach has no surf and faces south to Cremorne Point. Road access is via Sirius Cove Road.
	Turn left. After another 215 m continue straight.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Camp Curlew. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 235 m turn left. After another 305 m continue straight. After another 35 m pass the "Taronga Zoo Cafe" (25 m on your right). After another 2 m continue straight. After another 10 m continue straight. After another 100 m pass a seat (on your right).
	After another 110 m turn sharp left, to head along Bradleys Head Road.
	After another 230 m come to the end.

An optional side trip to Athol Hall.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. Then head down the steps (about 30 m long) After another 45 m head down the steps (about 3 m long) About 15 m past the end is a toilet. About 30 m past the end is "Athol Hall". Athol Hall Athol Hall, built in 1908, was once a hotel. Sections of the original building date back to the 1800's. The hall has an excellent vantage point over the harbour with the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and city all well within its scope. Athol Hall today is a cafe and function centre with the cafe open Tues-Fri and Sun, 11am -3pm.
	The end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 75 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

Start.

Then head down the steps (about 30 m long)

After another 45 m head down the steps (about 3 m long)

About 15 m past the end is a toilet.

About 30 m past the end is "Athol Hall".

Athol Hall

Athol Hall, built in 1908, was once a hotel. Sections of the original building date back to the 1800's. The hall has an excellent vantage point over the harbour with the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and city all well within its scope. Athol Hall today is a cafe and function centre with the cafe open Tues-Fri and Sun, 11am -3pm.

The end.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 75 m to the main route.

An optional side trip to Chowder Head.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. About 60 m past the end is "Chowder Head". Chowder Head Chowder Head provides a small unfenced rocky outcrop to enjoy the wide harbour views. From this vantage point, there are views across the water to South Head, Vaucluse, Rose Bay, Shark Island and Bradleys Head. A great spot to watch the sailing boats on a clear day.
	The end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 20 m to the main route.

An optional side trip to Chowder Bay Lower Gate.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. After 130 m find the "Clifton Gardens Reserve" (10 m on your left). Clifton Gardens Reserve Clifton Gardens was developed as a picnic spot in the late 1800s, with a local hotelier building a wharf and dance pavilion. In 1909, Sydney Ferries Ltd purchased the estate, and further developed the area, including a large swimming enclosure. The structure burned down in 1956. Today, Clifton Gardens is touted as 'remnant bushland', offering birdwatching, a netted swimming enclosure, change rooms, a fenced playground, and of course, spectacular views over Chowder Bay. A short bush track leads through to Rawson Oval. Then pass the water tap (on your right).
	Continue straight. After another 90 m pass the toilet (55 m on your left). This toilet is wheelchair accessible. sunrise-sunset After another 15 m pass the playground (25 m on your left).
	Turn right. After another 125 m find the "Bacino Kiosk" (on your left). Bacino Kiosk The Bacino Kiosk, just next to Clifton Gardens, is a smaller version of the Bacino Bar above at Chowder Bay. This kiosk supplies passers-by with a home-blend coffee and sandwiches, and all at a reasonable price ($5-12). The Kiosk is open from 7am-4pm every day, except Christmas and bad weather. About 40 m past the end is "Ripples at Chowder Bay". W:www.aquadining.com.au
	The end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 330 m to the main route.

An optional side trip to Camp Curlew.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. After another 115 m come to "Camp Curlew". Camp Curlew Camp Curlew was created in 1890 as an artists' retreat, as was popular at the time. Artists of the day would visit for long periods (although women were not permitted to stay overnight), enjoying the surrounds and painting some of Australia's most prized works. Arthur Streeton is a notable artist who stayed at the camp. The site was less than rustic, with tents to accommodate billiards and dining, and also a hired cook and youth to help with odd jobs. Camp Curlew was abandoned after the siting of Taronga Zoo in the area in 1912. "Lookout".
	The end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 115 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

Start.

After another 115 m come to "Camp Curlew".

Camp Curlew

Camp Curlew was created in 1890 as an artists' retreat, as was popular at the time. Artists of the day would visit for long periods (although women were not permitted to stay overnight), enjoying the surrounds and painting some of Australia's most prized works. Arthur Streeton is a notable artist who stayed at the camp. The site was less than rustic, with tents to accommodate billiards and dining, and also a hired cook and youth to help with odd jobs. Camp Curlew was abandoned after the siting of Taronga Zoo in the area in 1912.

"Lookout".

The end.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 115 m to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Taronga Zoo & Clifton Gardens via Sirius Cove

Grading

	Class 3/6 Moderate track
Length	6.8 km
Time	2 h 30 min to 3 h 30 min

Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)

Some facilities on route

Shelter: There is one 1.5 km from the start.

Toilet: There are 5 on route, on average they are 1.2 km apart with the largest gap of 2.7 km.

Seat: There are 2 on route, on average they are 2.3 km apart with the largest gap of 4 km.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Toilet	255 m	[toilet]
Toilet	630 m + 80 m	[toilet]
Toilet	1.3 km	[toilet]
Shelter	1.5 km	[shelter]
Toilet	3.8 km + 190 m	[toilet]
Seat	4 km	[seat]
Toilet	5.5 km	[toilet]
Seat	6.5 km	[seat]

Articles Discover more details to thrive on track

Taronga Zoo
Taronga Zoo was founded in 1916, with the vision of imitating the Hamburg Zoo's bar-less exhibits. Since its opening, Taronga Zoo has directed more attention to research, education and conservation efforts to support the animals. Taronga Zoo is open everyday 9am- 5pm. Phone: +61 2 9969 2777 or email: groups@zoo.nsw.gov.au.

Athol Hall
Athol Hall, built in 1908, was once a hotel. Sections of the original building date back to the 1800's. The hall has an excellent vantage point over the harbour with the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and city all well within its scope. Athol Hall today is a cafe and function centre with the cafe open Tues-Fri and Sun, 11am -3pm.

HMAS Sydney Memorial Mast
The HMAS Sydney Memorial Mast was erected in 1934, following the HMAS Sydney's decommissioning in 1928. The mast stands as a sign of respect for 'Australian officers, sailors and ships lost at sea and in combat'. HMAS Sydney itself was a Chatham Class light cruiser which saw action in WW1.

Chowder Head
Chowder Head provides a small unfenced rocky outcrop to enjoy the wide harbour views. From this vantage point, there are views across the water to South Head, Vaucluse, Rose Bay, Shark Island and Bradleys Head. A great spot to watch the sailing boats on a clear day.

Morella St lookout
This informally named clearing behind some houses on Morella St provides a great view across the harbour. The fairly large clearing has been maintained and is a good place to stop if wanting to avoid the large groups at Clifton Gardens.

Bacino Kiosk
The Bacino Kiosk, just next to Clifton Gardens, is a smaller version of the Bacino Bar above at Chowder Bay. This kiosk supplies passers-by with a home-blend coffee and sandwiches, and all at a reasonable price ($5-12). The Kiosk is open from 7am-4pm every day, except Christmas and bad weather.

Sirius Cove Reserve
Sirius Cove Reserve is next to the sandy beach of Little Sirius Cove, Mosman. The reserve is open and grassy, with a few picnic tables, a fenced playground and drinking fountain at the western end, and a toilet block at the eastern end. The beach has no surf and faces south to Cremorne Point. Road access is via Sirius Cove Road.

Camp Curlew
Camp Curlew was created in 1890 as an artists' retreat, as was popular at the time. Artists of the day would visit for long periods (although women were not permitted to stay overnight), enjoying the surrounds and painting some of Australia's most prized works. Arthur Streeton is a notable artist who stayed at the camp. The site was less than rustic, with tents to accommodate billiards and dining, and also a hired cook and youth to help with odd jobs. Camp Curlew was abandoned after the siting of Taronga Zoo in the area in 1912.

Get more information
Wildwalks

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Sydney Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon
  
  Tuesday 29 April
  
  24°C
  Showers developing.
  80% chance of rain
  1 → 10mm
  
  Partly cloudy. The chance of fog in the outer west early this morning. High chance of showers, most likely during this afternoon and evening. The chance of a thunderstorm in the afternoon. Light winds becoming southerly 15 to 20 km/h in the middle of the day then becoming light in the evening.
  
  Fire Danger Rating: No Rating
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 9:40am to 1:50pm, UV Index predicted to reach 4 [Moderate]
  
  Wednesday 30 April
  
  15°C → 21°C
  Showers.
  90% chance of rain
  4 → 25mm
  
  Partly cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely from the late morning. The chance of a thunderstorm. Winds south to southwesterly 25 to 35 km/h.
  
  Thursday 1 May
  
  14°C → 20°C
  Showers.
  95% chance of rain
  6 → 35mm
  
  Cloudy. Very high chance of showers. The chance of a thunderstorm. Winds southwesterly 20 to 30 km/h turning southerly 25 to 35 km/h during the morning.
  
  Friday 2 May
  
  13°C → 21°C
  Showers.
  80% chance of rain
  1 → 10mm
  
  Partly cloudy. High chance of showers. Winds south to southwesterly 15 to 25 km/h becoming light during the evening.
  
  Saturday 3 May
  
  14°C → 23°C
  Shower or two.
  70% chance of rain
  0 → 7mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers. Winds southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h turning southeasterly during the day.
  
  Sunday 4 May
  
  15°C → 23°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 3mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers. Light winds becoming easterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day.
  
  Monday 5 May
  
  15°C → 24°C
  Possible shower.
  40% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Light winds becoming east to northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Sydney Harbour National Park alerts
  Closed areas: Manly Scenic Walkway partial closure
  The Castle Rock Track section of Manly Scenic Walkway is closed from Monday 28 April until further notice due to maintenance works by Northern Beaches Council.
  Detours will be in place:
  
  Walkers heading west should exit Grotto Point track, head north along Barrabooka track, onto Barrabooka Street and turn left onto Ogilvy Road. Then walk down Ogilvy Road to re-enter Castle Rock track and continue west along Clontarf track.
  
  Walkers heading east along Clontarf track should turn left at the intersection with Castle Rock track, head east along Ogilvy Road, turn right at Barrabooka Street and continue onto Barrabooka track. Then head east on Grotto Point track.
  
  For more information, please contact Northern Beaches Council.
  
  Other planned events: North Head Scenic Drive gate opening times
  The North Head Scenic Drive gate opening times are:
  
  AEDT From 7 October 2024 to 6 April 2025 - from 5am to 8.30pm
  
  AEST From 7 April 2025 to 5 October 2025 - from 6am to 6pm
  
  Closed areas: Bluefish Point closed
  The Bluefish Point bushland area is closed to public access for public safety and to protect the landscape and important plant and animal communities. Access to rock pools is difficult and dangerous. Please stay on sign-posted walking tracks when visiting Sydney Harbour National Park for your safety and observe warning signs in the area.
  
  Closed areas: Collins Beach Road drainage improvement works
  Major drainage improvement works are planned for Collins Beach Road during the week commencing 10 March 2025. Collins Beach Road will be closed for the duration of the works and signs will be displayed advising of the closure. Visitors wishing to access Collins Beach are advised to use the Stuart St Manly access track.
  Works are expected to be completed in the week commencing 31 March - weather permitting.
  
  Closed areas: Fort Denison closed
  Service upgrades and extensive conservation works on the fort are ongoing through to mid-2025.
  Fort Denison – Muddawahnyuh remains closed to visitors during this time.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance.
  Standard work hours during the construction phase will be between:
  
  7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday
  
  8am to 1pm on Saturday
  
  For more information, visit the project webpage or email us. Visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.
  
  Other planned events: 1080 pest management operation
  NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will be conducting a baiting program using manufactured baits, fresh baits and Canid Pest Ejectors (CPEs) containing 1080 poison (sodium fluroacetate) for the control of foxes.
  The program is continuous and ongoing between Saturday 1 February 2025 and Thursday 31 July 2025 in the following areas of Sydney Harbour National Park:
  
  Chowder Bay
  
  Dobroyd Head
  
  Bradleys Head
  
  Georges Head
  
  Middle Head
  
  North Head (North Head includes the adjoining land of Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, Australian Institute of Police Management and Quarantine Station).
  
  Please don’t touch baits or ejector devices. All baiting locations are identifiable by signs.
  Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW national parks and reserves. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
  Fox baiting in these reserves is aimed at reducing their impact on threatened species.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local park office on:
  Middle Head: 02 9960 6266 (business hours)
  NPWS after-hours call centre: 1300 056 294 (after hours)
  North Head Sanctuary, Many (Harbour Trust Lands): 02 8969 2128 (business hours).
  
  Closed areas: North Head partial closure
  Some parts of North Head in Sydney Harbour National Park are closed due to fire damage and geological instability. The closed areas include:
  
  Bluefish Point
  
  Wastewater Treatment Plant emergency access road
  
  The following areas, and the bushland surrounding them, are also closed due to steep and unstable ground:
  
  Old Man's Hat
  
  Cannae Point
  
  Quarantine Head
  
  Do not enter the closed areas.
  Open areas include:
  
  Q Station
  
  North Head Sanctuary and Bella Vista Cafe (entry via North Fort)
  
  The track between Shelly Beach and Bluefish Drive
  
  Bluefish Drive to the Avenue of Honour
  
  Collins Flat Beach
  
  Fairfax track
  
  Burragula and Yiningma lookouts
  
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the National Parks Contact Centre on 1300 072 757 or Sydney North area office on 02 9451 3479 between 9.30am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service

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