Taronga Zoo to Spit Bridge

Taronga Zoo to Spit Bridge

3 h 45 min to 5 h

10.4 km
oneway

↑ 355 m
↓ -343 m

Hard track

This is a scenic and culturally rich walk with views over Sydney Harbour and many interesting heritage buildings along the way. The start at the zoo allows for a possible visit. The walk then passes the Bacino Bar on the way through the military heritage buildings. This is an excellent walk to do on a hot summer's day, with access to beautiful beaches along the whole walk. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Current Alerts

Sydney Harbour National Park alerts

Looking Down road from Lower end of Taronga Zoo

An inviting view on track near Taronga Zoo

Atholl Hall

The amphitheater at Bradleys Head

Track on western side of Bradleys head

Track over Chowder Head

Steps above Clifton Gardens

Chowder Bay

Balmoral beach

Chinamans Beach

View out from rocky headland

Spit Rd

Spit Bridge footpath

Ellery's Punt Reserve

PDF | GPX

Downloads GPX PDF

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	From the Bradleys Head Road (near the Gibbon attraction) (-33.8457205,151.2397244)
Mode	Bus Car (There is free parking available.) Ferry
Directions	From Military Road, A8 Turn on to Military Road then drive for 950 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
Finish	(-33.8002434,151.2468681)
Mode (end)	Car Shuttle Bus Car (There is free parking available.)

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
	From the Bradleys Head Road Start (a footpath). Find the emergency call device at the start. Find the seat at the start. , has a backrest. Find the seat at the start. , has a backrest. Then pass the "Taronga Zoo Cafe" (30 m on your right). After another 8 m pass a seat (50 m on your right)., has a backrest. After another 115 m pass a seat (on your right).
	After another 100 m (from the Bradleys Head Road) turn right, to head along Bradleys Head Road (a road). After another 10 m find the "Taronga Zoo" (5 m 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 (20 m on your left). From the Bradleys Head Road turn right (a footpath). After another 35 m continue straight.
	After another 30 m continue straight. After another 225 m continue straight. Keep right. After another 75 m pass the toilet (85 m on your left). Then find the "Athol Hall" (100 m on your left). 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 starting point of an alternate route. A shorter alternate route linking Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Athol Hall Trk to Int. Borogegal Walking Trail. To take the alternate route turn sharp left here. Details below. After another 8 m continue straight. After another 30 m come to the "Lookout" (45 m on your right).
	After another 620 m turn left. Then head up the steps (about 50 m long) Then pass the toilet (30 m on your right).
	After another 40 m (from the Bradleys Head Road) turn right, to head along Bradleys Head Road (a highway\|tertiary). After another 25 m find the "HMAS Sydney Memorial Mast" (45 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 30 m pass the "Bradleys Head Lighthouse" (115 m on your right).
	After another 90 m (from the Bradleys Head Road) veer left (a footpath). After another 620 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 55 m turn right. Then head up the steps (about 30 m long) After another 115 m pass the "Clifton Gardens Car Park" (55 m on your left). This car park is wheelchair accessible.
	Continue straight. After another 145 m pass the water tap (on your right). Then find the "Clifton Gardens Reserve" (15 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. After another 115 m pass the toilet (70 m on your left). This toilet is wheelchair accessible. sunrise-sunset Then pass the playground (30 m on your left).
	After another 6 m turn right. After another 130 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. After another 85 m head up the steps (about 9 m long) Then pass the "Ripples at Chowder Bay" (20 m on your left). W:www.aquadining.com.au After another 15 m veer right.
	After another 80 m turn left. After another 5 m turn right. After another 10 m find the "Chowder Bay" (on your left). Chowder Bay Chowder Bay looks over Sydney Harbour, to Vaucluse and Rose Bay. The bay is named after the food of the American whalers stationed at Clifton Gardens, 'clam chowder'. Chowder Bay then became a Submarine Mining Depot in 1889. Today, Chowder Bay still has great views from the remaining military buildings on the hillside. One of the newer buildings houses a cafe, and other buildings stand as monuments to their former use. Chowder Bay offers great views with easy access to Clifton Gardens for a swim. After another 4 m turn right.
	After another 6 m (from the Chowder Bay Road) turn left (a footpath). After another 8 m pass the toilet (40 m on your right). After another 15 m find the "Bacino Cafe" (30 m on your right). Bacino Cafe The Bacino Bar is in Building No.2 at Chowder Bay, with great views across Sydney Harbour. The bar sells pastas, panini, arancini, tramezzini, stuffed eggplant and biscotti, along with homemade sandwiches and treats. The Bacino Bar prices are reasonable, ranging between $5-12 for the delicacies, and their coffee is made of their own blend. The bar is open every day from 7am- 4pm except for Christmas. A public toilet is available at the Eastern end of the building.
	After another 250 m turn sharp left.
	After another 20 m turn right. After another 65 m pass the "The Gunners Barracks" (10 m on your right).
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip taking you to the Georges Heights Gun Emplacement. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. From the Suakin Drive turn left (a footpath). After another 6 m veer right. After another 400 m find the "WW1 Hospital" (30 m on your left). WW1 Hospital This military hospital was in use from 1916 to 1923, and could treat up to 420 troops at any one time. Sydney Harbour Trust completed restoration of the buildings mid-2005. These buildings are New South Wales' only surviving military hospital buildings from WW1. Continue straight. Then pass the water tap (on your left).
	After another 270 m (from the Middle Head Road) continue straight. After another 45 m head up the steps (about 350 m long)
	Turn right.
	After another 340 m turn right.
	After another 185 m turn right. After another 20 m turn right. After another 310 m pass the toilet (125 m on your left). This toilet is wheelchair accessible. sunrise-sunset After another 75 m pass the water tap (20 m on your left). After another 15 m pass the "The Boathouse Balmoral Beach" (8 m on your right). T:+61 2 9974 5440 Mo-Su 07:00-16:00
	Continue straight. After another 25 m pass the "Balmoral Beach Kiosk" (35 m on your left). Mo-Su 06:30-16:00 After another 45 m pass the water tap (20 m on your left). After another 6 m pass the toilet (25 m on your left). After another 20 m pass the "Public Dining Room" (20 m on your left). This restaurant is wheelchair accessible.
	Continue straight. After another 10 m pass the water tap (on your left). After another 125 m pass the "Café Balmoral" (55 m on your left). Then pass the "Bottom of the Harbour" (55 m on your left). Then pass the "Bottom of the Harbour" (60 m on your left). After another 240 m pass the "Hunter Park" (55 m on your left). Then pass the "Tramshed" (15 m on your left). This toilet is wheelchair accessible. sunrise-sunset After another 75 m pass the "La Republica" (115 m on your left). This cafe is wheelchair accessible.
	Veer right.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Rocky Point. To start this optional side trip veer right here. On returning from this side trip turn sharp right when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 65 m continue straight. After another 10 m find the "Balmoral Beach" (5 m on your left). Balmoral Beach Balmoral Beach takes its name from the royal castle at Braemar in Scotland. This is a beautiful beach, with a great foreshore walk overlooking the sandy beach. The beach is a popular spot with locals and visitors, for sun baking, swimming and having a picnic. Balmoral Beach has very little surf, with a sheltered, easterly aspect. There is also a shark-net swimming area, toilets, shops, cafes and plenty of beach to share on a sunny day. After another 150 m pass the "Bathers Pavilion" (55 m on your left). This toilet is wheelchair accessible. sunrise-sunset Then pass the "The Bathers' Pavilion" (30 m on your left). This restaurant is wheelchair accessible. W:www.batherspavilion.com.au After another 95 m pass the "Beach House" (90 m on your left).
	The starting point of an alternate route. An alternative route linking Int. Wyargine Reserve Trk and Balmoral Beach to Chinamans Beach Reserve South. To take the alternate route turn left here. Details below. After another 245 m veer right.
	The alternate route finishes here. Turn left to rejoin the main route at the 8.3 km waypoint. Details below. After another 870 m continue straight. After another 20 m continue straight. After another 135 m come to the "Chinamans Beach and Reserve". Chinamans Beach and Reserve Chinamans Beach and Reserve are wonderful places to have a picnic or a swim, with lots of areas to sit in the sun or shade beside the clear water. The beach does not provide any surf with its north-easterly aspect, but is perfect for launching your kayak or boat into the harbour. Chinamans Reserve has some parking, play equipment, toilets and road access by McLean Cres. After another 6 m continue straight.
	The starting point of an alternate route. An alternative route linking Int. Grecia Lane Trk and Chinamans Beach Reserve North to Int. Middle Harbour Yacht Club car park and Spit Rd. To take the alternate route turn left here. Details below. After another 60 m veer right. After another 230 m come to the viewpoint (40 m on your left). Then pass the "Rosherville (Parriwi Head)" (75 m on your left). After another 280 m come to the "Parriwi Lookout" (35 m on your left). After another 205 m find the "Spit Syphon" (8 m on your left). Spit Syphon The Spit Syphon was built between 1922 and 1925 by the Public Works Department. It was necessary in order to pump sewage from the north without interfering with water transport. The building is styled with Egyptian influences as displayed by its tall, square concrete walls. After another 160 m to find the "Spit East Reserve Parking Area". After another 9 m continue straight.
	After another 50 m (from the Parriwi Road) continue straight, to head along Parriwi Road (a service road).
	After another 95 m (from the Parriwi Road) veer left, to head along Parriwi Road. After another 10 m (at the intersection of Spit Road & Parriwi Road) veer right, to head along Spit Road (a highway\|trunk). After another 130 m pass the toilet (40 m on your left). This toilet is wheelchair accessible. sunrise-sunset After another 80 m pass the playground (50 m on your left). Then find the "Sydney Harbour Kayaks" (9 m on your right). Sydney Harbour Kayaks Sydney Harbour Kayaks, at the southern end of the Spit Bridge, provide sales and rentals of kayaks. One hour in a single plastic kayak costs $20, and a double $40. The enterprise also provides tours of the harbour, catering for individuals through to large groups. For further information and bookings, contact: info@sydneyharbourkayaks.com.au or (02) 99604389 After another 30 m pass the "Plonk" (35 m on your right). W:www.plonkbeachcafe.com.au After another 45 m pass the "Ellery Park" (15 m on your left). Then cross the The Spit Bridge (about 95 m long) Then come to the "Spit Bridge". Spit Bridge The Spit Bridge was originally built in 1924 to replace the punt service. The current Spit Bridge was built during the 1950's. The bridge is a bascule bridge, as it's middle section can be raised to allow tall ships through. This ability of the bridge does, however, stop traffic on a major arterial road, which has caused the bridge to be the centre of some controversy. The Spit Bridge carries the Spit Rd and the Manly Scenic Walkway.
	After another 190 m (from the Manly Road) turn right (a service road). After another 8 m continue straight.
	After another 40 m turn right. After another 40 m pass the sign (5 m on your left). After another 10 m find the "Ellery's Punt Reserve" (8 m on your left). Ellery's Punt Reserve Ellery's Punt Reserve is a very nice grassed area on the north eastern side of the Spit Bridge. The reserve has road access and parking, and seems to be a popular spot for fishing from the bank. There is also seating and shaded areas.
	From the Manly to Spit Bridge Walk turn right, to head along Manly to Spit Bridge Walk (a walking track). After another 55 m (from the Manly to Spit Bridge Walk) continue straight (a footpath). Head under the bridge.
	After another 75 m continue straight.
	After another 125 m come to the end.

A shorter alternate route linking Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Athol Hall Trk to Int. Borogegal Walking Trail.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. Then head down the steps (about 30 m long) After another 45 m head down the steps (about 10 m long) After another 10 m find the "Athol Hall" (35 m on your right). 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. Then pass the toilet (9 m on your right).
	After another 75 m (from the Bradleys Head Road) turn right, to head along Bradleys Head Road (a highway\|tertiary). After another 7 m head through/around the gate.
	After another 15 m (from the Bradleys Head Road) turn left (a service road). After another 25 m veer left.
	After another 85 m come to the end. At the end of this alternate route, rejoin the main route.

An optional side trip to Chowder Head.

Turn map

Directions & comments

Start.

After another 20 m come to the end.

About 70 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.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 20 m to the main route.

An optional side trip to Rocky Point.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. After another 15 m head up the 12 steps (about 5 m long) Turn right.
	After another 100 m come to the end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 115 m to the main route.

An alternative route linking Int. Wyargine Reserve Trk and Balmoral Beach to Chinamans Beach Reserve South.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start.
	After another 130 m (from the Stanton Road) veer right, to head along Stanton Road (a residential road). After another 40 m (at the intersection of Burran Avenue & Stanton Road) veer right, to head along Burran Avenue. After another 120 m (from the Burran Avenue) continue straight, to head along Burran Avenue. After another 75 m (at the intersection of Hopetoun Avenue & Burran Avenue) continue straight, to head along Hopetoun Avenue.
	After another 200 m (at the intersection of Hopetoun Avenue & Rosherville Road) turn right, to head along Rosherville Road.
	After another 145 m turn right. After another 15 m come to the end. At the end of this alternate route, rejoin the main route.

An alternative route linking Int. Grecia Lane Trk and Chinamans Beach Reserve North to Int. Middle Harbour Yacht Club car park and Spit Rd.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start.
	After another 55 m (from the Cyprian Street) turn right, to head along Cyprian Street (a residential road). After another 170 m head up the steps (about 20 m long)
	From the Parriwi Road turn right, to head along Parriwi Road (a residential road). After another 110 m come to the viewpoint (55 m on your right). After another 10 m pass the "Rosherville (Parriwi Head)" (20 m on your right). After another 9 m (from the Parriwi Road) continue straight, to head along Parriwi Road. After another 175 m (from the Parriwi Road) continue straight, to head along Parriwi Road. After another 110 m come to the "Parriwi Lookout" (10 m on your right). After another 195 m find the "Spit Syphon" (40 m on your right). Spit Syphon The Spit Syphon was built between 1922 and 1925 by the Public Works Department. It was necessary in order to pump sewage from the north without interfering with water transport. The building is styled with Egyptian influences as displayed by its tall, square concrete walls. After another 90 m (at the intersection of Parriwi Road & U Turn Bay) continue straight, to head along Parriwi Road (a vehicle track).
	After another 25 m (at the intersection of Parriwi Road & U Turn Bay) continue straight, to head along Parriwi Road (a residential road). Keep right. After another 40 m pass the "Spit East Reserve Parking Area" (10 m on your right).
	After another 4 m (from the Parriwi Road) continue straight, to head along Parriwi Road. After another 15 m (from the Parriwi Road) veer right (a service road). After another 20 m come to the end. At the end of this alternate route, rejoin the main route.

An optional side trip taking you to the Georges Heights Gun Emplacement.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	From the Suakin Drive Start (a footpath).
	After another 75 m come to "Georges Heights". Georges Heights Georges Heights is a gun emplacement with a commanding 180-degree view over the entrance to the harbour. The old gun emplacements are still in position, with their arcs of fire explained in the signs nearby. The view from this lookout is magnificent. The end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 75 m to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Taronga Zoo to Spit Bridge

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	10.4 km
Time	3 h 45 min to 5 h

Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
Signage	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
Experience Required	Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)

Some facilities on route

Toilet: There are 10 on route, on average they are 940 m apart with the largest gap of 2.7 km.

Seat: There are 4 on route, on average they are 2.1 km apart with the largest gap of 10.2 km.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Seat	20 m	[seat]
Seat	30 m	[seat]
Seat	30 m	[seat]
Seat	135 m	[seat]
Toilet	260 m	[toilet]
Toilet	620 m	[toilet]
Toilet	1.3 km	[toilet]
Toilet	4 km	[toilet]
Toilet	4.4 km	[toilet]
Toilet	6.3 km	[toilet]
Toilet	6.4 km	[toilet]
Toilet	6.8 km	Tramshed
Toilet	7.1 km	Bathers Pavilion
Toilet	9.7 km	[toilet]

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.

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.

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.

Chowder Bay
Chowder Bay looks over Sydney Harbour, to Vaucluse and Rose Bay. The bay is named after the food of the American whalers stationed at Clifton Gardens, 'clam chowder'. Chowder Bay then became a Submarine Mining Depot in 1889. Today, Chowder Bay still has great views from the remaining military buildings on the hillside. One of the newer buildings houses a cafe, and other buildings stand as monuments to their former use. Chowder Bay offers great views with easy access to Clifton Gardens for a swim.

Bacino Cafe
The Bacino Bar is in Building No.2 at Chowder Bay, with great views across Sydney Harbour. The bar sells pastas, panini, arancini, tramezzini, stuffed eggplant and biscotti, along with homemade sandwiches and treats. The Bacino Bar prices are reasonable, ranging between $5-12 for the delicacies, and their coffee is made of their own blend. The bar is open every day from 7am- 4pm except for Christmas. A public toilet is available at the Eastern end of the building.

Georges Heights
Georges Heights is a gun emplacement with a commanding 180-degree view over the entrance to the harbour. The old gun emplacements are still in position, with their arcs of fire explained in the signs nearby. The view from this lookout is magnificent.

WW1 Hospital
This military hospital was in use from 1916 to 1923, and could treat up to 420 troops at any one time. Sydney Harbour Trust completed restoration of the buildings mid-2005. These buildings are New South Wales' only surviving military hospital buildings from WW1.

Balmoral Beach
Balmoral Beach takes its name from the royal castle at Braemar in Scotland. This is a beautiful beach, with a great foreshore walk overlooking the sandy beach. The beach is a popular spot with locals and visitors, for sun baking, swimming and having a picnic. Balmoral Beach has very little surf, with a sheltered, easterly aspect. There is also a shark-net swimming area, toilets, shops, cafes and plenty of beach to share on a sunny day.

Chinamans Beach and Reserve
Chinamans Beach and Reserve are wonderful places to have a picnic or a swim, with lots of areas to sit in the sun or shade beside the clear water. The beach does not provide any surf with its north-easterly aspect, but is perfect for launching your kayak or boat into the harbour. Chinamans Reserve has some parking, play equipment, toilets and road access by McLean Cres.

Spit Syphon
The Spit Syphon was built between 1922 and 1925 by the Public Works Department. It was necessary in order to pump sewage from the north without interfering with water transport. The building is styled with Egyptian influences as displayed by its tall, square concrete walls.

Sydney Harbour Kayaks
Sydney Harbour Kayaks, at the southern end of the Spit Bridge, provide sales and rentals of kayaks. One hour in a single plastic kayak costs $20, and a double $40. The enterprise also provides tours of the harbour, catering for individuals through to large groups. For further information and bookings, contact: info@sydneyharbourkayaks.com.au or (02) 99604389

Spit Bridge
The Spit Bridge was originally built in 1924 to replace the punt service. The current Spit Bridge was built during the 1950's. The bridge is a bascule bridge, as it's middle section can be raised to allow tall ships through. This ability of the bridge does, however, stop traffic on a major arterial road, which has caused the bridge to be the centre of some controversy. The Spit Bridge carries the Spit Rd and the Manly Scenic Walkway.

Ellery's Punt Reserve
Ellery's Punt Reserve is a very nice grassed area on the north eastern side of the Spit Bridge. The reserve has road access and parking, and seems to be a popular spot for fishing from the bank. There is also seating and shaded areas.

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Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Sydney Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri
  
  Saturday 26 April
  
  25°C
  Showers developing. Possible storm.
  80% chance of rain
  2 → 10mm
  
  Partly cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely from the late morning. Showers tending to rain in the west during the evening. The chance of a thunderstorm. Light winds.
  
  Fire Danger Rating: No Rating
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 9:40am to 2:00pm, UV Index predicted to reach 5 [Moderate]
  
  Sunday 27 April
  
  17°C → 23°C
  Rain.
  95% chance of rain
  8 → 45mm
  
  Cloudy. Very high chance of rain. The chance of a thunderstorm, possibly severe. Light winds becoming southwesterly 15 to 25 km/h in the early afternoon.
  
  Monday 28 April
  
  17°C → 23°C
  Shower or two.
  70% chance of rain
  0 → 6mm
  
  Partly cloudy. High chance of showers along the coastal fringe, medium chance elsewhere. Winds south to southwesterly 20 to 30 km/h becoming light during the evening.
  
  Tuesday 29 April
  
  15°C → 24°C
  Shower or two.
  70% chance of rain
  0 → 6mm
  
  Mostly sunny morning. High chance of showers, most likely in the afternoon and evening. Light winds becoming southerly 15 to 20 km/h during the day then tending southwesterly during the evening.
  
  Wednesday 30 April
  
  15°C → 20°C
  Shower or two.
  70% chance of rain
  0 → 15mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely later in the day. Winds south to southwesterly 20 to 30 km/h.
  
  Thursday 1 May
  
  12°C → 20°C
  Shower or two.
  70% chance of rain
  0 → 15mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers. Winds south to southwesterly 20 to 30 km/h.
  
  Friday 2 May
  
  12°C → 22°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 4mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely during the morning. Winds southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h turning south to southeasterly 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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