Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience a captivating 16.5km urban foreshore hike starting from the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia. This Grade 3 (Moderate) trail meanders through historic harbour fortifications, exclusive streets, and beautiful bushland, offering a glance into the city's rich past. Highlights include Taronga Zoo, Sydney Harbour National Park, and the stunning Balmoral Beach. Don't forget to stop at Athol Hall for a bite, and end your journey witnessing the fascinating Spit Bridge opening. Ideal for short and long hikes with convenient parking and public transport options.

Length:

16.5km

Duration:

5.5 hrs

Grade:

Style:

One Way

Max elevation: 0m

Min elevation: 0m

Total Ascent: 0m

Start: Spit Road

End: Spit Road

Sydney Harbour National Park

New South Wales

Nearby town: Seaforth

From state capital: 10.4km

Latitude: -33.80261858

Longitude: 151.2462959

Overview

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Hike overview

This stunning urban foreshore walk begins at the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Start at the bridge's southern end in The Rocks or its northern end at Milsons Point, and then follow its signage around the harbour's northern shores.
On this superbly scenic route, you'll tread the paths of history as you pass harbour fortifications and Federation homes. You'll walk some of the city's most interesting and exclusive streets and find yourself ensconced in beautiful bushland and rainforest remnants.

Hike east past Taronga Zoo and into Sydney Harbour National Park, home of the incredible Bradleys, Chowder and Middle Heads. Be sure to stop at Athol Hall for a cuppa and a bite to eat, before continuing on to the exquisite Balmoral Beach for a swim. Then press on until you reach The Spit Bridge; you may even get there in time to see it open and rise to allow boats through.

It's easy to break this walk up into shorter sections by parking partway along the route, catching the bus or the ferry at Mosman or Taronga Zoo wharves.

Tips

You might like to pack swimmers and a towel as there are opportunities to swim along the way
Take care as this walk includes a variety of terrain and pathway conditions
This track is part of Sydney's walking track network. For more information visit the Walking Coastal Sydney website

Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.

The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.

Track grade

Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.

Walk map and GPX file
Harbour Bridge to the Spit Bridge Walking Track (16.5km)

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Gallery

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Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Sydney Harbour National Park.

To Spit Bridge. This walk begins at the Sydney Harbour Bridge. You can:Start at the Harbour Bridge’s southern stairs, located near Gloucester Street and Cumberland Street in The Rocks, or,Start at the Harbour Bridge’s northern stairs, located at Burton Street, Milsons Point Park entry points Spit Bridge See on map Parking Parking is available in multiple places along the walk. When completing the walk in full, park your car at The Rocks or in Milsons Point where the walk begins, or at The Spit, Mosman, where it ends. Please note that this is paid parking. The Rocks and Milsons Point can be busy places, so parking might be limited.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.

Get there with Google Maps

About the region

Sydney Harbour National Park protects islands and foreshore around Sydney Harbour. Explore Sydney's history on a school excursion or guided tour to enjoy coastal walks, picnics and swimming. Sydney Harbour National Park protects a number of islands and foreshore areas around one of the world's most famous harbours. The park is home to superb swimming spots, bushwalking tracks and picnic areas, which offer a huge range of activities that will have you coming back again and again.

See native wildlife living in rare pockets of bushland once common around Sydney, or take a fascinating walk to explore the park's cultural history. You'll see everything from convict-built buildings and military fortifications to Aboriginal sites and a heritage lighthouse. And with the harbour's staggering coastline creating an endless natural lookout, the park's jaw-dropping views simply have to be seen to be believed. If you're at one of the park's lookouts during winter, be sure to keep a lookout for whales on their annual migration north.

Find a place to stay

Find Accommodation

Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.

Closest towns to this walk: Balmain, Balmoral, Chatswood, Cremorne, Darling Harbour, Darling Point, Darlinghurst, Dee Why, Frenchs Forest, Glebe, Kirribilli, Manly, Mosman, Neutral Bay, North Sydney, Pyrmont, Rose Bay, Rozelle, Sydney, Terrey Hills, Vaucluse, Watsons Bay, Woolloomooloo

Let someone know

Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Sydney Harbour National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

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Harbour Bridge to the Spit Bridge Walking Track (16.5km)

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Acknowledgement of Country

Harbour bridge to the spit bridge walking track (16. 5km)

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Tips

Track grade

Walk map and GPX file
Harbour Bridge to the Spit Bridge Walking Track (16.5km)