Trail Fast Facts
Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk is a 4km, grade 3 hike in Sydney Harbour National Park, New South Wales. This hike typically takes 1.5 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
The views along Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk are almost too good to be true. The gentle bush track weaves around the harbour headlands from Taronga Zoo Wharf around Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay and is guaranteed to impress. There is even an app you can download directly to your iPhone or Android device.
You can see the Opera House and Harbour Bridge - Sydney's most famous icons - in all their glory. Watch the boats glide by from Bradleys Head Amphitheatre or step into the past at Military relics at Bradleys Head. Come face-to-face with wildlife and ancient trees, and stop for a drink at heritage-listed Athol Hall or a Chowder Bay cafe.
The Harbour Bridge to The Spit Bridge walking track continues past Chowder Bay if you feel like a longer walk. Once you've explored this exquisite part of Sydney Harbour you're sure to want to walk more of Sydney's coastal walking tracks.
Take a virtual tour of Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk captured with Google Street View Trekker.
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.
Map and GPX file
Help fellow hikers navigate with confidence. Share your GPX or KML file for this trail and help build a more comprehensive resource with precise waypoints and elevation profiles. Your contribution will empower adventurers with details they need for a safer and more enjoyable experience. I meticulously verify every file using official maps and surveys, ensuring the highest level of accuracy and reliability. Submit your file now and become a trailblazer for your fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
Trail Location (trailhead)
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Getting there
To Chowder Bay Road carpark. Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk is in the Bradleys Head precinct of Sydney Harbour National Park. To get there:By carFrom Mosman take Military Road onto Bradleys Head RoadThe walks starts at the end of the road at Taronga Zoo Wharf.Parking is not available at the WharfBy public transportTake the ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo WharfFrom Chowder Bay the 244 bus takes you to Wynyard in the city. Park entry points Chowder Bay Road carpark See on map Clifton Gardens carpark See on map Parking Paid parking is available at Clifton Gardens and Chowder Bay.
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.
Photo gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
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.
Similar trails nearby
Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Suggest an edit
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
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Acknowledgement of Country
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.