Trail Fast Facts
Harbour Bridge to The Spit Bridge walking track is a 16.5km, grade 3 hike in Sydney Harbour National Park, New South Wales. This hike typically takes 5.5 hours to complete.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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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.