Trail summary
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.
Map and GPX file
Looks like I don’t have a GPX file for this trail yet. If you have one you’d be willing to share, please email it to me so we can help other hikers have a safer, easier time out there. I’ll double-check each file to make sure it aligns with official tracks and topo maps before adding it to this hike. Thanks so much for helping build an even better hiking resource.
Getting there
Closest towns to this walk: Mosman, Manly, Darling Harbour, North Sydney, Watsons Bay
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’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
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.
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.
Suggest an edit
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
Similar trails nearby
Looking for things to do in Sydney Harbour National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
Let someone know
Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
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.