Bushland secrets at Bradleys Head self-guided tour
Sydney Harbour National Park
Overview
Take a self-guided tour around Bradleys Head and discover the hidden secrets of this special place. Stroll through bushland along an elevated boardwalk and learn about the history of the area as you drink in the magnificent views of Sydney Harbour.
- Accessibility
- No wheelchair access
- Distance
- 2.4km
- Time suggested
- 1.5-2 hr
- Grade
- Medium. This 16-stop tour takes place on a Grade 3 walking track.
- Entry fees
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Vehicle entry fees apply at Bradleys Head and Chowder Bay carparks.
- What to
bring - Mobile phone, headphones, drinking water, hat, sunscreen, snacks
- Please note
It's a good idea to download the app and tour before your visit, because there is limited mobile reception in this park.
Wind your way around Bradleys Head along a section of the Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk, where you'll see the area’s military forts, naval tributes and historic structures. Wander beneath the towering angophoras and discover some of the plants and animals that call this place home.
Along the way, gaze out at the incredible view and see if you can spot some of Sydney Harbour’s historic islands in the distance.
This tour takes you past
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Bradleys Head – Booraghee Amphitheatre
Bradleys Head – Booraghee ('boo-ruh-gee) Amphitheatre is an exceptionally popular place within Sydney Harbour National Park. A fabulous lookout, it's also a great picnic area and fishing spot.
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Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk
Take the Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk for beautiful views of Sydney Harbour. This easy walk takes you from Taronga Zoo to the beach and cafes at Chowder Bay.
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Athol Hall
With breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour, Athol Hall is the perfect venue to celebrate a memorable wedding reception or birthday party against a dazzling backdrop.
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/immersive-stories/bushland-secrets-bradleys-head-self-guided-tour/local-alerts
Park info
- in Sydney Harbour National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
Sydney Harbour National Park is open sunrise to sunset but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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Park entry fees:
Bradleys Head: $8 per vehicle per day. North Head: $5 per vehicle per day. Tap and pay card or phone payments accepted at pay machines. Coin payment available at Fairfax carpark machines only. Chowder Bay: Monday-Friday: $3 per hour, to a maximum of $16 per day. Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays: $4 per hour, to a maximum of $20 per day. If you hold an NPWS All Parks or Multi Parks Pass, you can park free for up to four hours per day - additional time can be purchased. Car parks operated by Sydney Harbour Federation Trust or Mosman Council are not covered by your pass. Please check signs carefully. Park’nPay: You can also pay for your visit to any area via the Park’nPay app.
Other fees:
Landing fees or tour fees apply to visit Sydney Harbour islands. All public visitors to Shark, Clark or Rodd Island, need to pay a $7 per person landing fee. To arrange, please contact 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS). Annual NSW Parks Passes do not cover landing fees.
Buy annual pass.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Bushland secrets at Bradleys Head self-guided tour.
Getting there and parking
The Bushland secrets at Bradleys Head tour takes place in the Bradleys Head precinct of Sydney Harbour National Park. To get there:
By car
- From Mosman take Military Road onto Bradleys Head Road
- The walks starts near Taronga Zoo Wharf. Once at the wharf, walk 200m along Athol Wharf Road until you reach the access track to Sydney Harbour National Park on your right, next to the pedestrian crossing.
By public transport
- Take the ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo Wharf.
- From Chowder Bay the 244 bus takes you to Wynyard in the city.
Road quality
- Sealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
There's no parking at Taronga Zoo wharf, but there is paid parking at Clifton Gardens and Chowder Bay.
By public transport
Sydney Ferries operates a ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo wharf. Check Transport NSW for timetables.
Facilities
Facilities along this bushland tour are very limited. There is only one toilet block at Bradleys Head Amphitheatre; so be prepared for a 1 hour walk before you reach the toilet facilities.
There are no shops here, so you may want to carry some snacks, a water bottle and suitable clothing with you.
Toilets
There's a toilet block with flush toilets at Bradleys Head amphitheatre.
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - no wheelchair access
- The path to get from Taronga Zoo wharf to the trackhead where this tour begins is a moderately steep uphill path. Once on the track, there are many sets of steps (ranging from between 1 step to 7 steps each) as the track approaches Bradleys Head.
- The amphitheatre has a series of stone steps without a handrail that lead towards the water. There are also steep steps leading up to the military fortifications.
- The section of the track that leads to Taylors Bay is uneven and narrow at points due to rocks, tree roots and vegetation.