Itineraries · Sydney

Ferry to Taronga, the headland and Chowder Bay

Walk · Sydney. 4 km one way, ~3 h, 3 stops.

Whole route in Google Maps ↗Open on the interactive map
Ferry to Taronga, the headland and Chowder Bay
Duration
4 km one way, ~3 h (≈ 2 h 30 min: moving and stop time only)
Who it suits
Everyone
Transport
walk
Start
Taronga Zoo Wharf
Finish
Clifton Gardens
Pace
moderate pace
Best time
a weekday morning
Budget per adult
a ferry fare, the track is freePrices as of: July 2026; transport and zoo prices October 2026

Getting there

Ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo Wharf. Bus 244 runs back to Wynyard. Pay with a bank card.

Stops in order

The text version of the route: stops, time at each and the legs between them. Times are estimates, without queues, traffic or swims.

  1. 1. Taronga Zoo Wharf~15 min at the stop

    The ferry from Circular Quay. The zoo starts up the hill. This walk leaves along the shore and does not need a zoo ticket.

    Tip: Check the return ferry before you leave. From Chowder Bay, the 244 bus runs to Wynyard.

    Open on the map ↗

    ↓ walk · 20 min · 1.1 km

  2. 2. Bradleys Head~25 min at the stop

    The lawn and the old fortifications. The Opera House and the bridge sit in one view, closer to the water than the city lookouts.

    Worth knowing: The head is named for Lieutenant William Bradley of the First Fleet. The HMAS Sydney memorial mast stands here, and a stone column marks a measured nautical mile.

    Tip: No fee on foot from the ferry; parking is paid if you drive. The end of the Bradleys Head wharf is closed after inspections found serious deterioration. Obelisk Beach on this headland is clothing-optional. Follow signs to Clifton Gardens for the bay.

    Open on the map ↗

    ↓ walk · 50 min · 3 km

  3. 3. Clifton Gardens~40 min at the stop

    Chowder Bay, with a lawn, a cafe and calm water. This is where the official track from Taronga Wharf ends.

    Tip: There are no lifeguards. Swim in calm water close to shore. The 244 bus leaves for Wynyard. Lunch is at Ripples, Building 7 on Chowder Bay Road: weekdays from 12:00, weekends from 11:30. Dinner is Wednesday to Sunday from 18:00.

    Open on the map ↗

Before you go

  • Route times are estimates: walking, driving and a sensible pause at each stop. Add queues, traffic and swims yourself.
  • Prices, timetables and trail status change. Check the venue's official site and the state transport app before you go.
  • On beaches, swim only between the red and yellow flags. Use sun protection even when it is cloudy.