Cremorne Point to Taronga Zoo

Download & Print Map and Notes

1 hr 45 mins

4.2 km One way

218 m

Moderate track

This delightful walk from Cremorne to Taronga Zoo enjoys stunning harbour views and a number of sites to explore along bushland and suburban tracks. Starting from Cremorne ferry wharf, there is an option for a closer look at Robertsons Point lighthouse before continuing around Cremorne Reserve into Mosmans Bay. The walk continues through Little Sirius Bay, and offers the chance to visit historic Camp Curlew before finishing at the scenic Taronga Zoo wharf. A great way to enjoy a few hours exploring this beautiful harbour.

Interesting trees and homes along this bushwalk

Asphalt walking tracks throughout Cremorne Reserve

Maintained walking tracks in Cremorne Reserve

Mature trees make for interesting walking

Walking mainly on footpaths through Mosman

Track between Little Sirius Cove and Taronga Zoo

View of Sydney Harbour from above Sirius Cove

Cremorne Point Ferry Wharf

Cremorne Point Ferry Wharf marks the first stop on the Mosman Ferry Service. The wharf is home to Sophie's Place cafe, serving coffee, food and drinks[1]. A public phone, public toilets and a children's playground can all be found within 100m of this wharf. More info.

(0km) Cremorne Point Ferry Wharf → Sophies Lookout

40 m

1 mins

-1m Easy track

From the entrance to Cremorne Point Ferry Wharf, this walk crosses Milson Road to the base of the staircase on the other side of the road[2]. Here the walk turns right to head up the steps [3] past the lookout and monument to 'Sophie Vaillant'[4] to an intersection[5] with a few other footpaths.

Sophies Lookout

This unofficial lookout takes in sweeping views across Sydney Harbour, over top of Cremorne Point Wharf and 'Sophie's Place' cafe. The lookout is dedicated to Sophie Vaillant[6], long-term proprietor of the cafe below.

(0km) Sophies Lookout → Robertsons Point Lookout

200 m

3 mins

-8m Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads along the footpath directly away from the house, heading towards the toilet block[7] and playground[8]. The path leads past this park area and heads into the bush, then passes a couple of information signs to find a concrete rock cairn, built for the 'Clan of Donnachaidh' in 1988[9] (each rock has its town of origin carved in it[10][11]). The walk then continues along the path past a picnic table (with views and some shade)[12] to find the lookout at Robertsons Point[13][14][15]. (There is a track with steps and ladder that continues further down to the very tip of the point[16] for the adventurous). At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer right.

Robertsons Point Lookout

Robertsons Point, also known as Cremorne Point, is home to Cremorne Reserve. At the very tip, visitors can wander down some old steps[17] to the lighthouse[18], and the more adventurous can continue down a rather precarious ladder[19] to the water's edge. The spectacular harbour views can be enjoyed from a number of bench seats[20][21]. A memorial plaque[22] reminds visitors to take extra care and respect the inherent dangers of the rocky coast.

(0km) Sophies Lookout → Elephants Ear

370 m

7 mins

13m

-9m Very easy

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads along the footpath, keeping the houses to your left (that is, use the footpath on the far side of the houses from the wharf and road)[23]. The footpath leads behind the houses, enjoying the water views (on your right) and after about â250m, the path leads past a 'The Illustrated Sydney News' information sign[24]. Here the walk continues for a short time further to a clear three-way intersection[25] and a drinking fountain[26].

Elephants Ear

The Lex and Ruby Graham Garden at Cremorne Point is quite remarkable, worthy of a little extra time on your walk. A chance planting of a tropical 'Elephant's Ear' bulb in 1959, which happened to thrive, led to a lifetime work for Lex Graham and his future wife, Ruby. They worked steadily for decades, clearing weeds and rubbish, improving the soil and building up the gardens with donated plants and cuttings[27].

(0km) Elephants Ear → Mosman Bay Marina

1.2 km

25 mins

46m

-56m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads along the main foreshore track, keeping the house to your left[28]. The path almost immediately passes the northern end of the signposted 'Elephant's Ear'[29] garden and continues past some other exotic gardens behind the houses, whilst keeping the water views to your right. After ≈200m, the path leads to an information sign[30][31]about the constructed environment and then to a clearing with a sandstone rotunda. There is a four-way intersection[32] just above the 'Sydney Amateur Sailing Club' (on your right).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Old Cremorne Wharf' sign[33] sign gently uphill along the path, keeping the water to your right. The path soon comes to another intersection where this walk tends right[34], following the path for about 120m (passing a few informal side tracks[35][36]) to find some large sandstone boulders[37] and the entrance to the 'Old Cremorne' Ferry Wharf[38][39].
Turn left: From the Old Cremorne Ferry Wharf[40] entrance, this walk follows the footpath away from the power lines[41] keeping the water to your right[42]. The path leads up the hill and after ≈180m, the path heads up a set of steps. The path continues to enjoy water views[43][44] (to your right), passing behind a row of houses[45]. Soon the path bends left to pass a 'Cremorne Point' sign[46] and find a clear three-way intersection and a bench seat[47].
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Bromley Ave' sign[48] along the footpath (not actually a road) between the row of houses to find a four-way intersection[49] at the last house, number five[50].
Continue straight: From 5 Bromley Ave[51], this walk heads down the steps[52][53] and follows the path to cross the timber bridge[54] over the valley. The walk bends right and follows the path for ≈250m, enjoying the water views to your right[55]. The path then passes a 'Harnett Park' sign[56] (and ignores the upper track on your left), then heads down some steps and turns left. The walk heads past the 'Rowers Restaurant'[57] to a car park and the Mosman Bay Marina[58].

Rowers Restaurant

Located deep in Mosmans Bay, the Rowers Restaurant is part of Mosman Rowers Club (distinct from Mosman Rowing Club at the Spit), between Mosman Marina and Sea Scouts Hall. Open to the public, the club houses a bistro, restaurant and bar, which are open for lunch and dinner daily, as well as breakfast on Sundays. For more information, call 9953 7966. More info.

(2km) Mosman Bay Marina → Mosman Bay Ferry Wharf

400 m

7 mins

-6m Very easy

Continue straight: From Mosman Bay Marina[59], this walk follows the waterside footpath, keeping the water to your right[60]. The path soon bends right to round to the apex of Mosmans Bay[61] opposite 'Reid Park'[63] and a children's playground[64]. Here the walk continues around the bay and after ≈110m, comes to a large rock[65] commemorating 'H.M.S Sirius'[66]. The walk then continues ≈90m to the bush shelter[67] and the entrance to Mosman Bay Ferry Wharf[68].

Mosman Bay Ferry Wharf and Shops

Mosman Bay ferry wharf, located on Avenue Rd, is nestled in the deep Mosmans Bay, opposite the marina. The wharf houses Wharfy's cafe[70]. Open weekdays 7am-2pm and weekends 7am-4pm, for more information call (02) 9968-3569. Across the road is Mosman Wharf Store, selling groceries and snacks, newspapers, bait and travel tickets[71]. Open weekdays 7am-7pm, Sat 8am-6pm & Sun 8am-2pm, for more information, call (02) 9969 9369.

(2km) Mosman Bay Ferry Wharf → South Mosman Wharf

610 m

14 mins

40m

-33m Moderate track

Turn left: From Mosman Bay Ferry Wharf, this walk heads up the steps opposite the wharf, next to the 'Mosman Wharf Store'[72]. This path continues up the hill and up some more steps[73], and then crosses a minor road and heads up a ramp[74]. Here the walk turns right and follows Mosman St[75]. Mosman St soon bends left (and becomes Trumfield Lane) which continues up the hill[76] to a 'T' intersection with McLeod St. This walk crosses McLeod St to find a driveway[77] (just a bit to the right) and turns left, following the steps and footpath up the hill[78]. This footpath soon leads to an intersection with Musgrave Street[79].
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads downhill along 'Musgrave St'[80] towards the distant water views. At the end of the street, the walk comes to a turning area[81], bus stop, shelter[82] and the entrance to the 'South Mosman Wharf'[83].

(3km) South Mosman Wharf → Curraghbeena Point

90 m

2 mins

18m

0m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the shelter at the entrance to South Mosman Wharf, this walk heads downhill to soon turn left and heads up the steps next to the 'Exploring Curlew Camp Artists' Walk' sign[84]. Soon the walk turns right at the 'T' intersection[85] partway up the stairs then continues up ignoring the private property side paths to find the end of a short road[86]. Here the walk follows the road to the intersection with Raglan St and the 'Curraghbeena Point Lookout'[87] in front of 'The Castle'[88].

Curraghbeena Point Lookout

Curraghbeena Point separates Little Sirius Cove from Mosmans Bay (formerly Sirius Cove). This well-kept little park at the point offers some lovely views over Sydney Harbour, with two bench seats and a drinking fountain nestled amongst the buildings.

(3km) Curraghbeena Point → End of Curraghbeena Rd

400 m

9 mins

24m

-17m Moderate track

Turn left: From 'Curraghbeena Point Lookout'[89][90], this walk heads up the hill following Raglan Street soon passing 'Herron Park'[91] (on your left) then just before the sandstone wall (on the right) this walk turn right into the sandstone driveway then follows the 'Public Path' sign[92] up the steps. At the top the path passes beside a house and then follows a short section of Raglan St to turn right into Curraghbeena Rd (near the playground[93] and park). Here the walk heads down Curraghbeena Rd passing a lookout (on your right)[94][95] and continues down the road to the very end where there is an intersection with a walking track and steps[96].

(3km) End of Curraghbeena Rd → No. 4 Curlew Camp Rd

160 m

6 mins

10m

-30m Moderate track

Turn right: From the end of Curraghbeena Road[97], the walk follows the 'Curlew Camp Walk' sign[98] down the stairs next to the sandstone wall[99] towards the water. at the bottom of these steps the walk comes to a telegraph pole and great unfenced water view[100]. Here the walk turns left and follows a footpath behind the houses[101] then down a few timber stairs cases[102][103]. Here the walk follows the track through the bush to soon head up a few of steps onto Curlew Camp Road where there is a sign pointing back to 'Walking track to Curraghbeena Road'[104].

(3km) No. 4 Curlew Camp Rd → Int. Illawarra St and Curlew Camp Rd

90 m

2 mins

-7m Very easy

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill along the narrow concrete road[105], keeping the houses to your left. Soon the road leads to an intersection with Illawarra St and some stairs (on your right)[106].

(3km) Int. Illawarra St and Curlew Camp Rd → Sirius Cove Reserve

100 m

2 mins

-8m Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the series of steps and along the footpath beside the children's playground. The walk then continues across the grassy clearing to the middle of Sirius Cove Reserve.

Sirius Cove Reserve

Sirius Cove Reserve is next to the sandy beach of Little Sirius Cove, Mosman. The reserve is open and grassy, with a few picnic tables, a fenced playground and drinking fountain at the western end, and a toilet block at the eastern end. The beach has no surf and faces south to Cremorne Point. Road access is via Sirius Cove Road.

(3km) Sirius Cove Reserve → Bottom of Whiting Beach Rd steps

250 m

5 mins

17m

-6m Easy track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads along the park foreshore with the water to your right, then heads up the hill bending right. The walk follows the footpath below some houses and past a small beach with a two-storey scout hall. Just after the last house, the path comes to a three-way intersection at the start of a large wall/fence. There is a 'Curlew Camp' sign pointing back to 'Sirius Cove'[107].

(4km) Bottom of Whiting Beach Rd steps → Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Curlew Camp Trk

240 m

6 mins

16m

-17m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign pointing to 'Curlew Camp'[108], following the footpath beside the tall barbed wire fence and wall. The track leads over a few sections of boardwalk, and soon comes to an intersection (with a track on the right marked with another 'Curlew Camp' sign[109], pointing '130 metres'.

(4km) Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Curlew Camp Trk → Camp Curlew

120 m

2 mins

-11m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill following the 'Welcome to Curlew Camp' sign. The track quickly turns right, over a boardwalk, then turns left down more stairs. The walk then winds down the hill to the corner of a large rock, just above the water.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down towards the water and onto the wooden platform. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.

Camp Curlew

Camp Curlew was created in 1890 as an artists' retreat, as was popular at the time. Artists of the day would visit for long periods (although women were not permitted to stay overnight), enjoying the surrounds and painting some of Australia's most prized works. Arthur Streeton is a notable artist who stayed at the camp. The site was less than rustic, with tents to accommodate billiards and dining, and also a hired cook and youth to help with odd jobs. Camp Curlew was abandoned after the siting of Taronga Zoo in the area in 1912.

(4km) Int. Borogegal Walking Trail and Curlew Camp Trk → Taronga Zoo Wharf

340 m

9 mins

22m

-26m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads along the fenceline, with the water below on the right of the track. The walk heads along large sections of boardwalk with a tall barbed- wire fence above on the left. After approximately 300m, the track turns left above a small beach and then after the beach turns right. The walk continues along the hillside, with the tall fence on the left, then heads up boardwalked steps and passes a building on the left before crossing the cul-de-sac to Taronga Zoo wharf.

Maps for the Cremorne Point to Taronga Zoo walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Parramatta River	1:25 000 Map Series	91303N PARRAMATTA RIVER	NSW-91303N
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Cremorne Point to Taronga Zoo bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Cremorne Point to Taronga Zoo

Altitude analysis for Cremorne Point to Taronga Zoo

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	4.2 km
		Time	1 hr 45 mins
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
		Signs	Clearly signposted (1/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

1.8km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 1.3km has short steep hills. The remaining (1.2km) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

Around 3.4km of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path, whilst the remaining 820m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

This whole walk, 4.2km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 4.2km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 4.2km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 4.1km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 160m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Cremorne Point to Taronga Zoo walk.

Robertsons Point Lookout

478 m Return, 15 mins

A short walk but a fun time. Catch a ferry to Cremorne Point and grab a bight to eat before climbing the steps and having a play in the kids playground. Then wander along the footpath to the lookout at the end of Cremorne Point, know as Robertsons Point. The view across Sydney Harbour is great. Ther

Total climbing: 11m

Easy track

Taronga Zoo to Camp Curlew

930 m Return, 30 mins

This track takes you from Taronga Zoo Ferry, directly to Camp Curlew. A perfect little walk for the Impressionist wanting to recreate the attraction to Camp Curlew for painting. Little Sirius Cove is a secluded beach, worth the short sidetrip. Camp Curlew is a secluded spot on Sydney Harbour and ha

Total climbing: 61m

Moderate track

Taronga to Musgrave Wharf

1.7 km One way, 1 Hr

This wharf-to-wharf walk is a great way to see Sydney Harbour. The walk is very scenic, with frequent views of the harbour. A stop in Sirius Cove to have a swim, play on the swings or a picnic is a great way to make an outing of this walk.

Total climbing: 111m

Moderate track

Cremorne Point to Mosman Wharf

2 km One way, 45 mins

This walk explores the foreshore tracks of Cremorne Reserve, taking in fantastic harbour views, beautiful gardens and a sidetrip to Robertsons Point lighthouse. Starting from Cremorne ferry wharf, the walk climbs to Robertsons Point and lighthouse, then meanders down past interesting houses and hist

Total climbing: 68m

Easy track

Cremorne Point Circuit

2.7 km Circuit, 1 hr 15 mins

On this walk, you will circumnavigate Cremorne Point along the harbour-side paths, winding through gardens and sections of native bushland. The extra time for the side trip to Robertsons Point Lookout is well rewarded and in the warmer months, why not bring your swimmers and enjoy a dip at Maccallum

Total climbing: 115m

Easy track

Taronga Zoo, Clifton Gardens return via Sirius Cove

6.5 km Circuit, 3 hrs 30 mins

This walk winds along the coast of Sydney Harbour with many beautiful views across to the city and of the bush surrounding the track. Bacino Bar at Clifton Gardens is worth a visit for a coffee before walking through the streets over to Sirius Cove. The walk passes Taronga Zoo, which could be added

Total climbing: 352m

Moderate track

Harbour Bridge to Taronga Zoo

9.8 km One way, 4 hrs

On this walk, you will explore much of the foreshore linking Milsons Point Station to Taronga Zoo Ferry wharf. The walk is mostly along footpaths sometimes beside roads and other times through parkland. There are a few places to grab a drink or a bight to eat, and plenty of places to stop and enjoy

Total climbing: 389m

Moderate track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Cremorne Point to Taronga Zoo walk.

Bradleys Head and Chowder Head walk

3.7 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

This walk is a great way to explore the history of Bradleys Head whilst enjoying the views of Sydney Harbour, including the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and a majestic angophora forest. Starting from the ferry wharf below Taronga Zoo, this walk follows a clear track along the shore, visiting seve

Total climbing: 219m

Moderate track

Taronga Wharf to Chowder Bay

4.4 km One way, 2 hrs

Starting at Taronga Wharf, this walk passes many icons of Sydney, including Taronga Zoo, HMAS Sydney Mast, Chowder Bay. The walk also provides views across the water to the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Fort Denison and the city skyline. The walk has many brilliant vantage points over the harbour wit

Total climbing: 246m

Moderate track

Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head to Athol Hall

3 km Circuit, 1 hr 30 mins

The walk around Bradleys Head is a great way to see Sydney Harbour and some interesting cultural heritage. The walk passes stunning views at Bradleys Head, to the mast of HMAS Sydney, before coming back to the old Athol Hall for afternoon tea. The entrance to Taronga Zoo is passed twice so be prepar

Total climbing: 138m

Moderate track

Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach

6.8 km One way, 3 hrs

This walk explores a great section of Sydney Harbour. The walk starts at the Taronga Zoo ferry wharf with views of the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The spectacular views continue as you explore bushland and the bays along the way. The walk also explores a historic section of the harb

Total climbing: 328m

Hard track

Taronga Zoo to Chowder Bay return via Bradleys Head Rd

7 km Circuit, 3 hrs

This walk is a great way to explore Bradleys Head, enjoying it's stunning views of Sydney Harbour, the history and the surrounding bush land. The walk around to Chowder Bay passes Athol Hall, which is a nice place for a coffee and some cake before heading to the Bay for a swim and another coffee at

Total climbing: 334m

Moderate track

Taronga Zoo to Manly

18.9 km One way, 8 hrs

This very long day walk has some stunning views, excellent heritage sites, a Zoo and beautiful beaches. What more could you ask for? The many sidetrips and places to stop and enjoy the views, having a coffee at the Bacino Bar or fish and chips on Balmoral Beach, will all make this walk an excellent

Total climbing: 746m

Hard track

Taronga Zoo to Spit Bridge

10.4 km One way, 5 hrs

This is a scenic and culturally rich walk with views over Sydney Harbour and many interesting heritage buildings along the way. The start at the zoo allows for a possible visit. The walk then passes the Bacino Bar on the way through the military heritage buildings. This is an excellent walk to do on

Total climbing: 410m

Hard track

Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk

2.8 km One way, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk explores a great section of Sydney Harbour. Starting with some historic points at Bradleys Head, you can enjoy views of Sydney's Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The views will continue to delight as you explore bushland and the bays along the way. The pleasant walk ends at Clifton Gardens,

Total climbing: 161m

Moderate track

Bradleys Head Walk

1.7 km Circuit, 1 Hr

The walk around Bradleys Head is packed with great views and cultural heritage. The views over Sydney Harbour can be enjoyed from many vantage points. There are a number of places of historic significance, including HMAS Sydney's Mast and Athol Hall. Athol Hall has a wonderful, grassed lawn with exc

Total climbing: 83m

Moderate track

Chowder Head

548 m Circuit, 20 mins

This loop walk is the shortest way to access the views from Chowder Head. The optional side trip leads to an informal lookout on an unfenced rock platform. A great spot to enjoy the sailing boats on Sydney Harbour. In spring, this walk is particularly spectacular with a wide range of wildflowers on

Total climbing: 36m

Moderate track

Clifton Gardens to Georges Heights

1.7 km Return, 1 Hr

The walk up to Georges Heights is a very scenic one, with the climax being the view from Georges Heights lookout. The walk is also surrounded by old military buildings. Within these buildings is the Bacino Bar and Cafe, worth a drop-in for a coffee or lunch.

Total climbing: 107m

Moderate track

Chowder Bay to Georges Heights Lookout

842 m Return, 30 mins

Chowder Bay to Georges Heights Lookout is a fantastic walk to burn off a coffee from the Bacino Bar. The walk passes the Bacino Bar and enjoys the view from an old gun emplacement at George Heights Lookout. The sandstone seats and shaded grassy areas make this a perfect walk for a picnic too.

Total climbing: 60m

Moderate track