Spit Bridge to Middle Head Forts

Download & Print Map and Notes

2 hrs 30 mins

6.1 km One way

172 m

Hard track

This scenic walk takes you from the Spit Bridge, along the coast to explore the Middle Head Forts. There are a few alternate routes for use at high tide or high seas. Balmoral Beach offers a few spots for a coffee or fish and chips along the way. Middle Head offers plenty of options for exploring the old forts and enjoying a view out the heads.

Steps between balmoral park and Middle head road

Spit Bridge

The Spit Bridge was originally built in 1924 to replace the punt service. The current Spit Bridge was built during the 1950's. The bridge is a bascule bridge, as it's middle section can be raised to allow tall ships through. This ability of the bridge does, however, stop traffic on a major arterial road, which has caused the bridge to be the centre of some controversy. The Spit Bridge carries the Spit Rd and the Manly Scenic Walkway.

(0km) Spit Bridge South → Int. Middle Harbour Yacht Club car park and Spit Rd

280 m

5 mins

-1m Easy track

From the intersection opposite 'Sydney Harbour Kayaks', this walk heads down along Spit Rd, on the right, to turn left before the hill into Middle Harbour Yacht Club's car park.

(0km) Int. Middle Harbour Yacht Club car park and Spit Rd → Int. Grecia Lane Trk and Chinamans Beach Reserve North

1.1 km

25 mins

56m

-55m Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads up Parriwi Rd, along the hill above the yacht club (the club being below on the left). The walk heads up the road for quite some time, then takes the first left, Cyprian St, which it follows down the hill to a signpost for 'Grecia Lane'. From here, the walk leaves Cyprian St to head down the stairs passing a small grassed area with a bench, before heading down more stairs onto Chinamans Beach. Now Turn right to rejoin the main walk .

(0km) Int. Middle Harbour Yacht Club car park and Spit Rd → Int. Grecia Lane Trk and Chinamans Beach Reserve North

930 m

17 mins

20m

-19m Hard track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads through the car park towards the Middle Harbour Yacht Club buildings entrance.
Veer right: From the Middle Harbour Yacht Club entrance, this walk heads along the road which goes behind the club building. The walk passes a boat ramp on the left and 'The Shores' restaurant before turning right, around the front of the Sydney Water 'Spit Syphon' building platform. From the platform, the walk drops down onto the rocky shore and continues to wind around and through the rocks for some time. As the walk meanders along the rocky shore, it passes over some sandy sections to then come out onto Chinamans Beach Reserve, heading to the bottom of the stairs (to the right).

Spit Syphon

The Spit Syphon was built between 1922 and 1925 by the Public Works Department. It was necessary in order to pump sewage from the north without interfering with water transport. The building is styled with Egyptian influences as displayed by its tall, square concrete walls. More info.

(1km) Int. Grecia Lane Trk and Chinamans Beach Reserve North → Middle of Chinamans Beach

70 m

1 mins

-3m Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads along the beach, keeping the water to the left. The walk leads to a point on the beach where a wood-railed track leads to the toilet block off to the right.

Chinamans Beach and Reserve

Chinamans Beach and Reserve are wonderful places to have a picnic or a swim, with lots of areas to sit in the sun or shade beside the clear water. The beach does not provide any surf with its north-easterly aspect, but is perfect for launching your kayak or boat into the harbour. Chinamans Reserve has some parking, play equipment, toilets and road access by McLean Cres.

(1km) Middle of Chinamans Beach → Chinamans Beach Reserve South

160 m

3 mins

-1m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the middle of Chinamans Beach, near the wood-railed track, this walk heads down the beach, keeping the water to the left. The walk continues to the end of the beach, where there are numerous boats and surf ski's under the trees.

(1km) Chinamans Beach Reserve South → Int. Wyargine Reserve Trk and Balmoral Beach

850 m

18 mins

43m

-42m Moderate track

Turn sharp right: From the southern end of Chinamans Beach, this walk heads up the closest track off the beach, keeping the hill to the left of the track. This area is littered with small boats and surf skis. The track comes out near Rosherville Reserve playground, but turns left before reaching the it. The walk heads up the hill behind the houses (on the right) to the signposted intersection of 'Rosherville Rd' and 'Armitage Lane'. The walk then heads up the hill, coming to Hopetoun Ave just across from where the road joins together again.
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk heads up Hopetoun Ave, away from the split levels in the road. The walk passes Kirk Oswald Ave (off to the right) and then veers right, where the road changes its name to Burran Ave, and soon splits into two levels again. As the road bends right again, this walk instead continues straight ahead into Stanton Rd. The track heads to the signposted intersection at the end of the road.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads down the steps towards the beach and through a rocky outcrop. The track turns left, winding to the intersection just behind the beach. Now Veer right to rejoin the main walk .

(1km) Chinamans Beach Reserve South → Rocky Point Bridge

1.3 km

24 mins

28m

-32m Hard track

Turn left: (This section is only possible at low tide and with calm seas.) From the southern end of the beach, this walk heads along the rockshelf, keeping the sea to the left. The walk leads towards the boat sheds with rails, taking the easiest route across the rockshelf for approximately 500m to come out onto Balmoral Beach. The track then continues up the beach for approximately 50m, coming to an intersection with a small track, just before the houses.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads down the beach keeping the water to the left. The walk continues for approximately 200m to the bridge that connects the promenade footpath to the rocky island. The walk climbs the stairs onto the bridge.

Balmoral Beach

Balmoral Beach takes its name from the royal castle at Braemar in Scotland. This is a beautiful beach, with a great foreshore walk overlooking the sandy beach. The beach is a popular spot with locals and visitors, for sun baking, swimming and having a picnic. Balmoral Beach has very little surf, with a sheltered, easterly aspect. There is also a shark-net swimming area, toilets, shops, cafes and plenty of beach to share on a sunny day.

(3km) Rocky Point Bridge → Balmoral Park car park

860 m

14 mins

-5m Easy track

Continue straight: From the bridge, this walk heads down the stairs onto the beach, keeping the water to the left. The walk continues along the beach for approximately 100m to the pipe and wharf, then continues along the sand to turn off the beach at Balmoral Sailing Club on the right into the car park.

(4km) Balmoral Park car park → Int. Middle Head Rd and Chowder Bay Trk

570 m

15 mins

67m

-4m Hard track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads away from the car park and beach to pass '1st Balmoral Sea Scouts' and a childcare centre, on the left. The walk then continues along the footpath outside of the oval to a signposted intersection.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads away from the oval, across a bridge. The walk then climbs a few flights of stairs to enter a fenced area with many signs. This walk continues for some time up stairs to turn right, through the fence and continues up stairs to the intersection with Middle Head Rd.

(4km) Int. Middle Head Rd and Chowder Bay Trk → Int. Middle Head Rd and Chowder Bay Rd

540 m

10 mins

-30m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads down the road towards the fence, away from the houses. The road tends right as it comes into HMAS Penguin. The walk continues along Middle Head Rd to the intersection with Chowder Bay Rd, opposite the oval.

(5km) Int. Middle Head Rd and Chowder Bay Rd → Int. Old Fort and Govenors Rds

500 m

10 mins

21m

-14m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection of Chowder Bay and Middle Head Rd, this walk heads down through the car park to the far end, where there are signs. The walk heads along the fenceline passing the Sydney Harbour NP sign. The fencline is followed as it tends right, coming to a gate.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads through the gate, keeping the view of the water to the right of the track. Note that if the gate is closed, visitors can walk around the right-hand side of the fence. The walk then follows the fenceline, (on the left of the track), to then continue up a small hill along the fenceline and to a short stone wall. The walk continues over the stone wall to the fork in the road.

(5km) Int. Old Fort and Govenors Rds → Old Fort Road gun brackets

220 m

4 mins

-4m Easy track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads gently uphill along the signposted and asphalt 'Old Fort Rd'[1], initially keeping the toilet to the right

[Toilet]

and 'Barracks No.1'[2] to the left. After about 130m the old road heads over a rise and then leads down between the metal bollards[3] to come to an intersection in a large clearing beside a row large gun timber brackets (bases)[4], marked with a 'Middle Head' sign[5]

(5km) Int. Lower Barracks Trk and Old Fort Rd → Disappearing Gun Pit North

320 m

6 mins

-24m Moderate track

Turn sharp left: From the intersection, this walk heads away from the built-up forts and road, to cross the clearing to the signposted 'Inner Middle Head Forts'. The track follows the arrow on this sign for approximately 200m through the bush to a sunken concrete fort on the right.
Turn left: From the southern fort (surrounded by bush), this walk winds right, away from the fort keeping the sea on the right of the track. The track quickly leads to an intersection near the fort at the sea cliff.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads along the clear dirt track[6] towards the distant water view between two long sandstone trenches[7]. After 60m this walk heads across the grassy section[8] to come to the top edge of the northern Disappearing Gun Pit

[Trip Hazard]

[9][10] beside the ocean cliffs[11]. Take extra care as the ground slopes towards the gun pit and cliff edges - stay 2 body lengths back from any significant drop. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer left.

(5km) Old Fort Road gun brackets → Middle Head Fort

50 m

1 mins

0m Easy track

Continue straight: From beside the row of large gun timber brackets (bases)[12], this walk heads downhill for 50m along the wide gravely trail[13] towards the water to come the large network of concrete and sandstone forts and gun emplacements[14][15][16]. The area can be explored, taking care of cliff edges and large potential falls into the fortifications.

Outer Middle Head Battery

The Outer Middle Head Battery is the main complex in the Middle Head Fortifications. Work for building the fortifications started in 1801 and the last batteries were constructed in 1942, with the majority of the work being done 1870 and 1911 . There is a network of tunnels and rooms underground that was build to support the gunning placements to protect Sydney Harbour from enemy invasion. There are formal tours available or you can take care and explore the area yourself.

(5km) Middle Head Fort → Int. Middle Head Rd and Chowder Bay Rd

610 m

11 mins

12m

-14m Easy track

Turn around: From the Middle Head Fort complex, this walk heads gently uphill away from the concrete and sandstone forts and gun emplacements[18][19][20] along the wide gravel trail[21] for about 50m to come to an intersection in a large clearing beside a row large gun timber brackets (bases)[22], marked with a 'Middle Head' sign[23].
Continue straight: From the beside row large gun timber brackets (bases)[24], this walk follows the old ashpalt road uphill away from the water. After about 50m the walk leads between the metal bollards[25] then 30m later heads over a rise then leads downhill for 130m to come to the intersection with 'Govenors Rd'[26] with the toilet (to the left

[Toilet]

) and 'Barracks No.1'[27] (to the right).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads gently downhill along the road and around the boom gate. The walk leads over the bridged 'Middle Head Moat'[28][29], then along Middle Head Rd for about 50m to pass a car parking area (on the left) and come to the Cobblers Beach Trail track head (with a locked gate on the left).
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk heads down Middle Head Road, away from the old cottage-style houses and fork in the road. The walk continues past houses, left and right, and then an oval on the right, after which it comes to an intersection in the roads.

Maps for the Spit Bridge to Middle Head Forts 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 Heads	1:25 000 Map Series	91302N SYDNEY HEADS	NSW-91302N
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Spit Bridge to Middle Head Forts bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Spit Bridge to Middle Head Forts

Altitude analysis for Spit Bridge to Middle Head Forts

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	6.1 km
		Time	2 hrs 30 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
		Signs	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
		Experience Required	Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
		Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
		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

2.1km of this walk is very steep and another 2km has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (2km) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

1.8km of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path and another 1.7km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. Whilst another 1.4km follows a clear and well formed track or trail and the remaining 1.2km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

2.7km of this walk is clearly signposted and another 1.7km has directional signs at most intersection. The remaining (1.7km) has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required

Around 4.4km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.7km requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 4.4km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 1.7km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

Around 4.4km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 1.7km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Spit Bridge to Middle Head Forts walk.

Middle Head Battery walk

664 m Return, 30 mins

This walk guides you through the historic and well maintained outer Middle Head fortification battery. Take a step back in time, by walking along Old Fort Road past the old barracks and through the banksia forest to the open clearing and array of gun emplacements. At the fortification, you can explo

Total climbing: 10m

Easy track

Inner Middle Head Battery walk

762 m Return, 30 mins

On this walk you will explore the historic northern or 'inner' Middle Head fortification battery. You can explore the trenches, tunnels and rooms of the fortifications on the less busy gun emplacements on Middle Head. The vegetation, water, cliff and harbour views are also spectacular and well worth

Total climbing: 26m

Moderate track

Middle Head

1.9 km Circuit, 1 Hr

This walk leads you around the perimeter of Middle Head. This is a great place to explore, with many forts, barracks and views over Sydney Harbour. The forts area is an excellent place to spend some time walking through the tunnels and gun pits.

Total climbing: 101m

Moderate track

Spit Bridge to Fisher Bay

3.6 km Circuit, 1 hr 30 mins

This track from the Spit Bridge to Fisher Bay is a great little loop which also visits Sandy Bay. The track is well maintained, allowing you to fully enjoy the harbour views. Allow some extra time, as you may need to wait for the regular opening of the Spit Bridge.

Total climbing: 146m

Hard track

Balmoral to Middle Head Forts

3.9 km Circuit, 2 hrs

This walk to the Middle Head fortifications is a great way to break up your day at the beach. There are plenty of places to explore, and the forts are quite interesting and historically significant. The track is well marked and has some information signs. The views of Sydney Harbour are great and it

Total climbing: 187m

Hard track

Balmoral Beach to The Spit

4.3 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

This walks follows the coast from Balmoral to the Spit and across Spit Bridge. There are some alternate tracks to consider at high-tides, which take the streets over the headlands. Balmoral and Chinamans Beaches are very nice places for lunch and a swim. Allows time to wander and explore. There ar

Total climbing: 85m

Hard track

Chowder Bay to Middle Head return via Chowder Bay Rd

4.9 km Circuit, 2 hrs 30 mins

The walk from Chowder Bay to Middle Head is an interesting one, passing Georges Head Lookout and its views over South Head, and then going up to the WW1 hospital. The track continues with an exploration of the whole of Middle Head, including forts, a nudist beach (a sidetrip option) and stunning vie

Total climbing: 200m

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 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

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

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Spit Bridge to Middle Head Forts walk.

Spit to Lindfield

22.6 km One way, 9 hrs 45 mins

This full day walk starts at the southern end of the Spit Bridge and explores a lot of Garigal National Park and Middle Harbour Creek. The walk follows the 'Harbour to Hawkesbury' track into Garigal National Park, skirting around Bantry Bay and along Middle Harbour Creek before crossing Roseville Br

Total climbing: 1181m

Hard track

Spit Bridge to North Harbour Reserve

8.7 km Circuit, 4 hrs

This loop walk from the Spit Bridge is an interesting walk with many different things to see and do along the way. The walk passes Ellery's Punt Reserve, Sandy Bay and goes along the shoreline to Castle Rock Beach. The walk crosses Dobroyd Head and comes around to Reef Beach, which is a great place

Total climbing: 381m

Moderate track

Spit Bridge to Manly (Manly Scenic Walkway)

9.1 km One way, 3 hrs 45 mins

The Spit to Manly walk is a classic bushwalk on Sydney's Northern Beaches. The walk follows a well-maintained track and provides beautiful views over Middle Harbour. This walk is great for those looking for exercise or just a stroll along the shoreline of Sydney Harbour. If you have time, the sidet

Total climbing: 349m

Moderate track

Castle Rock Beach

200 m Return, 30 mins

This is a short walk down to Castle Rock Beach, tucked into the rocky shores of Middle Harbour. The walk is mostly along boardwalk or footpath through rainforest vegetation. The foliage surrounding the track is topped by a closed canopy which provides shade, before opening out onto the sunny beach.

Total climbing: 20m

Moderate track

Castle Rock to Grotto Point Lighthouse

2 km Return, 1 Hr

The Castle Rock to Grotto Point walk is a great way to see the Grotto Point Lighthouse. The start at Ogilvy Rd passes Castle Rock Beach, which is a nice spot to view the harbour, before continuing to the excellent view from Grotto Point Lighthouse.

Total climbing: 127m

Moderate track

Dobroyd Head Walk

2.5 km Circuit, 1 Hr

Walking around Dobroyd Head is a fantastic experience. The heath vegetation high up on the walk provides many opportunities to view flowers and insects close up, whilst still enjoying plenty of views out to the sea. Reef Beach is a great place to stop for a snack or lunch and to get the feet wet bef

Total climbing: 109m

Hard track

Grotto Point Walk

3.6 km Return, 2 hrs

This return walk out to Grotto Point is in a magnificent area above the entrance to Middle Harbour. The walk provides plenty of views of Middle Head and over Sydney Harbour to the CBD. Many scenic views and some spectacular bushland, so close to the city, makes this walk a gem.

Total climbing: 153m

Moderate track

Arabanoo Lookout

142 m Return, 15 mins

This short and easy walk leads from Tania Park to wonderful views of Arabanoo Lookout. The views over North Head and the water are wonderful. There is a concrete path leading the whole way and two seats at the top waiting for you to soak up the views. Tania Park can get busy on weekends with sport a

Total climbing: 5m

Very easy

Crater Cove Lookout

60 m Return, 3 mins

This is a great, short walk to a lookout with a fantastic views. The lookout has great views out through the heads, and also much of the upper reaches of Sydney Harbour. From the lookout, you can even see down into Crater Cove, to the old houses built during the great depression. The walk is very

Total climbing: 9m

Moderate track

Grotto Point Lighthouse Walk

1.7 km Return, 1 Hr

This is an excellent walk with some very scenic views. The walk travels along a well used track through the thick coastal bush. The views are capped off by the vista over Sydney Harbour from the Grotto Point Lighthouse. Easy parking, a few good side trips, and in particular, the Aboriginal Engravin

Total climbing: 83m

Moderate track

North Arm Walking Track

3.1 km One way, 2 hrs

Following the edge of Middle Harbour, this walk has excellent views and Special spots, including the views from the end of North Arm Rd and the trail near the Mannerim Rd Turnoff. The change in the track from bush track to mangroves and mudflats south of the Pump Station gives a good feel of the d

Total climbing: 145m

Moderate track

Manly to Seaforth Oval

13.7 km One way, 5 hrs 45 mins

This walk follows the Manly to Spit Scenic Walkway, then continues past The Spit Bridge to Seaforth Oval. The walk provides magnificent bushland and Harbour scenes with many small beaches, reserves and coves to stop at. A very scenic and fun walk along the Harbour. Stop for a coffee or ice-cream at

Total climbing: 624m

Moderate track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Spit Bridge to Middle Head Forts walk starts at the Spit Bridge South (gps: -33.804351, 151.24615)

Bus. (get details)

Car. There is free parking available.<br /> (get details)

The Spit Bridge to Middle Head Forts ends at the Int. Middle Head Rd and Chowder Bay Rd (gps: -33.827783, 151.26147)

Bus. (get details)

Car. There is free parking available.<br /> (get details)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Sydney Harbour National Park

One of Sydney's most diverse parks, Sydney Harbour National Park is formed from 11 pockets of harbour islands and shoreline. Highlights include coastal walks and swimming, breath-taking viewpoints, tours of colonial buildings and Aboriginal cave art.

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