Sydney to Boronia Park

Download & Print Map and Notes

2 hrs 30 mins

6 km One way

176 m

Moderate track

This walk is the southern most stretch of the Great North Walk and spends much of the time exploring the scenic and historic urban areas around Woolwich and Hunters Hill. Starting at the birth place of modern Sydney you soon enjoy a ferry ride across the world renowned harbour, passing the Opera House and heading under the Harbour Bridge. Once on dry land again you will explore the streets and some lovely pockets of remnant bushland of this peninsula. There are a few chances to stop at a cafe along the way before coming to open area at Boronia Park.

Canon and anchor from the HMS Sirius (First Fleet)

Looking at the Circuar Quay Ferry wharf from the water

Looking under the Sydney Harbour Bridge to the Opera House

Cross at the front of All Saints Anglican Church

Park at the the int of Alexandra and Mount Sts

Lane Cove River from the end of Mount St

Lane cove River behind Hunters Hill High School

The Obelisk

The Obelisk in Macquarie Place (Cnr of Bridge and Loftus Sts) is the original Mile Stone for 19th century roads in NSW. The surrounding park is the original town square built in 1810, while the Obelisk was erected by Governor Macquarie (well actually the Convicts did the heavy work) in 1818. For nearly 200 years this monument stood as the zero mile/km marker for all principal roads. There are a number of inscriptions including distance markers and "The Obelisk was erected in Macquarie Place A.D.1818, to Record that all the Public Roads Leading to the Interior of the Colony are measured from it. L.Macquarie Esq Governor". The park has a number of other historic items worth exploring.

(0km) The Obelisk → Circular Quay

260 m

4 mins

-5m Very easy

From the tall sandstone obelisk[1][2][3] (in Macquarie Place[4][5] at the intersection of Bridge and Loftus Sts, Sydney), this walk heads down along the footpath beside Loftus St[6], towards the view of the Harbour Bridge. After about 80m, the footpath leads past 'Jessie Street Gardens'[7], which is 'Dedicated to the achievements of Australian women'[8] - definitely worth the time to read the plaques[9][10][11]. From here, the walk continues down past McDonald's[12] and across Alfred St to underneath the 'Circular Quay Railway Station' building[13].

Circular Quay

Where the harbour meets the city, Circular Quay is a transport hub joining the busy ferry wharf with the train and bus services. The Quay provides great views of the Harbour Bridge[14], Opera House and several other popular sights of Sydney. There are many small food kiosks[15] and cafes as well as a McDonalds[16]. Circular Quay is the site of Australia's first colonial settlement. In 1794, Thomas Muir was transported to Australia and later bought a farm and built a cottage on what we now call Circular Quay. Not a great deal is known about the traditional owners, as in 1789 almost half of this indigenous population died during a smallpox epidemic. It is reported that only three Cadigal people were left by 1791. In 1879, there were some Aboriginal people living in the boat sheds (near the now Museum of Contemporary Art) when they were dispossessed of that space so it could be used for hosting an international exhibition. Now, Circular Quay is popular among visitors enjoying the sites, and also daily commuters.

(0km) Circular Quay → Woolwich Ferry Wharf, Valentia St

4.8 km

20 mins

-2m Very easy

Continue straight: From Circular Quay ferry terminal[21], this walk heads over to Wharf 5[22] and catches a ferry (about $6) to Woolwich Ferry Wharf, Valentia St[23][24]. A ferry leaves every 30-60 mins during the day. The trip is very pleasant and passes the Opera House[25], travels the under the Harbour Bridge[26], around Garden Island[27], near Cockatoo Island[28] and on to Woolwich Ferry Wharf near the mouth of the Lane Cove River.

Woolwich Wharf

Woolwich Wharf, found at the end of Valentia Street, is a bit of a transport hub with a ferry terminal and a popular bus stop. There are public toilets in the bus shelter area[29], a public phone box and across the road is an open grass area and kids' playground in 'Valentia Street Reserve'[30]. There is also a large sign highlighting the Great North Walk's presence[31].

(5km) Woolwich Ferry Wharf, Valentia St → Goat Paddock

720 m

13 mins

23m

-6m Very easy

Continue straight: From Woolwich Wharf[32] (at the end of Valentia Street[33]), this walk follows the footpath, past the toilets[34] and the large 'Great North Walk' sign[35] (and past the children's playground[36] which is across the road) to the top of 'Valentia St'[37]. The walk turns left and follows the tree-lined 'The Point Rd'[38], which bends left and becomes 'Gale St'[39]. Not far along Gale St, this walk comes to the front of the gates at the top of the signposted 'Goat Paddock' park[40][41] (on your left)

Goat Paddock

Goat Paddock is the open area north of Woolwich Dock. The park has a path winding down through the middle[42], providing access to the waters edge. In 1835, the Clarke family received a grant of the land at the eastern end of the peninsula, what we now call Woolwich. In 1898, Morts Dock and Engineering Company bought this land and commissioned the excavation of the dock. The area is well maintained and is used by many locals for their morning strolls.

(6km) Goat Paddock → Woolwich Lookout

80 m

1 mins

-2m Easy track

Continue straight: From the gates at the top of 'Goat Paddock'[44][45], this walk follows the footpath uphill beside Gale St, which soon bends right. The walk passes 'Woolwich Pier Hotel'[46] (on the opposite side of the road), then veers left across the grass on the signposted 'Woolwich Lookout' park[47], and soon comes to the fenced[48] lookout platform[49] on the left, about 80m from the lookout.

Woolwich Lookout

Woolwich Lookout is a fenced lookout[50] atop of the cliffs at the western end of Woolwich Dock[51]. There are great views down the sandstone cutting[52], through the dock at the mouth of the Lane Cove River and to North Sydney. In December 1901, the W. Solomon & Sons company (commissioned by Morts Dock and Engineering Company) completed the excavation of 85,000 cubic metres of sandstone to construct this dry dock. At the time, this 188 metres long, and 27 metres wide, pit was the largest dry dock in Australia. In 1963, the Army purchased the site and now it is managed by the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust.

(6km) Woolwich Lookout → Top of Kellys Bush

590 m

13 mins

35m

-11m Easy track

Continue straight: From 'Woolwich Lookout'[54], this walk winds down the concrete footpath[55], initially keeping the water view to your left. Crossing the road[56], this walk then follows the GNW arrow post[57] downhill along Edgecliff Rd[58][59], which soon bends right (enjoying the water views across to Cockatoo Island[60]), then crosses Margaret St[61] to become Alfred St. Continuing to the end of Alfred St[62], this walk comes to a short sandstone wall and a 'Kellys Bush' sign[63]
Continue straight: From the end of Alfred St[64], this walk follows the 'Nelson Parade' sign[65] up the sandstone steps[66]. At the top of the steps, this walk turns right, following the 'Picnic Area' sign[67] along the dirt track[68] for about 80m to a three-way intersection just past a bench seat[69]. This walk veers right, following the 'Nelson Parade' sign[70] up the steps[71], passing a 'Kellys bush' information sign[72] at the top of the hill, then leaves the park through a gap in the timber fence[73] to come to a road[74] beside Weil Park[75] (a large playing field[76]).

Kellys Bush

In the late 1880s, pocket of bushland between Prince George Parade and Alfred St, Woolwich was set aside to to act as a buffer zone between the Parramatta River and the Sydney Smelting Company. The area was named after the owner of the land and smelting company, T.H. Kelly [77]. From the passion of the local people who fought to protect this area, Kelly's Bush is now owned by the Hunters Hill Council and cared for by a team of local bush regenerators[78].

(6km) Top of Kellys Bush → Int of Brookes and Vernon Sts

830 m

17 mins

27m

-46m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the top of Kellys Bush, this walk follows the GNW arrow[79] gently uphill along Prince George Parade[80] (directly away from the park). Soon after passing a set of swings[81] (on the central reservation), this walk turns right[82] (crossing over the other part Prince George Parade) to follow another GNW arrow post along 'Gladstone Ave'[83] until coming to an intersection with 'Woolwich Rd'[84].
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the GNW arrow west alongside Woolwich Rd[85] for about 100m, then turns right across the road[86] and heads to the end of Serpentine Rd[87]. There are some GNW arrows here and a footpath[88] on the left.
Continue straight: From the end of Serpentine Rd[89], this walk follows the GNW arrows down a few steps[90], then downhill along the footpath[91]. The path soon leads down to Vernon St to turn left[92], following the street for about 30m. Here the walk turns right[93], leading down a pedestrian lane-way[94] and steps[95][96] between two house, coming to 'Mornington Reserve', beside Alexandra Bay on the Lane Cove River[97][98]. Here the walk turns left, leading up along the grassy track reserve behind some houses[99] for about 180m to turn left at a GNW post[100] marking another pedestrian lane-way. The walk heads up this lane-way[101] then up the steps to turn right on Vernon St[102], coming almost immediately to an intersection with Brookes St[103] (on your right).

(7km) Int of Brookes and Vernon Sts → Hunters Hill Shops

1.2 km

22 mins

31m

-24m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads uphill along Vernon St[104] which soon bends left. At the top of the hill, this walk turns right to follow the footpath beside Woolwich Rd[105] for about 150m, then turns right down Futuna Lane[106]. At the T-intersection, this walk turns left to follow Futuna St past the grand 'St. Peter Chanel Catholic Church' building[107] and then come to another T-intersection[109]. Here the walk crosses Crescent St and turns right a short distance and then left into Garrick Ave[110]. At the end of Garrick Ave[111], this walk follows the GNW arrow along the zigzagging pedestrian lane way[112][113] for about 170m to come to Passy Ave[114]. Here the walk crosses the road and turns right, following the footpath for about 150m to then turn left onto Ambrose St[115]. After a further 100m, the walk turns right at Ferry St to pass in front of the large sandstone 'All Saints Anglican Church' building[116]. Just past this church, the walk passes a few shops[118] to cross Alexandra St, then turns left. Just after crossing Ady St, this walk comes to to 'Jaspers Restaurant'[119], opposite more cafes and shops[121][122].

Hunters Hill Shops

Just opposite the intersection of Alexandra and Ady Streets is a community shopping village in Hunters Hill. There are a few cafes and small restaurants[123] set among a lovely series of sandstone buildings[124]. You could even get your hair cut if so desired. The Ricciotti Deli Cafe open 7 days 0800-1700 (weekends 0800-1500) ph: (02) 9817-7388.[126]

(8km) Hunters Hill Shops → Joubert Street Reserve

1.4 km

26 mins

32m

-45m Easy track

Continue straight: From in front of 'Jaspers Restaurant'[127], this walk heads gently downhill along Alexandra St[129] almost immediately passing 'Vienna' Cottage[130][131] (an artisan's home built in 1871). This walk continues along beside Alexandra St[133] for about 500m, passing the post office[134], Masonic Centre[135], town hall[136], Congregational Church[137], a tiny and very old-looking pharmacy[138] to come to a four-way intersection with Mount St[139] (on your right), opposite a children's playground[140]. Here the walk follows the GNW post right[141] and downhill along Mount St[142] to come to a waterfront[143] intersection[144] at the end of the street.
Turn left : From the northern end of Mount St[145], this walk follows the asphalt footpath[146] behind Hunters Hill High School[147], whilst keeping the Lane Cover River[148] to your right. The path leads past a few information signs[149][150], then bends left at the grassy clearing[151] to head up the side of the school. The path leads up a small set of stairs[152] and turns right on Reiby Rd, where the walk follows the road[153] for 100m until the road bends right. Here, the walk crosses the road[154] to follow the GNW arrow[155] up to the right and along the concrete footpath, which leads under under Burns Bay Rd (Fig Tree Bridge)[156]. Just after passing under the bridge, the walk heads left, diagonally up through Joubert Street Reserve to Joubert St[157] (just downhill from the intersection with Figtree Rd).

(10km) Joubert Street Reserve → Boronia Park

930 m

17 mins

26m

-3m Very easy

Continue straight: From Joubert Street Reserve, this walk crosses Joubert St and heads uphill to then turn right into Figtree Rd. The walk leads along the footpath beside Figtree Rd[158] for about 350m, then turns right onto Ryde Rd[159] (there is a Coles Express service station to your left[160], if you want a cold drink). Following the footpath alongside Ryde Rd for about 500m (passing St Joseph's College[161] along the way), this walk comes to Boronia Ave, just beside Boronia Park[162].

Boronia Park

Boronia Park is found at the intersection of Ryde Rd and Boronia Ave[163]. The park is centered around a couple of large playing fields[164] and a grand stand[165]. Here you will find public toilets[166], tap water, electric BBQs[167] and a children's playground[168]. There is also shade from the trees and rain shelter to provide some relief on the hot or wet days.

Maps for the Sydney to Boronia Park 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 Sydney to Boronia Park bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Sydney to Boronia Park

Altitude analysis for Sydney to Boronia Park

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 km
		Time	2 hrs 30 mins
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

Around 8km of this walk is flat with no steps, whilst the remaining 2.4km has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

8km of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path and another 2.5km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (420m) follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

Around 10km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 420m has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 11km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 11km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 11km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Sydney to Boronia Park walk.

Woolwich Wharf to Boronia Park

5.8 km One way, 2 hrs

Going through the streets of Hunters Hill, this walk is on the first segment of the Great North Walk. The majority of the walk is on roads and footpaths so you may not really consider it a bush walk. The track does pop into some pockets of nice bushland, but these are short, relative to the walking

Total climbing: 175m

Moderate track

Sydney to Thornleigh via Lane Cove Tourist Park

33 km One way, 2 Days

This overnight walk starts from the Obelisk in Macquarie Park, Sydney, at the official start of the Great North Walk. The walk soon boards the ferry from Circular Quay to Woolwich, and follows the Great North Walk through the streets of Hunters Hill and into the Lane Cove National Park. After stayi

Total climbing: 1110m

Hard track

Circular Quay to Hornsby

44.4 km One way, 3 Days

This fun walk covers a large section of the Great North Walk, starting from the official start in Circular Quay. After a short ferry trip the walk follows the Lane Cove River through the Lane Cove National Park, to Thornleigh. Here, the walk enters Berowra Valley National Park, continuing along the

Total climbing: 1690m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Sydney to Boronia Park walk.

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

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

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 to Taronga Zoo

4.2 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

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

Total climbing: 218m

Moderate track

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

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

Queens Beach

108 m Return, 10 mins

This short walk follows a set of sandstone steps from the narrow streets of Vaucluse to the small, isolated Queens Beach on Sydney Harbour. The beach has great views across the top of Rose Bay to the city and Sydney Harbour Bridge. A great place to wet the toes and enjoy a peaceful lunch by the wate

Total climbing: 18m

Moderate track

Queens Beach to Hermit Point

552 m Return, 20 mins

This short walk explores a memorable section of the Hermitage Foreshore Walk. Starting from Queens Ave, this walk heads down the fairly steep stone steps and enjoys a short side trip to Queens Beach. From the beach, this walk heads back up the steps a short way, then follows the main walk around to

Total climbing: 39m

Moderate track

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