This walk is almost entirely through bush, some of it in much the same state as it was when Europeans first landed in Sydney. The walk skirts Sydney Harbour and affords many views, some open and expansive, as well as glimpses of sparkling blue harbour through the bush. Wildlife thrives along this trail with water dragons bathing in the sun and a vast and varied bird life in the trees. The first part of the walk is along a narrow strip between the grand houses in Clifton Gardens and the harbour. Just after the steps on the right down to Taylors Bay you will see a stairway up to the left. It is worth climbing them to see "The Manor", a mansion loosely in the Federation style with an interesting past. The walk continues through the undisturbed bush of Chowder Head. This is a nice place to stop for a breather with fine views over the harbour. The final stretch is along the Chowder Bay Beach in front of the Clifton Gardens Reserve. This popular park was once a farm, then a fairground and dance hall and even housed a large hotel occupying a commanding site near the present access road. Today it is a peaceful spot where families picnic, children play games and swim safely in the netted swimming area and couples get married. At the end of the beach you enter what was previously a key defence outpost for Sydney. From this point there were a string of mines laid across the harbour, ready to be detonated should any enemy strip attempt to cross. The buildings housed maintenance facilities. There is now a small cafe where you can enjoy a coffee and light bite whilst watching divers embark on a harbour dive or families enjoy the beautiful harbourside picnic area.
Click here to find out more about points of interest on this walk and download a pdf of a single double sided colour A4 sheet with a map and instructions you take take along with you when you do the walk.
To see photos from this walk, click here.