Chowder Bay to Balmoral Beach Walk

The walk from Chowder Bay to Balmoral Beach is a scenic trail in Mosman, on Sydney’s lower north shore, featuring beautiful ocean and Harbour views.

This trail forms the second half of the Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach Walk, which also includes the stretch between Bradleys Head and Chowder Bay.

You can start the walk from either end, but beginning at Chowder Bay means you can finish with lunch and a refreshing swim at Balmoral Beach.

You can begin the walk from either Chowder Bay or Balmoral Beach, but we recommend starting in Chowder Bay. Both locations offer ample paid parking.

To reach Chowder Bay by car, turn onto Chowder Bay Road from Middle Head Road at the roundabout and follow it to the end, where ticketed parking is available (see location on map).

Public transport is also an option. You can take a ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo and hike to Chowder Bay from there.

Alternatively, there are several bus stops along Middle Head Road and Chowder Bay Road, within a short walk of the trailhead.

We are going to describe this fantastic walk along the following highlights and landmarks:

1. Bungaree’s Walkway
2. Georges Head Lookout
3. Georges Heights
4. Balmoral Beach

Here is a map of the walk with those highlights marked from 1 to 4:

1. Bungaree’s Walkway

The first section of the walk begins at a sign for Headland Park and Bungaree’s Walkway, located near the parking area and next to the cafe. This is towards the end of Chowder Bay Road, just before the small roundabout.

Bungaree’s Walkway is a steep path leading up to Georges Heights and into Headland Park. It is named after Bungaree, an Aboriginal Australian who oversaw a local farm established by Governor Macquarie in 1815.

The walkway connects to Suakin Drive, which provides access to the Gunners Barracks and the Georges Head lookout.

Once a key military post defending Sydney Harbour from potential invaders, Gunners Barracks is now a popular destination for weddings and high tea.

2. Georges Head Lookout

The highlight of the Chowder Bay to Balmoral Walk is Georges Head Lookout, one of Sydney’s most impressive viewpoints.

This lookout is located just behind the Gunners Barracks. Follow the paved path to the lookout, where stunning Harbour views will unfold before you.

The panoramic views of North Head, South Head, and the city skyline are truly remarkable. Take your time to explore the area and uncover its historic features, including tunnels, battlements, and cannons.

You can continue along the dirt track that winds around the headland, offering even more views towards Middle Head. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, such as kookaburras digging for worms or flocks of Australian brush turkeys perched in the trees.

When you’re ready, retrace your steps to the main walking track and continue through the bushland heading north towards Middle Head.

3. Georges Heights

The stretch through Georges Heights, between Georges Head Lookout and Balmoral Beach, offers stunning views of Middle Head and the ocean beyond.

Along the path, you’ll find a few cleared spots where you can pause to take in uninterrupted views. There are also occasional benches, perfect for sitting and soaking up the scenery.

As the trail approaches Balmoral Beach, it passes through a protected area designed to support the growth of native trees.

This section features elevated boardwalks and stairs, which help protect the local vegetation from the spread of water mould in the soil.

This part of the walk is quite serene, with a rainforest-like atmosphere that feels worlds away from the city.

The trail concludes at Balmoral Park, a large open space with an oval, a fitness station, and toilet and shower facilities.

4. Balmoral Beach

Cross Balmoral Park and the adjacent car park, and you’ll find yourself at Balmoral Beach, one of Mosman’s finest beaches.

It’s easy to see why you could spend an entire day at Balmoral Beach, one of Sydney’s most popular family-friendly spots.

The water here is usually calm, making it perfect for a relaxing swim. Plus, the kiosks, cafés, and restaurants along the road behind the beach provide plenty of great options for lunch.

For those looking to stay active, Balmoral Beach offers snorkelling, stand-up paddleboarding, and scuba diving opportunities in its sheltered bay.

More Hiking

As mentioned above, the Chowder Bay to Balmoral Walk forms part of the coastal trail between Taronga Zoo and Balmoral Beach, so there is the option to extend this hike and start from Taronga Zoo or Bradleys Head.

You can also continue the walk beyond Balmoral Beach to Chinamans Beach, and from there continue to the Spit Bridge to Manly Walk.

That’s the beauty of Sydney Harbour and Sydney’s coastline. All of these shorter walking tracks are connected and are all part of the 80 km hike between Bondi Beach and Manly Beach.