The 10km Harbourside Trail From Bradleys Head to Middle Head is the Best Way to See Sydney’s Natural Beauty This Weekend

To discover a side of Sydney Harbour the tourist crowds rarely find, take this 10km hike from Bradleys Head to Middle Head as it winds alongside the world’s most beautiful harbour.

We Are Explorers acknowledges that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Gadigal people who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Quick Overview

The Bradleys Head to Middle Head return bushwalk along Sydney Harbour combines a handful of stunning trails around the harbourside to create one epic out-and-back day hike. The hike can be extended by starting from the Taronga Zoo Wharf after catching the Taronga Zoo Ferry across the harbour from Circular Quay, making it a totally car-free walk.

Quick Facts

Distance: Approximately 12km return (14.5km if starting from Taronga Zoo Wharf)
Duration: 4 hours with time for swimming (5 hours if starting from Taronga Zoo Wharf)
Elevation gain: 29m 

How to Get to Bradleys Head

By Ferry

Bradleys Head is on the northern side of Sydney Harbour in the suburb of Mosman. The best way to get there is via the Taronga Zoo ferry from Circular Quay. This will add and extra 1.3km walk each way, but most of it is on the Bradleys Head Walking Trail anyway.

By Car

If you do choose to drive, it’s around a 25-minute drive from the Sydney CBD, depending on the traffic.

When it comes to parking, there are two options:

1: Bradleys Head Car Park

Parking here is the logical choice. But you’re looking at $8/day. Plus, there are only about 20 spaces, so it can fill up quickly on the weekend.

2. Chowder Bay Road Parking next to Obelisk Beach

Under certain circumstances, parking here can be for FREE, if you hold a NSW National Parks All Parks or Multi Parks Pass, you can park for free for up to 4 hours/day. So you better be speed hiking this bushwalk! Otherwise, parking here is $3/hour, to a max of $16/day, increasing to $4/hour, to a max of $20/day on weekends and public holidays. 

There’s less parking here than compared with Bradleys Head so arrive early to avoid disappointment. Middle Head car park is also around the corner but can be a bit exxy. 

Skill Level

Beginner

Essential Gear

• Decent footwear 
• Sunscreen
• Sunnies
• Hat
• Day backpack
• Camera
• Budgie smugglers
• Small towel
• Snacks
• Water for walking all day
• Waterproof/windproof jacket, fleece jacket & waterproof bag cover in winter

What It’s Like to Hike From Bradleys Head to Middle Head

This bushwalk really starts off with a bang as you’ll have the best views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House from the start of this hike at Bradleys Head.

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Compulsory harbour shot

After snapping some photos, the bushwalk begins. Relatively quickly, you’ll feel away from the glitz and glamour of Sydney’s main harbourside attractions, and be enjoying the real reason you came to visit. Walking the tranquil trail loaded with idyllic beaches and bays hidden from the usual Sydney crowds.

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The first major stop of interest is Taylors Bay. It’s a beautifully secluded and swimmable bay accessible from a set of steps that’s somewhat overgrown. If you can resist the temptation to take a dip so early on in the piece, keep charging towards Chowder Bay.

Opposite this slightly busier bay is the large Clifton Gardens Reserve. A great place to stop for a snack. But don’t take too long, one of the highlights of this walk is right around the corner. 

It’s an area full of fascinating history – the Georges Head Lookout. Not only will you have epic views of South Head and North Head – the gateway to Sydney Harbour – but you’ll have military fortifications from WWII to check out. And for the history buffs, your walk will only get better! 

After enjoying this lookout, continue your walk to Middle Head. Home to heritage-listed fortifications with construction dating back to 1801! You’ll really be blown away by the historical sites on offer during this bushwalk. Plus the serene views over the Sydney Harbour are unending over the course of the hike.

Heritage-listed fortifications at Middle Head

One last thing before you head back to Bradleys Head. There’s a really stunning beach to visit called Obelisk Beach. Beware, it’s a nudist beach. So if that’s not your cup of tea, then carry on. Otherwise, it’s worth a stop.

The beach is only a short detour from the Middle Head area and is located off Chowder Bay Road. From the roadside, you’ll traverse a tiny set of steps. A small golden sand harbourside beach awaits you. There are some cool rocks off to the left as you enter the beach to explore.

Obelisk Beach

Now all there’s left to do is wander the trail back to Bradleys Head!

Bradleys Head to Middle Head Walk Tips

• Keep in mind that the trail is fairly narrow from Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay. It can get overcrowded at peak times during the weekend, so to beat the crowds, make this one an early adventure
• Don’t forget this is an out-and-back trail so bring enough water and snacks to keep you going each way

Bradleys Head to Middle Head Walk FAQs

Where’s the best place to start a Bradleys Head walk?

The best place to start a walk around Bradleys Head is from Taronga Zoo Wharf. Catch the ferry across the harbour from Circular Quay, then it’s only a few hundred metres from the wharf to the Bradleys Head Walking Track trailhead.

Is Bradleys Head a good photo spot?

Yes, Bradleys Head is a great photo spot as it gives you uninterrupted views of both the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

Is Bradleys Head part of a national park?

Yep, Bradleys Head is part of Sydney Harbour National Park.

Can you park at Bradleys Head?

Yes there’s a small and very limited car park at Bradleys Head that costs $8 a day for parking.

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