Friday, December 19, 2008

Georges Head to Taronga Zoo Walk, Sydney


One of the fortunate aspects about living near the harbour in Sydney is the ability to stroll out the front door and have some of the best walks in Sydney on the doorstep. In the morning I took one of my favourite walks is from Georges Head to Taronga Zoo. Starting at Mosman Shops, follow Military Road to the Georges Head Lookout, which was the site for an old gun battery that defended Sydney Harbour. It is open to the public now, and is great place to watch the annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, or any of the events on this magnificent harbour.



Continuing down the hill, a bush track takes you to Clifton Gardens. The old Government buildings have been turned over to restaurants, cafes, and a dive school. The sheltered beach, bordered by a park, that is very popular with families.



Past the beach, and around the point is the tranquil Taylor Bay (pictured below). One of the midget submarines, which attacked Sydney Harbour in World War 2 was sunk here.

A bush track follows the bay around to the end of the point that is Bradely's Head, where there are fine views of the City of Sydney, and the famous Opera House and Harbour Bridge.


Keep following the track and past Athol Beach you will catch sight of Taronga Zoo. Outside the Zoo there is a ferry to take you to the City, or you can keep following the track to Mosman Bay. If you visit the Zoo there is a chairlift to take you up to the top of the hill, or you can do what I did, and stride to the Zoo Entrance.


From there it's a ten minute walk to Mosman Shops. All up the round trip is a pleasant one and half hour steady walk.