Sydney Harbour National Park
Sydney Harbour National Park is a national park in Mosman NSW 2088 that protects islands and foreshore around Sydney Harbour. Its standout feature is a coastal walking track of about 10 km from Sirius Cove to Balmoral Beach, with harbour views, swimming spots and picnic areas.
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About Sydney Harbour National Park
Coastal Walking Track at Sydney Harbour National Park
Sydney Harbour National Park has a coastal walking track of about 10 km that runs from Sirius Cove to Balmoral Beach. The track passes Whiting Beach, Athol Bay and Chowder Bay, and harbour views stay in sight for much of the route. A shorter section, the Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk, is an easy route that runs from Taronga Zoo to the beach and cafés at Chowder Bay. Most of the track is easy underfoot, so Sydney Harbour National Park suits both a short stroll and a longer bushwalk.
Historic Fortifications at Sydney Harbour National Park
Sydney Harbour National Park contains historic fortifications, including 19th-century military forts and gun pits at Middle Head. Sydney Harbour National Park also protects convict-built buildings from its past as a place of defence and settlement. A heritage lighthouse stands within the park, and Aboriginal sites are found across its islands and foreshore. These historic features sit alongside bushland and harbour scenery, so the park offers a window into both military and convict history.
Harbour Lookouts and Whale Watching at Sydney Harbour National Park
Sydney Harbour National Park has lookouts that offer views across the harbour and its surrounding foreshore. The lookouts are well suited to spotting whales, since the park advises visitors to look for them on their annual northern migration during winter. Each lookout gives a distinct outlook over the water, so visitors can pause on the walk to take in the harbour views. Sydney Harbour National Park makes a good vantage point for those who want to watch the harbour from above.
Facilities at Sydney Harbour National Park
Visitor tips for Sydney Harbour National Park
- ✓Wear sturdy shoes, as a few sections of the coastal track include stairs.
- ✓Allow roughly two hours to reach the café partway along the coastal walk.
Getting to Sydney Harbour National Park
Address: Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088. The park contact address is 2 Governors Road, Mosman NSW 2088. To reach Middle Head parking, drive along Middle Head Road to the HMAS Penguin roundabout and continue through it. Public transport: the 111 bus from Headland Park connects to the 100 service at Mosman Junction, and the 100 runs every 10 minutes during the day and every 20 minutes early morning and late at night. Parking permits from Mosman Council and National Parks NSW are not valid in Harbour Trust parking areas, and car parks run by the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust or Mosman Council are not covered by a National Parks pass.
Open in Google Maps →Nearby Mosman
- 📍Taronga Zoo
- 📍Balmoral Beach
- 📍Sirius Cove
- 📍Whiting Beach
- 📍Athol Bay
- 📍Chowder Bay
- 📍Bradleys Head
- 📍Nielsen Park
- 📍Watson Bay
- 📍Vaucluse
Frequently asked questions about Sydney Harbour National Park
Is Sydney Harbour National Park good for families with young children?
Yes, the park is listed as good for kids, and Chowder Bay offers large grassy areas for children to play on. Chowder Bay also has plenty of facilities for families.
Can I have a picnic at Sydney Harbour National Park, and are there picnic tables?
Yes, the park has picnic areas for visitors to use. Picnic areas sit alongside the park's walking tracks and harbour lookouts.
Is there parking available at Sydney Harbour National Park in Mosman, and how much does it cost?
Yes, parking is available at Middle Head, reached along Middle Head Road. Mosman Council and National Parks NSW permits are not valid in Harbour Trust car parks.
Are there good walking tracks at Sydney Harbour National Park in Mosman?
Yes, the park has an easy Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk and a longer coastal route of about 10 km from Sirius Cove to Balmoral Beach.
Are there swimming spots or beaches at Sydney Harbour National Park?
Yes, the park has swimming spots and hidden beaches and coves. Whiting Beach and Athol Bay lie along the coastal walking route.