With epic mansions, an ocean pool and ‘the bridge’ as a backdrop, this is one of my favourite Sydney Harbour walks.
If you’ve done Spit Bridge to Manly and Taronga to Balmoral, and looking for another great North Shore walking track, this one’s a ripper.
A total of six kilometres, one-way, the relatively easy walk takes in natural bushland, harbour beaches, pretty gardens and streets filled with fuck-off Mosman mansions. There’s also views of the city skyline, Sydney Harbour and Mosman Bay.
Then rounding out the cast of this blockbuster, there’s Robertsons Point Lighthouse, Cremorne Reserve and Maccallum Pool. Plus, like an annoying child, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House are always there, under your right arm. And all only 20 minutes by ferry from Circular Quay.
So what are we waiting for? Let’s get those sneakers laced!
Getting to Cremorne Point
Around Cremorne Point there’s tonnes of unrestricted street parking but driving would be ruining part of the fun of this harbour walk. It’d also mean having to walk the six kilometres back to get your car – no thanks!
Instead, catch the ferry from Circular Quay to Kurraba Point Wharf – it’s then a 10-minute, 700-metre walk to the entrance of Cremorne Reserve, located on Bogota Avenue.
And you can catch the ferry back to Circular Quay from Taronga Zoo Wharf at the end.
Not gonna lie, Kurraba Point Wharf has a few stairs
Cremorne to Taronga: A step-by-step guide
Cremorne Reserve – running down the western side of Cremorne Point peninsula is a harbourside nature reserve that feels like a slip of paradise in the big smoke. There’s bushland, formal lawns and down-right stunning views of the CBD, Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Maccallum Pool – follow the pathway through Cremorne Reserve and you’ll stumble across this oceanside public swimming pool. Maccallum Pool still has its 1920s character, as well as a timber deck littered with sun bakers. Well… clearly not the day I visited – naturally the pool had been drained for its weekly clean.
Robertsons Point Lighthouse – at the southern tip of the peninsula there’s the Robertsons Point Lighthouse. Walk out onto the gangplank if you dare.
Lex and Ruby Graham Garden – on the eastern side of the peninsula, you’ll find this beautiful garden full of ferns, colourful flowers and exotic plants. How did this oasis come about? Back in 1959, local residents Lex and Ruby Graham began turning what used to be a rubbish dump into the natural wonderland you see today.
Mosman Bay – heading north, you have the pretty Mosman Bay on your right and some epic Mosman mansions on your left – you’ll need to pick your jaw up off the pavement for these ones. Track on past the historic Old Cremorne Wharf, around the bend in the bay, until you get to Mosman Bay Wharf on the other side.
Quick side note: Toilet anxiety is a real thing for me. So if you’re anything like me, you’ll be calmed to know there are ample public toilets along this walking track, including here at Mosman Bay Wharf. There’s also a healthy amount of drinking fountains.
Mosman suburbs – next, take the steps behind Mosman Bay Wharf up into the ‘burbs. This is where things get a little confusing (and quite hilly). Head south along Mosman Street, which turns into Trumfield Lane. When you get to the t-intersection, make a left-turn up McLeod Street. Keep climbing the hill, over Musgrave Street and over Raglan Street. At this point you’ll come to a dead end. Don’t panic! There’s some hidden stairs that’ll lead you down to a path that’s a little unsure of itself but keep going.
Sirius Cove Reserve – eventually you’ll make it to Curraghbeena Road and the dog-friendly Sirius Cove Beach. Of course, you can absolutely stop here for a quick swim.
Camp Curlew – on the eastern side of Little Sirius Cove is where the old artists’ Camp Curlew ran from 1890 to 1912. It’s not difficult to see why the surroundings were irresistible to painters back in the day.
Taronga Zoo Wharf – finally, six kilometres later, you have reached your destination and this sight…
