Taronga Zoo to Chowder Bay Walk

So I had seen on the ferry ride to Manly that there were people out on this one point in the harbor.  I couldn't see a walking trail though from the ferry.  I ended up searching on Google and found out there was a pretty nice walk from Taronga Zoo to another bay, so one day I figured I'd check it out.  I asked Brooks to come along for the adventure.  Since it was going to be my workout for the day, I had us walk from our house, over the bridge and to Circular Quay to catch the ferry over to the zoo.  In all reality, we could have taken an Uber that would have gotten us to the zoo in about 15 mins versus the 45-60 min walking/ferry trip.  But hey, I've got to enjoy these boat rides while I live near water!!

Our adventure trail

So we made it to the zoo and found our trail and we set off.  Out in the open, it was perfect weather with a nice breeze, but once you got into the trail and were surrounded by trees, it got hot and sticky pretty fast.  There were different "openings" in the foliage which gave an amazing view of the city.

View of the CBD

Brooks and the city line

As we are walking on this trail, there are little markers that show a wildlife picture and a brief description.  I just kept walking by when I saw the ones with snakes.  It's warming up here, so there have been news stories of massive snakes coming out. Still terrified of snakes and will probably freak out if I see one here.

The majority of this walk is in Sydney Harbor National Park--which protects islands and foreshore around the Harbor.  The next major stop is Bradleys Head.  It is quite a point in the Harbor and you can't miss it because of the large HMAS (Her Majesty's Australian Ship) mast that is still there (first WWI ship to engage in war).

There is also a really cool amphitheater and a limestone jetty from the amphitheater that you can walk on when the tide is out.  We saw all these people having weddings down by the Opera house where it is noisy and packed with people working, toursists, etc.  We both said this place would be so much better!

Looking back at the amphitheater from the jetty

How far the jetty goes out

There is also some remnants of military times on Bradley's Head. There is a convict-built battery that was built after four American warships arrived in Sydney Harbor undetected in 1839. Sydneysiders were feeling uneasy so a circular parapet was later installed to enhance Sydney's protection.

Circular parapet--when standing in it, I can't see over the top unless I stand on a step

Steps down to amphitheater 

There is also an active lighthouse at Bradley's Head.  Went down to check that out as well.

Heading down the super old rock steps

Didn't want to go any further--didn't trust integrity of the boards

As we made our way back up and started on the trail again, we ran into this guy.  We were sure if they would come after us or what. I walked the furthest away from it.  He acted like we were even there.

We started to walk north towards Taylor's Bay which is a lush, shady bay that hosts a collection of birds, butterflies and spiders (definitely glad I learned that after I went through there).  They also failed to mention all the lizards.  Taylor's Bay is where the Japanese midget-sub came to rest after it's WWII torpedo raid in Sydney Harbor.

different views of the bay

More steps--this place is hilly

It was like being in a tropical forest at one point with all this vegetation and birds chirping so loud!

The opening out to the ocean

Fisherman in boat with large school of fish around

End destination

We made our way around the Taylor's bay and ended up at Chowder Bay.  The water is seriously some of the prettiest colors I've ever seen and this is in the Harbor!  Brooks and I made our way to Ripples for a snack.  We had some oysters and chips (french fries) and enjoyed the view.  We then were able to catch the bus back home.  Successful adventure!

Waiting for our well earned snack!