On High
One of the most spectacular Sydney Harbour views can be experienced at the Georges Heights Lookout in Headlands Park Mosman. Perched high above the harbour the lookout offers unparalleled views to Manly, Vaucluse and the Sydney CBD.
Georges Heights Lookout
Georges Heights was formerly used by the military as a lookout area to see approaching enemy ships. Fortunately many of the historical military structures are still in place, such as concealed gun pits, underground tunnels and the barracks. These are well worth exploring before you head off on your bush walk!
Walk Georges Heights Lookout to Clifton Gardens
From the Georges Heights lookout there are a number of superb bush walks, including a relatively easy 20 minute walk down to Chowder Bay and the very beautiful Clifton Gardens Reserve and beach.
Follow the path and stairs south, past Gunners’ Barracks (constructed 1873, now a restaurant and function centre). There are two bush tracks to choose from, both lead to Chowder Bay and Clifton Gardens and both are shady, perfect for walking in the warmer months.
The steeper lower bush track winds down through the trees and comes out near the Drift Cafe and Chowder Bay car park. The higher bush track traverses the side of the hill for some time before taking a paved path down past the large fuel tanks to the old military buildings at Chowder Bay. On the eastern side of the old Military buildings at Chowder Bay take the stairs and follow your nose to Clifton Gardens beach and reserve.
On arrival at Chowder Bay you will be rewarded with a brilliant aquamarine harbour and the white sandy beach at Clifton Gardens Reserve…. and some fabulous eateries and picnic spots too.
We usually make it a round trip of about an hour.
Clifton Gardens to Taronga Zoo
If you have time, continue on from Clifton Gardens toward Bradleys Head and Taronga Zoo (approx. 45 mins one way). This is a particularly beautiful and popular walk.
Eat & Drink
Normally there’s no shortage of fabulous eating options in this area, from cafés to fine dining, however due to COVID-19 restrictions, a number of these cafes and restaurants may be temporarily closed or open for takeaway only.
Drift Café (2 locations as marked on map below)
Location: Chowder Bay – on the walkway around the water’s edge – housed in what was the old army ammunition store (just below Ripples Restaurant and a few steps from Clifton Gardens beach)
Food: Light / pre-made sandwiches, coffee, cakes – eat out or takeaway… watch out for the hungry kookas 🙂
Ripples Location: Chowder Bay – overlooking the bay
Food: Fine Dining – Modern Australian with European influences
Frenchy’s Café Location: Artist’s Precinct – Bush setting minutes to harbourside walks Food: French style homemade
Burnt Orange Location: Bush setting water views – historic sandstone mansion about 15 minutes walk north from Georges Heights lookout.
Food: Modern Australian
Middle Head Café
Location: 1110 Middle Head Rd, overlooking the oval with views to Balmoral. Approx. 15 minutes walk north from Georges Heights lookout.
Food: French café – delicious quiches and salad…. and desserts.
Information
Where: Middle Head Peninsula, Middle Head Road, Mosman
Website: Harbour Trust Georges Heights
Allow: 1-2 hours
Getting there: Car – Bus – Walk – Water Taxi to Chowder Bay.
Parking: Easy parking near the lookout and wheelchair accessible.
Visit: Explore Lower North Shore
Map Georges Heights
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