Most people head to Bradley’s Head for the views of Australia’s cultural capital, but the stone jetty that juts out into the sea is also a great spot for fishing. The grassy area behind it is a popular picnic place, as well as the starting point for some scenic bushwalks. One of the most popular hikes runs from Bradley’s Head to Chowder Bay, an easy route that takes about 2 hours and finishes at the sandy beaches of Chowder Bay.
Athol Hall, which once served soldiers their meals, now operates as a modern café offering a light menu and hot and cold drinks.
If you’re planning on exploring the bushwalks, be sure to wear a hat, plenty of sunscreen, and sturdy walking shoes.
The uneven terrain and lack of disabled access means that Bradley’s Head is hard to access in a wheelchair or with a stroller.
From central Sydney, you can take the 100 bus to Taronga Zoo, which is a 15-minute walk from Bradley’s Head. It’s a 20-minute drive by car via Bradleys Head Road, so you might be better off taking a taxi or visiting as part of a private tour of Sydney.
You can access Bradley’s Head daily from early morning until evening. It’s a great place to watch the sky erupt into color during the winter months when the days are shorter. There’s not much shade at the lookout point, so avoid coming during the hours of peak sun from 11am to 2pm.
The culmination of the trail from Bradley’s Head to Chowder Bay, this natural paradise is home to a palm tree–studded beach with calm waters ideal for swimming, and attracts scuba divers with its pristine visibility. In the nearby Clifton Gardens Wharf, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and cafés for a refreshing break.
