Sydney Harbour's Secret Beaches - Athol Beach

Athol Beach is a 9 minute walk from the Taronga Zoo ferry wharf. There is no parking, hence no crowds. The crowds from the ferry either queue for the chairlift (to the zoo) or enter via the lower entrance. No one seems to notice the track to the beach (off the Bradley Head trail).

Athol Bay, with Taronga Zoo ferry wharf in the background

The Best (Short) Walk in Sydney? Taronga Zoo Wharf to Bradley's Head

The coastal walking trail starts at the lower entrance to Taronga Park Zoo, winding through Sydney Harbour National Park. There is a picnic ground amongst the fortifications on the hill above the HMAS Sydney I Memorial Mast. 

You can continue on to Chowder Head via Taylors Bay (add an extra 60 minutes including stops).

Wave as the Manly ferry passes Bradley's Head

Found a friend on the trail near Athol Hall

HMAS Sydney I  Memorial Mast

Fortifications date back to the 1840's