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Sydney · Route card

Opera House, Botanic Gardens and Harbour Bridge

Every Sydney landmark in eight kilometres

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Terrain map of Opera House, Botanic Gardens and Harbour Bridge showing the real GPX route, kilometre markers and photo stops
Coral: GPX route · numbered circles: kilometres · A–H: photo stops · S/F: start and finish

Distance

8.13 km

Elevation

92 m

Time

45–55 min

Type

Loop · Easy

Course overview

A loop from the Opera House forecourt through the Royal Botanic Garden to Mrs Macquaries Point, back along Circular Quay and over the Harbour Bridge to Milsons Point before returning the same way.

  1. 0 kmOpera House forecourt — Head east past the Fleet Steps.
  2. 1 kmMrs Macquaries Point — Around the point and back into the gardens.
  3. 3 kmRoyal Botanic Garden — Through the gardens towards Circular Quay.
  4. 4 kmCahill Walk — Up the steps and onto the bridge footway.
  5. 5 kmMilsons Point — Turn at the northern end of the bridge.
  6. 8.1 kmOpera House — Back across the bridge and down to the forecourt.

Photo stops on the map

  • AMrs Macquaries Point — Sunrise
  • BHarbour Bridge footway — Early morning

Local knowledge

Best time
Sunrise — the gardens are quiet and the light on the sails is at its best.
Transport
Trains and ferries to Circular Quay, or trains to Milsons Point.
Water
Bubblers through the Royal Botanic Garden.
Toilets
Opera House forecourt, the gardens and Circular Quay.
Parking
Limited and expensive; use public transport.
Safety
Busy with walkers and tour groups; the bridge footway is narrow — single file and keep left.

Local tip: The Royal Botanic Garden opens at 7am in winter; the harbour-edge path is the alternative before that.