Bare Island to Maroubra via Henry Head

Download & Print Map and Notes

5 hrs

13 km One way

397 m

Hard track

CLOSED This walk is closed at the northern end as there is no safe access to Malabar Head, updates to come in time. Exploring the cliff line of northern Botany Bay, this walk has great views, both down at the water (Bare Island and Browns Rock) and up on the cliffs (the golf course). Make sure you allow time to walk around Bare Island and see the sites. Although in disrepair, the Coast Cemetery is also worth a little extra time.

Southern end of Cann Park near La Perouse

Track down to Congwong Beach near La Perouse

Eastern end of Congwong Beach near La Perouse

Henry Head Track near Botany Bay National Park

Flannel Flowers in Botany Bay National Park

World War One fort on Henry Head Track near La Perouse

Track near World War One fort on Henry Head track

White tower at Henry Head near La Perouse

Battlements on Henry Head in Botany Bay National Park

Henry Head Fortifications near La Perouse

Slender Rice Flowers (Pimelea linifolia) near Cruwee Cove

Track down to Cruwee Cove near Cape Banks

Cruwee Cove looking towards bridge and Cape Banks

Sandy track out of Cruwee Cove near Cape Banks

View from Cape Banks Botany Bay National Park

Near Cape Banks in Botany Bay National Park

End of Cape Banks management trail in Botany Bay National Park

Cape Banks management trail near La Perouse

Buildings and locked toilet near helicopter shed

Pistol club and helicopter shed in Botany Bay National Park

View of cemetery from Pistol Club Rd in Botany Bay National Park

Golf Club close to the Coastal Cemetary Trail near Botany Bay National Park

Coastal Cemetery near Botany Bay National Park

(0km) Southern End of Cann Park → Eastern end of Congwong Beach

230 m

4 mins

-8m Moderate track

From the southern end of Cann Park[1], this walk follows the concrete track down a series of stairs[2], passing the 'Congwong Beach Walk' sign[3] on your right. This walk continues gently downhill on a sandy track for about 40m, to find the western end of Congwong Beach[4]. Then this walk follows the beach, with the water to your right, for about 140m until coming to a three-way intersection, with the 'Henry Head/Little Congwong Beach' sign[5].

(0km) Eastern end of Congwong Beach → Little Congwong Beach

310 m

6 mins

13m

-11m Moderate track

Turn right: From the eastern end of Congwong Beach[6], this walk follows a mostly level concrete track, passing a 'Little Congwong Beach Track' sign[7] (on the left) and keeping the water on the right for about 230m (with coastal views on the right[8]). Then this walk follows a sandy track moderately steeply downhill[9], with occasional timber steps[10] for about 90m, until coming to the western end of Little Congwong Beach[11]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Little Congwong Beach

Little Congwong Beach, located at La Perouse, is a sheltered sandy beach[12] that has been described as one of the most beautiful beach oases in Sydney. Little Congwong beach has also been used for over 40 years as an unofficial and secluded nude beach. If you see any offensive behaviour please call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333000 or the Maroubra Police on 02 9349 9299. This beach is very popular on summer weekends and has limited shade in the afternoon. More info.

(0km) Eastern end of Congwong Beach → Int of Henry Head Track and Congwong Beach Servicetrail

210 m

4 mins

10m

0m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection[15], this walk follows the 'Henry Head Scenic Walk' sign[16] and wide track gently uphill and away from the beach through coastal bush. The walk continues to follow the timber and concrete track [17] moderately steeply uphill[18] for about 160m, until coming to a three-way intersection[19] with a track on the right.

(0km) Int of Henry Head Track and Congwong Beach Servicetrail → Int of Henry Head and Browns Rock Tracks

890 m

18 mins

41m

-12m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection[20], this walk follows the track slightly uphill, over a dry culverted creek and onto rock slabs[21]. The track continues up a gentle hill through coastal forest[22] for about 130m until coming to a three-way intersection[23] (with a track on the left).
Veer right: From the intersection[24], this walk follows the 'Henry Head' sign east along a wide track, gently uphill through wooded forest[25]. This walk continues to follow the track for about 170m, until coming to a three-way intersection[26], with a narrow management trail and large green shed[27] (on the left).
Continue straight: From the intersection[28], this walk follows the track gently downhill[29] for about 20m to come to a shallow, dry water course[30]. Then this walk continues to follow the track gently uphill through moist forest[31] for about 120m, coming to a metal ring fence[32] (on the right). The walk follows the track moderately steeply uphill[33] with occasional timber steps for about 260m, until coming to a four-way intersection[34]. This intersection has a track to the left[35], a 'Henry Head' signed[36] track tending right and a 'Browns Rock' signed[37] track to the right.

(1km) Int of Henry Head and Browns Rock Tracks → Browns Rock

310 m

7 mins

-38m Hard track

Turn sharp right: From the intersection[38], this walk follows the track gently downhill, following the 'Browns Rock 280m' sign[39]. About 110m down the track, the walk continues down a moderately steep hill with timber steps[40] for a further 180m, until coming to a square concrete platform[41] on the water and Browns Rock. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn sharp right.

Browns Rock

Browns Rock is a popular fishing spot at La Perouse, with an unfenced shelf of rock and concrete from which to cast fishing rods[42]. Unfortunately, this area suffers from littering[44] - Please help by carrying out your own rubbish and a few extra bits where safe (the rangers do a great job, but it is hard to keep up). More info.

(1km) Int of Henry Head and Browns Rock Tracks → Int of Henry Head Track and Henry Head Trail

530 m

9 mins

-10m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection[45], this walk follows the wide sandy track gently uphill, past the 'Henry Head 700m' sign[46] (on the left). After about 70m, the walk passes views of Bare Island[47] on the right, then continues to follow the track moderately steeply uphill through low coastal forest for about 140m, until coming to a T-intersection[48] with a management trail.
Turn right: From the intersection[49], this walk follows the wide level track south, passing the bench seat (on the right). Then this walk continues to follow the track through dense coastal bush for about 70m, until finding a World War One fort[50] (on the right). This walk continues to follow a sandy, moderately steep downhill track for about 130m, where there are views of Bare Island[51] on the right. This walk then continues to follow the track through dense forest[52] for about 100m, until passing between timber posts[53] and coming to a T-intersection, with a management trail.

(2km) Int of Henry Head Track and Henry Head Trail → Henry Head

230 m

5 mins

-23m Easy track

Turn right: From the intersection[54], this walk follows the wide management trail gently downhill[55] for about 220m (ignoring side tracks[56]), until coming to two timber seats[57], a white round tower[58] and Henry Head.

Henry Head

The Henry Head Battery is located on the northern side of the entrance to Botany Bay at Henry Head. The battery was constructed on an unfenced headland between 1892 and 1895 and operated until 1910 when it was closed down. The battery and observation posts was re-utilised during World War Two to defend against approaches to Botany Bay. The battery consisted of two disappearing guns, ammunition storage and observation posts. The underground bunker and tunnel complex consisted of vaulted ammunition storage rooms with double walls and ceilings. The doubling-up of walls and ceilings was a preventative measure meant to stop the walls from collapsing in the event of a direct hit. The battery is currently not in use. The white tower on the battery is the Endeavour Tower, not a lighthouse as such, but a red marker light nonetheless. More info.

(2km) Henry Head → North end of Cape Banks Bridge

1.3 km

30 mins

65m

-73m Hard track

Turn sharp left: From the white round tower[61] at Henry Head, this walk follows the track east over rock slabs[62], with the water to the right. After about 130m, the walk then follows a narrow rocky track[63] through coastal heath for about 130m, then descends rock steps[64] to exposed rock platforms[65] (with views back to Henry Head and the south coast[66]). Then this walk continues along the narrow track, gently undulating through coastal forest[67] for about 600m, until coming to Cruwee Cove[68] and Shelly Beach[69].
Turn left: From Cruwee Cove[70], this walk follows the beach east, with the water on your right. At the end of the beach, the walk follows initially level rock shelves, then moderately steep uphill rock shelves onto a grassy track[71], and comes to a golf course[72] after about 90m. Then this walk follows a sealed footpath across the golf course for about 250m, until coming to the 'Cape Banks Aquatic Reserve' sign[73] and Cape Banks bridge[74].

(3km) Cape Banks bridge int. → Cape Banks

50 m

1 mins

0m Easy track

Veer right: From the 'Cape Banks Aquatic Reserve' sign[75], this walk follows the concrete footpath[76] gently downhill, away from the seat

[Seat]

, for about 20m to then cross over[77] to the island on the 20m long (1.1m wide) metal foot bridge[78]. Then this walk continues over the rocky track[79] to come beside the golf tee-off green[80] (on the right). At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Cape Banks

Cape Banks on the northern side of the entrance to Botany Bay, offers possibly the best view in Botany Bay National Park. From the unfenced cliff top, you can watch the power of the ocean as waves crash into the sandstone rock face below, or watch boats of all shapes and sizes, sail peacefully across the sheltered waters of the bay[81][82][83][84][85]. If you are lucky, you can enjoy the spectacle of migrating Humpback and Southern Right whales reasonably close to shore, spouting and sometimes breaching as they make their way northward and southward in pods of three or four. The shipwreck of the SS Minmi can be seen at low tide[87], lying on rocks on the western side of Cape Banks. There are concrete foundations of buildings remaining on Cape Banks, from when World War Two servicemen were stationed there.

(3km) Cape Banks bridge int. → World War Two Bunker

500 m

10 mins

20m

-8m Hard track

Turn left: From the 'Cape Banks Aquatic Reserve' sign[88], this walk follows the gravel then grassy trail [89] away from the ocean for about 10m to find a 'Cape Bank' map signpost[90]. From the sign, this walk follows the 'Coastal Walk' arrow[91] gently uphill along the grassy trail (passing a large rock platform[92] on the right) for about 160m to near the apex of a large cleft in the sea cliff[93] (on the right). From here the walk climbs very steeply up a rough[94] trail for about 30m

[Wheelchair Steep Rough]

, then leads more gently uphill for 100m before leading up another steep and rough section of trail[95]. The walk then continues more gently uphill along the grassy management trail for another 30m to come to a 3-way intersection marked with a 'life jacket' signpost[96].
Veer left: From the intersection[97], this walk follows the wide management trail steeply uphill[98], away from the water. This walk continues to follow the level trail for about 35m to a T-intersection[99], where the walk turns right and follows a trail (with a metal ring fence[100] on the left) for about 20m to a World War Two Bunker[101] (on the right).

World War Two Bunker

This World War Two bunker[102] is near the Westpac Helicopter Shed[103]. This bunker consists of sheltered concrete ammunition storage rooms[104] below, and a circular gun base[105] above, with surrounding coastal views. There are rusted and damaged parts, so take care when exploring.

(4km) World War Two Bunker → Southern End of Cape Banks Rd

100 m

2 mins

0m Easy track

Turn left: From the intersection (just below the WW2 gun emplacement and bunker[106]), this walk follows the asphalt trail along the fenceline towards the 'Westpac Helicopter' shed[107] for just shy of 40m to find a 3-way intersection[108] before a concrete building[109], marked with an NPWS arrow[110].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the main asphalt trail keeping the metal ring fence on the left for about 30m to head around the locked gate[111]

[Pinch Point]

and find the car park at the southern end of Cape Banks Rd, La Perouse[112].

(4km) Southern End of Pistol Club Rd → Int of Pistol Club Rd AND Coastal Cemetery Management Trail

320 m

5 mins

-1m Easy track

Continue straight: From the southern end of Pistol Club Rd[113], this walk follows the road gently uphill away from the 'Westpac Helicopter' sign and shed, passing a sealed car park (on the left). This walk continues to follow the road, with views (on the right) of the coastal cemetery[114] after about 200m. This walk then continues to follow the road gently downhill for about 140m, until coming to a three-way intersection, with an unsealed car park[115] and 'Coastal Cemetery' sign[116] (on the right).

(4km) Int of Cape Banks Rd & Cemetery Trail → Coast Hospital Cemetery int.

150 m

2 mins

-5m Easy track

Turn right: From the 'Cemetry Trail' trackhead and dirt car park[117] on Cape Banks Rd La Perouse (about 1km past NSW Golf Course main gate), this walk follows the 'Cemetry Trail' sign[118] around the locked gate[119][120][121]

[Pinch Point]

, and along the management trail. The grassy trail leads for about 20m to pass over a cobbeled stone section[122]

[Wheelchair Rough]

then continues to follow the level trail[123] for another 110m, to come to a large 3-way intersection[124] near the Coastal Cemetery[125] (on the right).

Coast Hospital Cemetery

The Coast Hospital Cemetery on the northern side of Botany Bay was first established in the early 1880’s and is now home to as many as 2000 graves. It serviced the Coast (Prince Henry) Hospital, originally a smallpox hospital. People who died of smallpox were required to be buried at the hospital grounds. The hospital was built far enough from the city to provide quarantine and for this reason, the hospital in time became an infectious diseases hospital, also treating patients with influenza, bubonic plague, typhoid fever and leprosy. Unfortunately, the cemetery has at times fallen into disrepair and some of the headstones are difficult to read. Many of the graves are unmarked. On the eastern edge of the cemetery is an information sign[127] explaining that in the area are also buried the ancestral remains of the La Perouse Aboriginal people returned from museums. A place steeped in history and worthy of respect.

(4km) Coast Hospital Cemetery → Cromwell Park

4.3 km

1 hr 21 mins climb

105m

-119m Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads north along the management trail, directly away from the cemetery. The trail passes alongside St Michaels Golf Course, with the ocean to the right, and without fanfare, crosses into The Coast Golf Course, even crossing the fairway of the 5th hole. (Note: The golf clubs has given permission for non-members to be on the course, however this is on the condition that it is at one's own risk.) This walk goes down to Little Bay Beach, crossing to the northern end and heading up the stairs. The walk continues to the right (north), following the paths to navigate towards the coast through The Coast Golf Course, crossing some fairways with care. The walk then continues along the coast, skirting around the side of Randwick Golf Course, to come to the club house at the northern end of the course. This walk continues north on the footpath along Bay Pde, passing the boat launching area, and turning right into Cromwell Reserve. The walk continues, past the children's playground and the beach, along the footpath, until coming to the car park on Fishermans Rd..

(9km) Cromwell Park → South Maroubra SLSC

4.3 km

1 hr 25 mins climb

139m

-143m Moderate track

Turn right: From Cromwell Park car park, near the start of Fishermans Rd, this walk follows the footpath east along the road, keeping the water to the right. After approximately 200m, the walk comes to a small car park on the right, crossing to the far corner, near the water, where there is a small track leading onto the grass. (Alternately, the walk can head along the rockshelf at sea level, and after approximately 200m, take the track back up to the clifftop.) The narrow bush track leads up along the cliffline, around the edge of Malabar headland (Note: there are many side tracks exploring Malabar Headland, with numerous World War II defence structures, and more than 280 endemic plant species as well as over 200 bird species). Following the headland inland, this track comes to an intersection with a wide sandy management trail. This walk heads to the right (keeping the ocean to the right) and soon comes to another intersection, taking the lower management trail. This walk continues along the coast in this manner until the management trail fades away at the Anzac Rifle Range, which is shared with Sydney Model Aero Club. Passing some intersections, the service trail starts again at the northern end of the fields, and after approximately 80m, bends around to the left (not an intersection). The walk then follows the trail for approximately 200m before turning right sharply, heading downhill between the houses and the bushland. From the houses, this walk continues through a gap in the fencing, into Arthur Byrne Reserve. The walk crosses to the footpath, and heads down the hill to South Maroubra SLSC car park.

Maps for the Bare Island to Maroubra via Henry Head walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Botany Bay	1:25 000 Map Series	91303S BOTANY BAY	NSW-91303S
Bondi	1:25 000 Map Series	91302S BONDI	NSW-91302S
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Bare Island to Maroubra via Henry Head bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Bare Island to Maroubra via Henry Head

Altitude analysis for Bare Island to Maroubra via Henry Head

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	13 km
		Time	5 hrs
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
		Signs	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
		Experience Required	Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
		Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

7km of this walk has short steep hills and another 6km has gentle hills with occasional steps. Whilst another 850m is very steep and the remaining 95m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

10km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 1.9km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (1.3km) follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely.

Signs

6km of this walk is clearly signposted and another 6km has directional signs at most intersection. The remaining (1.3km) has minimal directional signs.

Experience Required

7km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience and another 5km requires some bushwalking experience. The remaining (1.3km) requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 12km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 1.3km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

6km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced) and another 6km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats). The remaining (1.3km) has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Bare Island to Maroubra via Henry Head walk.

Little Congwong Beach Walk

1.1 km Return, 30 mins

A relaxing beach walk, ending at a sheltered sandy beach that has been described as one of the most beautiful beaches in Sydney. In the past, this walk has been used as a nudist beach, but this practice is being discouraged. The beach is very popular in the summer, but beware of the limited shade

Total climbing: 34m

Moderate track

Cape Banks Island walk

1.5 km Return, 45 mins

On this walk, you will explore Cape Banks island surrounded by the aquaitic reserve and a beautiful coast line of Kamay Botany Bay NP. Starting from the end of Cape Banks Rd, you pass a historic gun emplacement, then explore the grassy coastline down to the water and edge of NSW Golf Course. There i

Total climbing: 47m

Hard track

Cape Banks Walk

1.9 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

This walk combines fine coastal views with two points of historical interest. From the start of this walk, the sidetrip to the coastal cemetery is short and gives a glimpse into lives of past generations. The World War II bunker is worth having a look around as you pass directly by it. Spend some

Total climbing: 37m

Hard track

Henry Head Walk

4.2 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

A worthwhile walk, traversing beach and headland to explore the WWII battlements of Henry Head. Both the Little Congwong Beach and Brown’s Rock sidetrips are recommended on this walk, as they are short detours and break the journey. Henry Head is good spot to stop for something to eat, grab a torc

Total climbing: 113m

Moderate track

Cape Banks Circuit

6.6 km Circuit, 3 hrs

This Cape Banks Circuit has a lot to offer and is thoroughly recommended. The walking travels over beaches, through coastal forest and across exposed headlands. Historically, this walk shows glimpses into the fortifications required during both World Wars. The optional side trip to the coast hosp

Total climbing: 182m

Hard track

Henry Head Circuit

6.8 km Circuit, 3 hrs

This walk has a lovely mix of natural and war history combined within the scenic Botany Bay National Park. The track follows beaches and cliff tops as it visits World War One and Two gun and lookout stations. The side trip to the coastal cemetery is worthwhile, giving a glimpse into lives from the

Total climbing: 174m

Hard track

Maroubra to La Perouse

13.4 km One way, 5 hrs

CLOSED This walk is closed at the northern end as there is no safe access to Malabar Head, updates to come in time.Following the coastline of Botany Bay's north side, this walk traverses the cliff line with spectacular views across the South Pacific Ocean. The walk wil

Total climbing: 406m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Bare Island to Maroubra via Henry Head walk.

Bare Island Walk

866 m Return, 30 mins

A wonderful and easy way to explore the beautiful and historic tip of La Perouse. Bare Island is a small island, which you can walk to across a large timber bridge. The island was originally fortified to prevent foreign invasion, however, it has also been a retirement home and is now a museum and to

Total climbing: 22m

Easy track

La Perouse Historical Walk

792 m Circuit, 30 mins

This walk, primarily across open lawns, offers views across Botany Bay while visiting historically significant landmarks. The side trip to the Bare Island Fortifications is well worth it, with tours available on Sunday afternoons. However, a walk across to the locked gate on Bare Island is still w

Total climbing: 9m

Easy track

Jennifer Street Boardwalk

750 m Return, 30 mins

This walk guides you along raised boardwalk through rare and engaged banksia ecosystem. An opportunity to appreciate a sensitive environment close up and in an environmentally sensitive way. The information sign at the start of the walk provides insight into the Banksia scrub and its value. This wa

Total climbing: 6m

Easy track

Botany Bay Discovery Centre to Cape Baily

8.8 km Return, 3 hrs

This walk explores the heath and the great views between the Visitor Center and Cape Baily Lighthouse. The walk follows a mixture of service trails, bush tracks, rock platforms and sand dunes, as it makes it's way through the park. You will discover expansive views of the park and out to sea. There

Total climbing: 152m

Moderate track

Banks-Solander Track

960 m Circuit, 20 mins

Enjoy a pleasant meander through a varied forest from the Botany Bay Visitors Centre. This walk takes you through a lovely and diverse forest, there are plenty of small signs to help you learn about the different types of plants on the walk including a large scribbly gum and a spectacular Cabbage pa

Total climbing: 16m

Easy track

Muru and Yena Tracks

2.8 km Circuit, 1 hr 30 mins

Following the service trails, this track covers many of the major walking tracks on Botany Bay's south side. Thick eucalypts and ferns surround the trail and there are great views from the Yena Picnic Area - a good place to break, (although it lacks shade). This walk is a nice way to explore a fair

Total climbing: 57m

Moderate track

Burrawang foreshore walk

1.1 km One way, 30 mins

This pleasant stroll along a concrete footpath leads through a historically significant section of Kamay Botany Bay NP. Starting from the Visitor Centre, you take a short side trip to the Meeting Place where you will learn more about the Aboriginal people of the area. As the walk continues down to

Total climbing: 10m

Very easy

Cape Baily track from visitor centre (return)

8.9 km Return, 3 hrs

This great return walk starts from the Discovery centre in Kurnell, and follows a series of bush tracks and service trails, that wind south through wooded forest, to the Cape Baily walking track. At about halfway, the track breaks into heath, winding in between hanging swamps and along the cliff top

Total climbing: 175m

Moderate track

Cape Baily track from visitor centre to Boat Harbour Reserve

5.7 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

This walk starts from Kurnell's Botany Bay Visitors Centre and heads south through the national park. The track winds through dry gum forest until it breaks out into heath, joining onto the Cape Baily walking track. As it continues south, through small sand dunes and in between hanging swamps, the

Total climbing: 123m

Hard track

Botany Bay Coastal Walk

12.7 km One way, 4 hrs 15 mins

This great coastal walk follows the coastline from the cliff tops near Kurnell, south to the Boat Harbour Aquatic Reserve, and around the coast to Cronulla station. Other great features of this walk are the many rock formations around the coast, the small sand dunes along the track, the hanging swam

Total climbing: 192m

Hard track

The Cape Bailey Walk

5 km One way, 1 hr 45 mins

This is an interesting walk, starting from Kurnell and following a series of bush tracks and service trails along the coast, with great ocean views. The walk offers some great views of the coast, city, and some great local landscapes, including sand dunes and hanging swamps. The small side trip up

Total climbing: 101m

Hard track