Henry Head Walk

Download & Print Map and Notes

1 hr 30 mins

4.2 km Return

113 m

Moderate track

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 torch and explore the concrete structures or just watch the boats passing in and out of Botany Bay. A recommended and pleasant walk.

Southern end of Cann Park near La Perouse

Track down to Congwong Beach near La Perouse

Track at eastern end of Congwong Beach near La Perouse

Track near Congwong Beach in Botany Bay National Park

Track intersection in Botany Bay National Park

Shallow dry creek on track near La Perouse

Flannel Flowers in Botany Bay National Park

World War One fort on Henry Head Track near La Perouse

Timber post on Henry Head Track near La Perouse

Battlements on Henry Head in 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 Track & Henry Head Lane Track

260 m

6 mins

18m

-3m 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).

(1km) Int of Henry Head Track and Henry Head Lane Track → Int of Henry Head Track AND Depot Trail

240 m

4 mins

-2m Moderate track

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).

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

400 m

8 mins

17m

-7m Moderate track

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 & Golf Course Management Trail

220 m

4 mins

-2m 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.

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

310 m

5 mins

-8m Moderate track

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.

Maps for the Henry Head Walk 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
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Henry Head Walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Henry Head Walk

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	4.2 km
		Time	1 hr 30 mins
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

Around 1.4km of this walk has short steep hills, whilst the remaining 720m has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

Around 1.2km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles, whilst the remaining 860m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 1.3km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 780m has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 1.3km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 800m requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 2.1km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 1.2km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 850m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Henry Head Walk 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 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

Bare Island to Maroubra via Henry Head

13 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. 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

Total climbing: 397m

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 Henry Head Walk 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

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

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

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