Barrenjoey Headland Walk

Download & Print Map and Notes

1 hr 30 mins

2.3 km Return

110 m

Hard track

This is a fantastic walk for those wanting a great walk on Sydney's northern beaches. Features of this track include views of the central coast, Palm Beach and the South Pacific Ocean, and historic remnants of old lighthouses. Currently some track repairs are underway, however once completed this walk will revert to a circuit track.

(0km) Barrenjoey Carpark (Palm Beach) → Beginning of Smugglers Track

370 m

6 mins

-1m Easy track

This walk starts from the car park at Station Beach (on the Pittwater side of the Palm Beach promontory, past the Palm Beach Golf Course and the ferry wharf) At the northernmost end of the car park, this walk passes the 'Barrenjoey Head Aquatic Reserve' sign, heading north along Station Beach (keeping Pittwater to the left). The walk passes two distinct tracks on the right before coming to an intersection with a less-defined track, also on the right (and a 'This way to Lighthouse' sign), just before a small house.

(0km) Bottom of the Smugglers Track → Barrenjoey Lighthouse

480 m

17 mins

93m

-3m Hard track

Turn right: From the house, the walk follows the 'This way to Lighthouse' sign. The track becomes a wide, sandy trail that, after approximately 30m, turns to the left. Shortly after this, it narrows significantly and then uses a set of very steep carved rock steps to climb to the top of the headland. Approximately halfway up the climb, the walk passes a lookout with fantastic views over Palm Beach, which makes a good spot to take a break. From the top of the steps, the walk heads along the gravel trail up between the buildings and continues to the lookout, where there is a sundial just below the lighthouse.

Barrenjoey Lighthouse

The Barrenjoey Lighthouse was the third light constructed on this headland, completed in 1881. Designed by James Barnet, the NSW Colonial Architect, and built for a cost of $13,695 plus $2,210 for the lamp, the light is at an elevation of 113m and can be seen to a distance of 19 nautical miles (35 km) out to sea.

(1km) Barrenjoey Lighthouse → Southern Point Barrenjoey Headland

310 m

5 mins

-9m Moderate track

Turn right: From the sundial, this walk heads past the lighthouse (on the right) as it enters the thicker scrub of the headland. The track passes a few historical sites as it continues towards Palm Beach (on the right). The track leads out along the ridge of the headland to a lookout over Palm Beach and Sydney's northern beaches.

Site of the First Barrenjoey Lighthouses

In 1868, two wooden lighthouses, known as the Stewart Towers, were built at either end of the headland to guide ships in to port. These were later replaced by the current tower in 1881. Stewart Towers were tended by George Mulhall Snr and Jnr, the first principle keepers of the current lighthouse.

Grave Of George Mulhall

George Mulhall was the first principal lighthouse keeper of Barrenjoey headland, working in the permanent lighthouse from 1881 until he was struck by lightning in 1885. His son, George Mulhall Jnr, succeeded him.

Maps for the Barrenjoey Headland 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.

Broken Bay	1:25 000 Map Series	91301N BROKEN BAY	NSW-91301N
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map	1:40 000 Map Series	CMA Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map	CMA Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park Tourist Map
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Barrenjoey Headland Walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Barrenjoey Headland Walk

Altitude analysis for Barrenjoey Headland 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	2.3 km
		Time	1 hr 30 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		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 680m of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps, whilst the remaining 480m is very steep.

Quality of track

Around 790m of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles, whilst the remaining 370m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

Around 680m of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 480m has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 840m of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 310m requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 1.2km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 790m of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 370m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Barrenjoey Headland Walk walk.

Mackerel Beach, West Head Loop

8.6 km Circuit, 5 hrs

The Mackerel Beach, West Head Loop is a walk which explores a large part of the West Head. The journey starts and finishes with a ferry across Pittwater. The walk heads around West Head, taking in views on the Broken Bay side, with Lion Island featuring as a prominent sight. The walk follows section

Total climbing: 422m

Hard track

West Head Lookout

238 m Return, 10 mins

This walk is all about the stunning views from the edge of West Head. After the lovely drive through the bushland along the West Head Rd you will love this gentle stroll down to what feels like the edge of the earth. There are great views across the Pittwater to Barenjoey Head as well as across the

Total climbing: 18m

Easy track

Mackerel Beach Community

1.4 km Circuit, 45 mins

This short walk is a great way to see the beautiful Mackerel Beach and community. After a short ferry ride from Palm Beach, the walk heads up the grassed streets of Mackerel, leading to the lagoon. The track is mainly sandy beach or grass stretches, with the area behind the lagoon winding through a

Total climbing: 38m

Moderate track

Mackerel Beach and Resolute Loop

5.4 km Circuit, 3 hrs

This walk is another great walk in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, accessed by ferry. From the Mackerel Beach wharf, this walk uses the Resolute Loop track to round the headland, enjoying a few secluded beaches and excellent, historic Aboriginal sites. This walk features Mackerel Beach and communit

Total climbing: 384m

Hard track

Koolewong Track

810 m Circuit, 30 mins

Probably the best word to describe this walk is 'cute'. The circuit walk starts with a few steep steps, but soon flattens out, following a well-defined track through an open forest, via some natural sandstone sculptures. The lookout is notable for wonderful views to Patonga, Lion Island and out thr

Total climbing: 32m

Moderate track

Red Hands Cave

403 m Circuit, 30 mins

This is a short walk down to Red Hands Cave from the Resolute Picnic Area. The walk loops from the picnic area through the heath and down to the overhang of the cave. The Aboriginal rock art is quite faded but is estimated to be over 2000 years old. This makes for an interesting historic walk, great

Total climbing: 9m

Moderate track

Aboriginal Heritage Track

1.1 km Circuit, 45 mins

The Aboriginal Heritage Track takes in one of the most popular rock art sites in Ku-ring-gai National Park, and an amazing Aboriginal engraving site. The walk leads out from Resolute Picnic Area to pass by the caves and then continues down the management trail to the engravings. The walk then retur

Total climbing: 27m

Moderate track

Resolute Track

3.7 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

The Resolute Track, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, is a great way to see two major Aboriginal sites and Resolute Beach. The return-style walk starts from Resolute picnic area and heads down to Resolute Beach, passing a Red Hands Cave and an Aboriginal engraving site. The Resolute Track uses manage

Total climbing: 201m

Hard track

Headland track (Resolute track)

3.5 km Circuit, 1 hr 45 mins

This walk is a great way to see two major Aboriginal sites and up to three of Ku-ring-gai Chase's beaches. The circuit walk visits Red Hands Cave and some historic engravings, in addition to enjoying expansive views over Pittwater, with Barrenjoey Headland as a feature. The walk includes Resolute an

Total climbing: 243m

Hard track

West Head Lookout Track

1.9 km Return, 1 Hr

From Resolute Picnic Area, this walk heads out to West Head Lookout, with magnificent views across the Hawkesbury River and Lion Island. The track is a direct route which passes through classic Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park bushland. This walk offers a great way to avoid competing for parking at W

Total climbing: 96m

Moderate track

Flint and Steel Beach and bay loop

2.8 km Circuit, 1 hr 30 mins

This track creates a loop between Flint and Steel Beach and Bay by traversing the headland between them. The walk explores Flint and Steel Beach and the McGaw ruins, while providing scenic views across the Hawkesbury River to landmarks such as Lion Island.

Total climbing: 227m

Very experienced only

Flint and Steel track

2.1 km Return, 1 Hr

This walk follows a scenic route to the secluded Flint and Steel Beach, which provides views across the Hawkesbury River to landmarks such as Lion Island, Patonga and Box Head. The walk passes through palm, pine and grass tree forests. There is a great diversity of flora and some fantastic sandston

Total climbing: 209m

Moderate track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Barrenjoey Headland Walk walk starts and ends at the Barrenjoey Carpark (Palm Beach) (gps: -33.585449, 151.32536)

Bus. (get details)

Car. Parking fees apply in the area.<br /> (get details)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

A largely untouched wilderness on the northern boundary of Sydney, Ku-ring-gai Chase NP is one of Australia's oldest national parks. Here at the head of the Hawkesbury River, you'll find Aboriginal engravings and sites, as well as sandstone escarpments,

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