Middle Head Battery walk

Download & Print Map and Notes

30 mins

664 m Return

10 m

Easy track

This walk guides you through the historic and well maintained outer Middle Head fortification battery. Take a step back in time, by walking along Old Fort Road past the old barracks and through the banksia forest to the open clearing and array of gun emplacements. At the fortification, you can explore the tunnels, underground rooms and circular gun emplacements, enjoy the views of the sea cliffs and harbour views.

(0km) Cobblers Beach Trail trackhead → Int. Old Fort and Govenors Rds

70 m

1 mins

-3m Very easy

From the Cobblers Beach Trail track head (beside the car park[1] near the end of Middle Head Rd, Mosman[2]), this walk heads to the very end of Middle Head Rd towards the sandstone wall[3]. After 50m the walk heads over the bridged 'Middle Head Moat'[4][5], then around the boom gate to come to a signposted intersection with 'Old Fort Rd' and 'Govenors Rd'[6]. (There is a public toilet

[Toilet]

in the sandstone building the right)

(0km) Int. Old Fort and Govenors Rds → Old Fort Road gun brackets

220 m

4 mins

-4m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads gently uphill along the signposted and asphalt 'Old Fort Rd'[7], initially keeping the toilet to the right

[Toilet]

and 'Barracks No.1'[8] to the left. After about 130m the old road heads over a rise and then leads down between the metal bollards[9] to come to an intersection in a large clearing beside a row large gun timber brackets (bases)[10], marked with a 'Middle Head' sign[11]

(0km) Old Fort Road gun brackets → Middle Head Fort

50 m

1 mins

0m Easy track

Continue straight: From beside the row of large gun timber brackets (bases)[12], this walk heads downhill for 50m along the wide gravely trail[13] towards the water to come the large network of concrete and sandstone forts and gun emplacements[14][15][16]. The area can be explored, taking care of cliff edges and large potential falls into the fortifications.

Outer Middle Head Battery

The Outer Middle Head Battery is the main complex in the Middle Head Fortifications. Work for building the fortifications started in 1801 and the last batteries were constructed in 1942, with the majority of the work being done 1870 and 1911 . There is a network of tunnels and rooms underground that was build to support the gunning placements to protect Sydney Harbour from enemy invasion. There are formal tours available or you can take care and explore the area yourself.

(0km) Outer Forts → Western Fort

110 m

4 mins

-31m Hard track

Turn left: From the open area beside the outer forts, this walk heads north[18] keeping the tallest fort[19] to the right. After about 10m the walk turns right to follow a wide grassy track behind a tree and across a bridge[20] giving more views of the concrete forts[21] (on the right). The walk continues around the back of the forts for about 50m, then veers left to head more steeply down

[Trip Hazard]

[22] for another 15m to come beside the unfenced western forts[23] and tall cliff[24]. Keep two full body lengths back from cliffs and significant drops to reduce the risk of falling. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn sharp right.

Maps for the Middle Head Battery 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.

Sydney Heads	1:25 000 Map Series	91302N SYDNEY HEADS	NSW-91302N
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Middle Head Battery walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Middle Head Battery walk

Altitude analysis for Middle Head Battery walk

Accessibility Profile

This page is designed to give you a sense of the facilities that help improve access for people with disabilities or mobility restrictions. See tracknotes and map for navigation, point of interest and other information. See the Accessibility Details below for specific information about each facility.

Slope: The majority of the walk is less than 1:12 steep. Near the fortifications are some moderately steep sections that slope towards cliffs and fortifications.

Surface: The majority of this walk follows an asphalt road that is closed to the public, with 50m of gravel trail to get to the main forts. The described side trip is a mix of gravel and grass trail.

Toilets: There is 1 toilet on this walk.

Access hazards: There is 1 access hazard on this walk (such as pinch points, trip hazards or steep sections). See the Accessibility Details and track notes for specifics.

Accessibility Details

1 Toilet (79m)

Unisex flushing toilet. Entrance is 69cm wide, toilet seat 43cm high, handbasin outside is 76cm high. Room is 1.4x1m. There is a 10cm step to access the building.

2 Trip Hazard (332m)

Ground is rough and slopes moderately steeply down to unfenced drop into gun emplcement and cliff edge. Significant unfenced fall risk.

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	664 m
		Time	30 mins
		.
Grade 2/6 Easy track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
		Quality of track	Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
		Signs	Clearly signposted (1/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

Around 270m of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps, whilst the remaining 65m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

Around 270m of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail, whilst the remaining 65m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

This whole walk, 330m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 330m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 330m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 330m 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 Middle Head Battery walk walk.

Inner Middle Head Battery walk

762 m Return, 30 mins

On this walk you will explore the historic northern or 'inner' Middle Head fortification battery. You can explore the trenches, tunnels and rooms of the fortifications on the less busy gun emplacements on Middle Head. The vegetation, water, cliff and harbour views are also spectacular and well worth

Total climbing: 26m

Moderate track

Middle Head

1.9 km Circuit, 1 Hr

This walk leads you around the perimeter of Middle Head. This is a great place to explore, with many forts, barracks and views over Sydney Harbour. The forts area is an excellent place to spend some time walking through the tunnels and gun pits.

Total climbing: 101m

Moderate track

Balmoral to Middle Head Forts

3.9 km Circuit, 2 hrs

This walk to the Middle Head fortifications is a great way to break up your day at the beach. There are plenty of places to explore, and the forts are quite interesting and historically significant. The track is well marked and has some information signs. The views of Sydney Harbour are great and it

Total climbing: 187m

Hard track

Chowder Bay to Middle Head return via Chowder Bay Rd

4.9 km Circuit, 2 hrs 30 mins

The walk from Chowder Bay to Middle Head is an interesting one, passing Georges Head Lookout and its views over South Head, and then going up to the WW1 hospital. The track continues with an exploration of the whole of Middle Head, including forts, a nudist beach (a sidetrip option) and stunning vie

Total climbing: 200m

Moderate track

Spit Bridge to Middle Head Forts

6.1 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

This scenic walk takes you from the Spit Bridge, along the coast to explore the Middle Head Forts. There are a few alternate routes for use at high tide or high seas. Balmoral Beach offers a few spots for a coffee or fish and chips along the way. Middle Head offers plenty of options for exploring th

Total climbing: 172m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Middle Head Battery walk walk.

Cobblers Beach

930 m Return, 30 mins

This walk guides you down a short but fairly steep trail to the beautiful Cobblers Beach. The beach is a small pretty and clothing optional beach on the northern edge of Middle Head in Sydney Harbour NP. There is a grassy area above the beach if you want to picnic and the water is generally protecte

Total climbing: 58m

Hard track

Balmoral Beach to The Spit

4.3 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

This walks follows the coast from Balmoral to the Spit and across Spit Bridge. There are some alternate tracks to consider at high-tides, which take the streets over the headlands. Balmoral and Chinamans Beaches are very nice places for lunch and a swim. Allows time to wander and explore. There ar

Total climbing: 85m

Hard track

WW1 Hospital to Georges Heights Lookout

904 m Return, 30 mins

The WW1 hospital above Georges Head is an interesting collection of historic buildings, which are nicely complemented by Georges Heights Lookout. The walk follows a well-marked footpath with some excellent views and heathy bushland around it.

Total climbing: 26m

Easy track

Georges Heights Lookout

144 m Return, 7 mins

The Georges Heights Lookout has a brilliant view, which is well worth the short stroll from the road. The track is wheelchair-accessible and leads past some interesting signs about the area. The grass surrounding the lookout is also a nice place to lay the picnic rug for lunch. Georges Heights is t

Total climbing: 2m

Very easy

Grotto Point Lighthouse Walk

1.7 km Return, 1 Hr

This is an excellent walk with some very scenic views. The walk travels along a well used track through the thick coastal bush. The views are capped off by the vista over Sydney Harbour from the Grotto Point Lighthouse. Easy parking, a few good side trips, and in particular, the Aboriginal Engravin

Total climbing: 83m

Moderate track

Chowder Bay to Georges Heights Lookout

842 m Return, 30 mins

Chowder Bay to Georges Heights Lookout is a fantastic walk to burn off a coffee from the Bacino Bar. The walk passes the Bacino Bar and enjoys the view from an old gun emplacement at George Heights Lookout. The sandstone seats and shaded grassy areas make this a perfect walk for a picnic too.

Total climbing: 60m

Moderate track

Clifton Gardens to Georges Heights

1.7 km Return, 1 Hr

The walk up to Georges Heights is a very scenic one, with the climax being the view from Georges Heights lookout. The walk is also surrounded by old military buildings. Within these buildings is the Bacino Bar and Cafe, worth a drop-in for a coffee or lunch.

Total climbing: 107m

Moderate track

Castle Rock Beach

200 m Return, 30 mins

This is a short walk down to Castle Rock Beach, tucked into the rocky shores of Middle Harbour. The walk is mostly along boardwalk or footpath through rainforest vegetation. The foliage surrounding the track is topped by a closed canopy which provides shade, before opening out onto the sunny beach.

Total climbing: 20m

Moderate track

Castle Rock to Grotto Point Lighthouse

2 km Return, 1 Hr

The Castle Rock to Grotto Point walk is a great way to see the Grotto Point Lighthouse. The start at Ogilvy Rd passes Castle Rock Beach, which is a nice spot to view the harbour, before continuing to the excellent view from Grotto Point Lighthouse.

Total climbing: 127m

Moderate track

Crater Cove Lookout

60 m Return, 3 mins

This is a great, short walk to a lookout with a fantastic views. The lookout has great views out through the heads, and also much of the upper reaches of Sydney Harbour. From the lookout, you can even see down into Crater Cove, to the old houses built during the great depression. The walk is very

Total climbing: 9m

Moderate track

Camp Cove Cannon

358 m Return, 15 mins

Spend some time relaxing and exploring Camp Cove - the first landing place for Europeans in Australia. On this walk, you will head across the northern end of Camp Cove Beach, up some steps to follow an old sandstone cobbled road. This road leads to a great vantage point, with views over the Sydney H

Total climbing: 14m

Easy track

Lady Bay Beach

992 m Return, 30 mins

This walk leads to a popular nudist (clothing optional) beach on Sydney Harbour's South Head. The walk follows the clear footpath / old roads past several significant historic and beautiful sites before climbing down a set of steps to find the beach. The beach is protected from the main surf on the

Total climbing: 38m

Moderate track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Middle Head Battery walk walk starts and ends at the Cobblers Beach Trail trackhead (gps: -33.826961, 151.26430)

Bus. (get details)

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

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district.

A detailed forecast for this walk isn't available yet.

Current Alerts

Live alerts aren't available for this walk. Check the NPWS website for closures and the RFS for current fire danger.

Park Information

Sydney Harbour National Park

One of Sydney's most diverse parks, Sydney Harbour National Park is formed from 11 pockets of harbour islands and shoreline. Highlights include coastal walks and swimming, breath-taking viewpoints, tours of colonial buildings and Aboriginal cave art.

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