The Gap Bluff and Green Point loop

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Time 1 Hr
Circuit 2.5 km Circuit
Climb 84 m
Grade 4 Hard track
Ferry Bus Car
no_pets
This circuit walk explores the great sea cliffs of The Bluff on the ocean side of South Head, before heading to the scenic and historic Camp Cove and Green Point on Sydney Harbour. During this walk, you will visit several historic military defense systems for the harbour, as well as enjoying some of the natural beauty of the region. For much of the year, especially in spring, you will see some lovely coastal wildflowers as well.
Watsons Bay Wharf Near Watsons Bay Wharf Robertson Park The Gap Steps The Gap viewing area The Gap The Gap Welcome to Sydney Harbour National Park Path beside The Gap The Gap Steps leading up to The Gap Bluff Steps below The Gap Bluff Banksia Looking south across The Gap Steps just below the Bluff Looking across The Gap Looking to North Head from the Gap Bluff City view from the Gap Bluff Track near the Gap Bluff Gun Emplacement Lookout Path east of The Armoury Path leading beside The Armoury The Armoury View from in front of The Armoury Following the old road north of The Armoury Near the HMAS Watson entrance Intersection at the HMAS Watson entrance Cliff St Entrance at nothern end of Camp Cove Beach Camp Cove Beach Historic Gun near Camp Cove Looking south along Camp Cove Kiosk at Camp Cove Steps at the southern end of Camp Cove Camp Cove Green Point Park Green (Laings) Point Monument at Greens (Laings) Point Infromation sign at Greens (Laings) Point Foundations for winch building at Laings Point Anti-motor torpedo boat defensive battery entrance Rock pool on Green (Laings) Point Green Point Steps on the southern side of Green (Laings) Point Int of Victoria and Pacific Sts Footpath beside Cove St Path beside Watsons Bay Beach Boats at Watsons Bay

Watsons Bay

Watsons Bay
Watsons Bay is a popular spot to enjoy the harbour, Robertson Park and some fish and chips. Doyles offers a formal dining restaurant[1] and the more relaxed fish and chip shop[2] on the ferry wharf[3]. Robertson Park is a large open grassy park with some natural shade[4], a rotunda[5], toilets[6][7], children's play equipment[8], garbage bins[9] and picnic tables[10]. More info.

(0km) Watsons Bay Wharf → The Gap

distance 250 m time 5 mins climb 17m descent -2m Very easy
From Watsons Bay Wharf[11], this walk heads diagonally across the turning circle at the end of Military Rd[12] and into 'Robertson Park'[13]. The walk follows the path diagonally across the open park and tends a little left (straight ahead) at the four-way intersection beside the rotunda[14]. Here the walk goes up the ramp[15] and crosses Military Rd using the crossing[16], coming to the base of the steps (that lead to The Gap)[17].
Continue straight: From the bottom of the Gap steps[18], this walk heads up the steps (or ramp[19]). About halfway up the steps, there is an emergency phone for contacting the police or Lifeline[20], then at the top there is a fenced section of footpath (lookout) and ocean views from The Gap[21].

The Gap

The Gap
The Gap is one of Sydney's most famous ocean cliff lookouts. The view from the track beside the stretch of cliff is simply stunning[22]. The tall cliffs are enhanced by the rock platform and the pounding ocean far below[23]. Sadly, this site is not only known for the natural wonder, but also for the many deaths that occur here each year. Security cameras[26] and an emergency phone[27] have been installed, to help assist people considering suicide. On the unlikely event that you see someone in distress, please call the police on 000 and lifeline on 131 114, or use the nearby emergency phone. More info.

(0km) The Gap → The Gap Bluff Lookout

distance 190 m time 5 mins climb 23m descent -1m Hard track
Turn left: From The Gap[28], this walk heads up the hill along the path, keeping the fence and water views to your right. The path leads past the 'Sydney Harbour National Park - Gap Bluff' sign[29] and more great views of The Gap. The path comes to a three-way intersection in a small clearing, marked with a few signs including 'The Gap timeline'[30].
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads up the path then steps[31], following the fence and keeping the water views to your right. The path leads past several information signs on local plant life[32][33][34][35] and some lovely wildflowers[36]. The walk continues up the many steps[37] to a rocky clearing[38] near the top. Here the walk tends left and takes the steps through the cleft in the rock to find another rocky clearing and lookout with great panoramic views at the top of Gap Bluff[39].

The Gap Bluff Lookout

The Gap Bluff Lookout
The Gap Bluff Lookout sits high on the rocky hill overlooking the South Pacific Ocean. On the left is a view to North Head[40] and to your right, looking south down the coast, there are great views over The Gap[41]. There are also distant views over the harbour to the city[42]. This site is significant to the traditional owners, the Birrabirragal people, who once occupied the area - although not at this site, there are some rock engraving still remaining[43]. This is a great place to visit and well worth climbing the steps for the view.

(0km) The Gap Bluff Lookout → Old car park Int

distance 100 m time 2 mins climb 6m descent -1m Very easy
Turn left: From the Gap Bluff Lookout, this walk follows the footpath away from the gap[44] and into the heath[45], keeping the ocean to your right. This path soon leads to a three-way intersection (at an old car park undergoing regeneration[46][47]) marked with a 'Banksia integrifolia - coast banksia' information sign[48].

(1km) Old carpark Int → Gun Emplacement Lookout

distance 60 m time 2 mins climb 4m descent -15m Very easy
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads uphill along the sealed footpath, away from the face of the 'Banksia integrifolia - coast banksia' information sign[49]. Soon the path passes a lookout on your right[50] and comes to a old gun emplacement marked with a 'The gunnery range' sign[51] and a short track to a fenced lookout with another sign[52]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Gun Emplacement Lookout

Gun Emplacement Lookout
Once home to several gun emplacements, this is now a peaceful, fenced lookout[53]. There are information signs[54][55] explaining some history, and also some remaining sections of the fortifications[56][57] to explore.

(1km) Old car park Int → The Armoury

distance 220 m time 5 mins climb 6m descent -23m Moderate track
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads along the sealed footpath[58], directly away from the ocean (not in view) whilst keeping the 'Banksia integrifolia - coast banksia' information sign[59] initially on your left. The path leads into the heath and after ≈70m, passes a rock cutting[60] then turns left onto a yellow-painted concrete path[61]. After a while, this path leads down a series of steps, past the side of the 'The Armoury'[62] and a 'Gunning for Australia' sign[63] and comes to a large clearing and intersection with a road (driveway) in front of 'The Armoury'[64]. The intersection is marked with a 'Access to South Head Heritage Trail' sign[65] (pointing to the right).

The Armoury

The Armoury
The Armoury was a store building built in 1938[66], to keep defence supplier secure. Since then, it has undergone several changes and is now a popular function centre. The building is at the back of a large grassy clearing that hosts some great harbour views[68], popular for wedding parties. There is also a public toilet block[69] and several other historic buildings in the area, including the larger Officer's Mess[70] to the south-east.

(1km) The Armoury → HMAS Watson entrance

distance 430 m time 8 mins climb 6m descent -21m Easy track
Turn right: From the front of 'The Armoury'[71], this walk follows the 'Access to South Head Heritage Trail' sign arrow[72], passing the palm trees and water views[73] (to your left). This walk follows the driveway for ≈270m and passes around the locked gates to find a 'Sydney Harbour National Park' sign[74] and an intersection with a road in front of HMAS Watson security gates[75]. Here the walk crosses the road using the pedestrian crossing[76], then turns left and follows the 'Access to Camp Cove Beach and South Head Heritage Trail' sign[77] down the footpath. Just before the sandstone HMAS Watson gates, this walk follows the footpath to the right and down the steps to Cliff St and another 'Access to Camp Cove Beach and South Head Heritage Trail' sign[78].

(1km) HMAS Watson entrance → Camp Cove Beach

distance 240 m time 4 mins climb 3m descent -10m Easy track
Veer right: From the near the sandstone pillars at the HMAS Watson entrance[79], this walk follows the 'Access to Camp Cove Beach and South Head Heritage Trail' sign[80] downhill along Cliff Street. The road soon leads to the signposted 'Camp Cove car park'[81][82] at the intersection with Victoria St.
Continue straight: From the signposted 'Camp Cove Car Park[83], this walk follows the 'No Through Road' sign[84] to the end of 'Cliff St'. The footpath leads past a 'Camp Cove timeline' information sign[85] then, at the end of the road, turns left, coming to the front of the kiosk[86] at the northern end of Camp Cove Beach[87].

Camp Cove

Camp Cove
Camp Cove is home to a lovely, yellow sand, north-east facing beach. The cove is on the protected side of South Head and is a popular spot for swimming and relaxing on the beach. At the northern end of the beach is a kiosk[88], toilet block[89] and an entrance to Sydney Harbour National Park[90]. The cove was an important location to the Cadigal (Gadigal) people who gathered fresh water, shellfish, launched their canoes and buried some of their people nearby. This cove is also believed to be the first landing place for Europeans in 1788. The name Camp Cove was given during that landing and appears on the earliest maps of Sydney Harbour[93].

(1km) Camp Cove Beach → Cannon

distance 130 m time 3 mins climb 7m descent -3m Easy track
Veer right: From the front of Camp Cove Beach kiosk[94], this walk crosses the beach (keeping the water to your left)[95] and climbs up the timber staircase[96]. From the intersection at the top of the stairs, this walk continues straight, along the timber boardwalk[97] that soon turns into a concrete path. The path soon comes to a wide, cobbled sandstone path[98] that leads up a disused cannon[99], gun emplacement and great harbour views[100]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer right.

Cannon

Cannon
This cannon was placed here prior to 1890, along with the rest of this gun emplacement and rifle walls. The emplacement was designed to protect a military jetty and boat shed from the threat of an invasion. The 'Cobblestone Road' beside the cannon was built during the late 1870s or early 1880s and extends from the jetty in Camp Cove up to Hornby Road above. The road was build to carry supplies and ordnance from Camp Cove to the various military installations on south head. More info.

(1km) Camp Cove Beach → Green (Laings) Point Park

distance 280 m time 5 mins climb 7m descent -6m Easy track
Turn left: From the northern end of Camp Cove Beach, in front of the kiosk[103], this walk heads along the sand[104] (or the footpath) to the far end of the beach, keeping the water to your right. At the far end of the beach, the walk comes to an intersection with a couple of other tracks[105][106].
Turn right: From the southern end of Camp Cove Beach, this walk heads up the timber staircase[107], keeping the beach and water to your right. At the top of the stairs[108], this walk follows the footpath up the steps[109] through the open parkland to find a monument commemorating the landing of Governor Phillip in 1788[110] just below the toilet block.

Green Point Park

Green Point Park
Also know as Laings Point, Green Point is a headland on the inside of South Head. The park (at the end of Pacific St) is inside the National Park[111] and is on sloped ground[112]. There is a toilet[113][114], great water views[115], an open grassy area, bench seats[116] and a monument[117]. The monument reminds visitors that Cove Beach (just below) was the first landing place for Governor Philip in 1788[118]. The park is a pleasant place to rest and is sometimes hired for weddings. A cottage[120] at the top can also be hired from NPWS to make a weekend of your adventures.

(2km) Green (Laings) Point Park → Green (Laings) Point

distance 90 m time 2 mins climb 1m descent -5m Easy track
Veer right: From the monument commemorating the landing of Governor Phillip in 1788[122], in the middle of the park, this walk heads downhill diagonally across the grassy area, keeping the water ahead and to your right[123]. The walk then follows the steps down between the gap in the bushes[124] and across the grass to find a tall sandstone monument[125] and an information sign about the 'World War II Anti-Torpedo Boom'[126] at Green (Laings) Point, beside the water[127].

Green (Laings) Point

Green (Laings) Point
Green (Laings) Point is an open grassland reserve with extensive harbour views. Then western tip of the point is still home to many relics, reminding visitors that this area played a significant role in the 1480m anti-submarine net that spanned the harbour entrance, built in 1942. The other end of the net attached to Georges Head. Midway through construction, in May 1942, was when the three Japanese midget submarines entered and attacked vessels in the harbour . From this headland, there are still some preserved parts of the net's construction, including the winch house foundations[130], the anti-motor torpedo boat defensive battery entrance[131] and another battery[132]. There is also a information sign with more details about the history of the area[133]. More info.

(2km) Green (Laings) Point → End of Pacific St

distance 130 m time 3 mins climb 9m descent -1m Easy track
Continue straight: From the 'World War II Anti-Torpedo Boom'[134] information sign, this walk heads along the grass away from the tall sandstone monument[135], keeping the water on your right. The walk follows the worn path between the bushes[136] then between the two bunkers[137][138], and then across the next grassy clearing towards the house[139]. Near the house, the walk turns left and heads up the hill then steps[140] to find the end of Pacific St[141][142].

(2km) End of Pacific St → Int of Cove and Short Sts

distance 360 m time 7 mins climb 5m descent -10m Easy track
Turn right: From the end of Pacific St, this walk heads downhill along the road. The road soon bends right and comes to an intersection with Victoria St and the signposted 'Marine Biological Station Park'[143] (on your left).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads downhill, the wrong way along Pacific Street past the 'no entry' signs[144]. The road soon leads past the signposted 'Victoria Wharf Reserve'[145][146] (on your right) and continues along the road, soon turning right into Cove St. The walk follows the footpath that soon leads down a ramp[147], coming to an intersection just below the intersection of Cove and Short Streets.

(2km) Int of Cove and Short Sts → Watsons Bay Wharf

distance 240 m time 4 mins climb 1m descent -5m Easy track
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the path and steps, towards the water[148]. Here the walk turns left and follows the footpath along the back of Watsons Bay Beach, between the boats and the houses[149]. Soon the walk passes 'Doyles Restaurant'[150] to find 'Watsons Bay Wharf'[151].

Maps for the The Gap Bluff and Green Point loop 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 Heads1:25 000 Map Series91302N SYDNEY HEADSNSW-91302N
Sydney1:100 000 Map Series9130 SYDNEY9130

Cross sectional view of the The Gap Bluff and Green Point loop bushwalking track

Terrain profile for The Gap Bluff and Green Point loop

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the The Gap Bluff and Green Point loop

Altitude analysis for The Gap Bluff and Green Point loop

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.

Length2.5 km
Time1 Hr
.




Grade 4/6



Hard track		AS 2156.1GradientVery steep (4/6)
Quality of trackClear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
SignsClearly signposted (1/6)
Experience RequiredNo experience required (1/6)
WeatherWeather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
InfrastructureGenerally 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

1.4km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 810m is flat with no steps. Whilst another 220m has short steep hills and the remaining 90m is very steep.

Quality of track

Around 1.9km of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path, whilst the remaining 580m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

This whole walk, 2.5km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 2.5km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 2.5km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 2.5km 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 The Gap Bluff and Green Point loop walk.

Green (Laings) Point Loop

243 m Circuit, 15 mins

Green (Laings) Point Loop

On this walk, you will circumnavigate Green Point (also known as Laings Point), on Sydney Harbour's South Head. The point is surrounded in history and great harbour views. Starting from the end of Pacific St, you will head through some open parkland and a short side trip leads to Camp Cove, the fir

Total climbing: 10m

Grade 2
  • Car
  • Bus

Easy track

Camp Cove Cannon

358 m Return, 15 mins

Camp Cove Cannon

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

Grade 2
  • Car
  • Bus

Easy track

Gap Bluff Lookout

886 m Return, 30 mins

Gap Bluff Lookout

This walk explores the coastal cliffs near The Gap on Sydney's South Head. The main focal point for this walk is the view from the rocky bluff. The cliff makes for very spectacular scenery and the views extend from North Head along the coast, and even peer across the harbour to the city. This walk s

Total climbing: 43m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Ferry

Hard track

Lady Bay Beach

992 m Return, 30 mins

Lady Bay Beach

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

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

South Head Heritage Trail

1.7 km Circuit, 45 mins

South Head Heritage Trail

This walk explores the tip of Sydney Harbour's South Head. On this walk, you will visit several historic and scenic places, following a footpath most of the way. You will start at Camp Cove, the first landing place for Europeans in Australia, and also visit a number of gun emplacements, designed to

Total climbing: 64m

Grade 2
  • Car
  • Bus

Easy track

Watsons Bay to Hornby Lighthouse

2.8 km Return, 1 hr 15 mins

Watsons Bay to Hornby Lighthouse

Start with a ferry ride, enjoy some great food, incredible views and visit some very significant historic sights. Starting at Watsons Bay, you will stroll along a few narrow roads before visiting the historic Camp Cove and its gorgeous beach. From here, walk up the old cobblestone road past more gr

Total climbing: 93m

Grade 2
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Ferry

Easy track

South Head Tour

4.1 km Circuit, 1 hr 45 mins

South Head Tour

On this walk, you will explore historically significant and majestic sections on the tip of Sydney Harbour's South Head. Explore the confronting sea cliffs at The Gap, visit the first landing place for Europeans in Australia and climb through some of Sydney Harbour's military defense systems. You wi

Total climbing: 144m

Grade 4
  • Car
  • Bus
  • Ferry

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the The Gap Bluff and Green Point loop walk.

Hermitage Foreshore Track

2.2 km One way, 1 Hr

Hermitage Foreshore Track

The Hermitage Foreshore Walk is a wonderful way to explore Sydney Harbour from the perspective of South Head. This walk starts from Nielsen Park and follows a well maintained track along the narrow strip of harbour-side bushland to Bayview Hill Rd. Along the way, you will visit some secluded beaches

Total climbing: 123m

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

History of Nielsen Park

896 m Return, 20 mins

History of Nielsen Park

On this short walk, you will follow the footpaths through Nielsen Park, visiting some of the historic buildings. Walking past the beautiful Shark Bay, you may be temped to take a dip or at least stop and enjoy the blue water and sandstone boulders. Climbing up the stairs, you will then be able to e

Total climbing: 25m

Grade 2
  • Car
  • Bus

Easy track

Mt Trefle

1.7 km Circuit, 40 mins

Mt Trefle

This walk explores the bushy interior section of Nielsen Park. On this walk, you will visit historic Greycliffe House and the Steele Point Gun Emplacement. The walk climbs over the Mount Trefle summit. At just over 40m above sea level, I suspect most walkers will not consider it much of a mountain,

Total climbing: 58m

Grade 2
  • Car
  • Bus

Easy track

Nielsen Park and Strickland House loop

2.5 km Circuit, 1 Hr

Nielsen Park and Strickland House loop

On this walk, you will stroll along the shore of Sydney Harbour, discovering many great views and the secluded Milk Beach before visiting the grand Strickland and Greycliffe Houses. This is a great way to explore the natural beauty, as well as some stately gardens, at the northern end of the Hermita

Total climbing: 104m

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

Nielsen Park Circuit

1.8 km Circuit, 40 mins

Nielsen Park Circuit

With much to offer, this walk is a great way to explore the history, water, views and bushland of Nielsen Park. This walk first leads past Shark Bay - a great place for a swim - with the chance to enjoy the views and grab a bite to eat from the cafe. Then, it's up some steps to visit the historic gu

Total climbing: 54m

Grade 2
  • Car
  • Bus

Easy track

Shakespheres Point loop

661 m Circuit, 15 mins

Shakespheres Point loop

On this short walk, you will follow a series of footpaths to Shark Bay and head up some sandstone steps to the great views of Shakespheres Point. Since you are up on this headland, it is worth doing a loop around before heading back down to the main area of Nielsen Park. Make a day of it by staying

Total climbing: 24m

Grade 2
  • Car
  • Bus

Easy track

Chowder Head

548 m Circuit, 20 mins

Chowder Head

This loop walk is the shortest way to access the views from Chowder Head. The optional side trip leads to an informal lookout on an unfenced rock platform. A great spot to enjoy the sailing boats on Sydney Harbour. In spring, this walk is particularly spectacular with a wide range of wildflowers on

Total climbing: 36m

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

Chowder Bay to Georges Heights Lookout

842 m Return, 30 mins

Chowder Bay to Georges Heights Lookout

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

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

Strickland House and Milk Beach

706 m Return, 25 mins

Strickland House and Milk Beach

Starting from Vaucluse Rd, you will head down past the stately Strickland House to the small but lovely Milk Beach on Sydney Harbour. There are several interesting buildings in the Strickland House complex as well as some interesting open exotic gardens to explore. From behind Strickland House, you

Total climbing: 31m

Grade 2
  • Car
  • Bus

Easy track

Chowder Bay to Middle Head return via Chowder Bay Rd

4.9 km Circuit, 2 hrs 30 mins

Chowder Bay to Middle Head return via Chowder Bay Rd

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

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

Georges Heights Lookout

144 m Return, 7 mins

Georges Heights Lookout

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

Grade 1 Wheelchair accessible
  • Car
  • Bus

Very easy

Clifton Gardens to Georges Heights

1.7 km Return, 1 Hr

Clifton Gardens to Georges Heights

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

Grade 3
  • Car
  • Bus

Moderate track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The The Gap Bluff and Green Point loop walk starts and ends at the Watsons Bay Wharf (gps: -33.843316, 151.28184)

ferry Ferry. (get details) bus Bus. (get details) car Car. There is free parking available.<br /> (get details) ferry Ferry. (get details)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district.

Current Alerts

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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