South Head Tour

South Head Tour

1 h 30 min to 1 h 45 min

4 km
circuit

↑ 122 m
↓ -122 m

Hard track

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 will also enjoy great views from Hornby Lighthouse and there are a few chances to grab a drink or a bight to eat along the way. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Current Alerts

Sydney Harbour National Park alerts

Watsons Bay Wharf

Watsons Bay Wharf shop

Roberson Park

Kids play area Roberson Park

The Gap Steps

The Gap

Path beside The Gap

Steps below The Gap Bluff

Wildflowers in Bloom

Just below the Gap Bluff

Looking across the Gap

City view from the Gap Bluff

Looking to North Head from the Gap Bluff

The Gap Bluff

Path north of the Gap Bluff

Gun Emplacement Lookout

Path east of The Armoury

East of the 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

Kiosk at Camp Cove

Steps at the Northern end of Camp Cove

The old Cobblestone Road

Gun Emplacment looking down on Camp Cove

Gun Emplacement near Camp Cove

Path leading up the old road

Toilets

Looking down to Lady Bay

Just below Lady Bay Lookout

Lady Bay Lookout

Circuit intersection

South Head Heritage Trail

crossing a driveway on South Head

Gun Emplacement on the outside of South Head

Gun Emplacment and Hornby Lighthouse looking into the harbour

Hornby Lighthouse

Great water views from South Head

Hornby Lighthouse and a gun emplacement

The head Lightkeepers Cottage

Lightkeepers Cottage

Camp Cove

Steps at the southern end of Camp Cove

Green Point Park

Green Point Park looking down to Camp Cove

Green (Laings) Point

Monument at Greens (Laings) Point

Infromation sign at Greens (Laings) Point

Rock pool on Green (Laings) Point

Track leading around Green Point

Steps on the southern side of Green (Laings) Point

Looking down Pacific St

Int of Victoria and Pacific Sts

Cove St

Boats at Watsons Cove

PDF | GPX

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Safer Bushwalks Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.

Getting There Transport options and directions

Start	At the intersection of Marine Parade & Military Road (-33.8433589,151.2818667)
Mode	Bus Car (There is free parking available.) Ferry
Directions	From Cahill Expressway, M1, Sydney. Turn on to William Street Exit then drive for 195 m Continue onto Palmer Street and drive for another 215 m Turn left onto William Street and drive for another 6.5 km Turn right onto Towns Road and drive for another 570 m Turn left onto Old South Head Road and drive for another 1 km At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Old South Head Road and drive for another 1.7 km At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Robertson Place and drive for another 130 m Turn slight left onto Military Road and drive for another 285 m Turn left onto Military Road and drive for another 110 m

Track Notes Turn by turn instructions & maps

Getting started
From Watsons Bay Wharf, this walk heads diagonally across the turning circle at the end of Military Rd and into 'Robertson Park'. 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. Here the walk goes up the ramp and crosses Military Rd using the crossing, coming to the base of the steps (that lead to The Gap).
Continue straight: From the bottom of the Gap steps, this walk heads up the steps (or ramp). About halfway up the steps, there is an emergency phone for contacting the police or Lifeline, then at the top there is a fenced section of footpath (lookout) and ocean views from The Gap.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Marine Parade & Military Road Start (a footpath). Doyles Fishermans Wharf (about 15 m back from the start). After 50 m pass a seat (on your left). Then pass the water tap (10 m on your right). After another 200 m pass the playground (20 m on your left).
	Continue straight. After another 20 m continue straight. Then pass the toilet (25 m on your left).
	After another 40 m turn right.
	After another 15 m continue straight. After another 20 m pass the "Nautica" (10 m on your right).
	After another 10 m turn right. After another 8 m pass the water tap (8 m on your left). Then pass the emergency call device (5 m on your right). Then head up the steps (about 8 m long) After another 8 m come to the viewpoint (8 m on your right).
	Turn left. After another 20 m find the "The Gap" (6 m on your right). 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. The tall cliffs are enhanced by the rock platform and the pounding ocean far below. Sadly, this site is not only known for the natural wonder, but also for the many deaths that occur here each year. Security cameras and an emergency phone 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.
	After another 65 m continue straight. After another 8 m come to the viewpoint (5 m on your right). After another 25 m find the "The Gap Bluff Centre (Officers Mess)" (about 60 m ahead). The Gap Bluff Centre (Officers Mess) The Gap Bluff Centre, once know as the Officers' Mess, is a large white building just north-east of The Gap on South Head. This building was once part of the South Head School of Artillery. Now part of Sydney Harbour National Park, this building is hired out for functions and conferences. Built in 1936, the curved building has since been extended. The building is surrounded by a car parking area and an exotic garden.
	Turn right.
	After another 75 m continue straight. After another 9 m come to the viewpoint (10 m on your right). Then head up the steps (about 10 m long) After another 30 m find the "The Gap Bluff Lookout" (on your left). 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 and to your right, looking south down the coast, there are great views over The Gap. There are also distant views over the harbour to the city. 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. This is a great place to visit and well worth climbing the steps for the view.
	The starting point of an optional sidetrip. An optional side trip to Gun Emplacement Lookout. To start this optional side trip veer right here. On returning from this side trip error >360 when you get back to this intersection. Details below. After another 90 m continue straight. After another 225 m find the "The Armoury" (10 m on your left). The Armoury The Armoury was a store building built in 1938, 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, popular for wedding parties. There is also a public toilet block and several other historic buildings in the area, including the larger Officer's Mess to the south-east.
	After another 2 m (from the Gap Bluff Road) turn right, to head along Gap Bluff Road (a service road). After another 60 m pass the toilet (20 m on your right). From the Gap Bluff Road continue straight, to head along Gap Bluff Road. After another 40 m come to the viewpoint (30 m on your left).
	After another 180 m (from the Gap Bluff Road) veer left (a footpath).
	After another 15 m (from the Watson Road) continue straight.
	After another 65 m (from the Cliff Street) turn right, to head along Cliff Street (a residential road). After another 55 m (at the intersection of Cliff Street & Victoria Street) continue straight (a service road).
	After another 50 m continue straight. After another 6 m pass the "Camp Cove Kiosk" (on your right). summer After another 35 m pass the water tap (on your right). Then head up the steps (about 5 m long) Then pass the toilet (4 m on your right).
	At the intersection of South Head Heritage Trail & South Head Lighthouse Walk continue straight, to head along South Head Heritage Trail (a footpath). After another 55 m (from the South Head Heritage Trail) continue straight, to head along South Head Heritage Trail. After another 75 m find the "Cannon" (7 m on your left). 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. Then come to the "Camp Cove Beach Lookout" (15 m on your left). After another 30 m pass a seat (8 m on your left)., has a backrest.
	At the intersection of South Head Lighthouse Walk & South Head Heritage Trail continue straight, to head along South Head Lighthouse Walk (a service road). After another 45 m pass a seat (5 m on your left)., has a backrest. After another 115 m pass the toilet (on your right). After another 90 m head down the steps (about 15 m long) Then find the "Lady Bay Beach" (20 m on your left). Lady Bay Beach Lady Bay Beach is an official nudist beach found on the inside of South Head. Facing west, this beach is surrounded by a long cliff and a rocky shoreline. There are great views across the water to Middle Head. Officially declared a nude bathing beach by Neville Wran in 1976, nudity is only permitted on the beach and water. The beach is also known as 'Lady Jane Beach'. You are welcome to use the beach clothed or unclad. After another 65 m head up the steps (about 9 m long) Then find the "Lady Bay Lookout" (about 7 m ahead). Lady Bay Lookout Some may find it strange having a lookout platform overlooking a nudist beach, but the harbour and city views are great. This fenced and timber-decked lookout platform is found on the main walking track at the northern end of the bay. The lookout's main view is south-west along the beach and harbour towards North Sydney. There are a few trees growing up over the view, which adds further interest to the outlook. After another 45 m pass the helipad (30 m on your right).
	After another 10 m (from the South Head Lighthouse Walk) turn right, to head along South Head Lighthouse Walk. After another 50 m head up the steps (about 6 m long)
	After another 8 m (at the intersection of South Head Lighthouse Walk & Hornby Light Road) continue straight, to head along South Head Lighthouse Walk. After another 70 m find the "Gun Emplacements" (9 m on your right). Gun Emplacements Gun emplacements like these have been built up and down the coast, and around the shores of Sydney Harbour. The first emplacement, built in 1788, was designed as a signalling station to notify the arrival of a ship. Then in 1839, the undetected arrival of ships, from the fast developing USA, caused a great concern. This triggered the building of the well-known fortifications at Bradleys Head and Fort Denison, as well as these ones at South Head. Another enemy at the time, France, then joined a campaign against a newer enemy - the Russians - in 1853, which prompted the completion of these gun emplacements. Guns were installed in 1872. In WWII, it was a Japanese enemy who these guns were trying to keep out, then in 1944, when the threat of invasion was less of a concern, the emplacements where disarmed. After another 105 m find the "Hornby Lighthouse" (5 m on your right). Hornby Lighthouse Opened by Sir William Denison (then Governor of New South Wales) in 1858, this distinct red and white vertical striped lighthouse was originally powered by a high-tech kerosene lantern. The lighthouse was built in response to two significant losses of life near South Head - firstly in 1857, the 'Dubar' (on it last leg from England), when 121 of the 122 people on board lost their lives, and soon after, the 'Catherine Adamson' when 21 lives were lost near North Head just two months later. Since 1933, this lighthouse has been automated and is now powered with a 12 volt, 55 watt Quartz Halogen Lamp (similar to a down light in a kitchen). After another 25 m come to the viewpoint. Then cross the bridge (about 10 m long) After another 25 m find the "Lightkeepers Cottage" (10 m on your left). Lightkeepers Cottage Two homes were built on South Head for the Hornby lighthouse keepers. The first cottage is the Head Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage in the clearing, with the assistant's house being closer to the lighthouse. This arrangement is unusual - normally, the head keeper's house would be closer. The head lightkeeper's house was completed about three years after the other house, around 1860. The first head lighthouse keeper was the well-motivated James Johnston, who was aboard the Dubar (a sailing ship on route from England) that smashed against the rocks near The Gap in 1857. 121 souls were lost that evening and James Johnston was the only survivor. After another 165 m (from the South Head Lighthouse Walk) continue straight, to head along South Head Lighthouse Walk. After another 60 m head down the steps (about 9 m long) After another 65 m head up the steps (about 15 m long)
	After another 250 m (at the intersection of South Head Heritage Trail & South Head Lighthouse Walk) continue straight, to head along South Head Heritage Trail (a footpath).
	After another 85 m (from the South Head Heritage Trail) continue straight, to head along South Head Heritage Trail. After another 55 m (at the intersection of South Head Lighthouse Walk & South Head Heritage Trail) continue straight, to head along South Head Lighthouse Walk (a steps). Then head down the steps (about 5 m long)
	After another 35 m turn right. After another 15 m find the "Camp Cove" (20 m on your right). 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, toilet block and an entrance to Sydney Harbour National Park. 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.
	After another 205 m veer right. After another 15 m head up the 14 wooden steps (about 10 m long)
	After another 15 m continue straight. After another 8 m veer right. After another 25 m find the "Green Point Park" (15 m on your left). 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 and is on sloped ground. There is a toilet, great water views, an open grassy area, bench seats and a monument. The monument reminds visitors that Cove Beach (just below) was the first landing place for Governor Philip in 1788. The park is a pleasant place to rest and is sometimes hired for weddings. A cottage at the top can also be hired from NPWS to make a weekend of your adventures. After another 8 m pass the toilet (15 m on your left). After another 70 m find the "Green (Laings) Point" (5 m on your right). 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, the anti-motor torpedo boat defensive battery entrance and another battery. There is also a information sign with more details about the history of the area.
	After another 120 m (from the Pacific Street) turn right, to head along Pacific Street (a service road). After another 60 m pass the "Marine Research Station Park" (on your left). After another 65 m pass the "Victoria Wharf Reserve" (5 m on your right). At the intersection of Pacific Street & Victoria Street continue straight, to head along Pacific Street.
	After another 50 m (at the intersection of Pacific Street & Camp Street) veer left, to head along Pacific Street. After another 145 m pass the "Camp Cove Reserve" (40 m on your left).
	After another 5 m (at the intersection of Cove Street & Pacific Street) turn right, to head along Cove Street.
	After another 55 m (at the intersection of Short Street & Cove Street) veer right (a footpath). After another 180 m pass the "Doyles on the Beach" (on your left). W:www.doyles.com.au After another 60 m come to "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 and the more relaxed fish and chip shop on the ferry wharf. Robertson Park is a large open grassy park with some natural shade, a rotunda, toilets, children's play equipment, garbage bins and picnic tables.
	Continue another 0 m to find at the intersection of Marine Parade & Military Road at the end.

An optional side trip to Gun Emplacement Lookout.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start.
	After another 30 m veer right. After another 30 m come to "Gun Emplacement Lookout". Gun Emplacement Lookout Once home to several gun emplacements, this is now a peaceful, fenced lookout. There are information signs explaining some history, and also some remaining sections of the fortifications to explore. The end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 55 m to the main route.

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. Find the Lady Bay Beach at the start. Lady Bay Beach Lady Bay Beach is an official nudist beach found on the inside of South Head. Facing west, this beach is surrounded by a long cliff and a rocky shoreline. There are great views across the water to Middle Head. Officially declared a nude bathing beach by Neville Wran in 1976, nudity is only permitted on the beach and water. The beach is also known as 'Lady Jane Beach'. You are welcome to use the beach clothed or unclad. Find the Lady Bay Lookout at the start. Lady Bay Lookout Some may find it strange having a lookout platform overlooking a nudist beach, but the harbour and city views are great. This fenced and timber-decked lookout platform is found on the main walking track at the northern end of the bay. The lookout's main view is south-west along the beach and harbour towards North Sydney. There are a few trees growing up over the view, which adds further interest to the outlook. Then head down the steps (about 15 m long) About 75 m past the end is a toilet.
	The end. Turn around and retrace your steps back the 20 m to the main route.

Turn map

Directions & comments

Start.

Find the Lady Bay Beach at the start.

Lady Bay Beach

Lady Bay Beach is an official nudist beach found on the inside of South Head. Facing west, this beach is surrounded by a long cliff and a rocky shoreline. There are great views across the water to Middle Head. Officially declared a nude bathing beach by Neville Wran in 1976, nudity is only permitted on the beach and water. The beach is also known as 'Lady Jane Beach'. You are welcome to use the beach clothed or unclad.

Find the Lady Bay Lookout at the start.

Lady Bay Lookout

Some may find it strange having a lookout platform overlooking a nudist beach, but the harbour and city views are great. This fenced and timber-decked lookout platform is found on the main walking track at the northern end of the bay. The lookout's main view is south-west along the beach and harbour towards North Sydney. There are a few trees growing up over the view, which adds further interest to the outlook.

Then head down the steps (about 15 m long)

About 75 m past the end is a toilet.

The end.

Turn around and retrace your steps back the 20 m to the main route.

Terrain Know the Hills, grading & facilities

South Head Tour

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	4 km
Time	1 h 30 min to 1 h 45 min

Quality of track	Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
Signage	Clearly signposted (1/6)
Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)
Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)

Some facilities on route

Toilet: There are 5 on route, on average they are 660 m apart with the largest gap of 1.6 km.

Seat: There are 3 on route, on average they are 990 m apart with the largest gap of 2.5 km.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Seat	35 m	[seat]
Toilet	160 m	[toilet]
Toilet	870 m	[toilet]
Toilet	1.3 km	[toilet]
Seat	1.4 km	[seat]
Seat	1.5 km	[seat]
Toilet	1.6 km	[toilet]
Toilet	3.2 km	[toilet]

Articles Discover more details to thrive on track

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 and the more relaxed fish and chip shop on the ferry wharf. Robertson Park is a large open grassy park with some natural shade, a rotunda, toilets, children's play equipment, garbage bins and picnic tables.

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. The tall cliffs are enhanced by the rock platform and the pounding ocean far below. Sadly, this site is not only known for the natural wonder, but also for the many deaths that occur here each year. Security cameras and an emergency phone 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.

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 and to your right, looking south down the coast, there are great views over The Gap. There are also distant views over the harbour to the city. 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. This is a great place to visit and well worth climbing the steps for the view.

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

The Armoury
The Armoury was a store building built in 1938, 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, popular for wedding parties. There is also a public toilet block and several other historic buildings in the area, including the larger Officer's Mess to the south-east.

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, toilet block and an entrance to Sydney Harbour National Park. 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.

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.

Lady Bay Beach
Lady Bay Beach is an official nudist beach found on the inside of South Head. Facing west, this beach is surrounded by a long cliff and a rocky shoreline. There are great views across the water to Middle Head. Officially declared a nude bathing beach by Neville Wran in 1976, nudity is only permitted on the beach and water. The beach is also known as 'Lady Jane Beach'. You are welcome to use the beach clothed or unclad.

Lady Bay Lookout
Some may find it strange having a lookout platform overlooking a nudist beach, but the harbour and city views are great. This fenced and timber-decked lookout platform is found on the main walking track at the northern end of the bay. The lookout's main view is south-west along the beach and harbour towards North Sydney. There are a few trees growing up over the view, which adds further interest to the outlook.

Gun Emplacements
Gun emplacements like these have been built up and down the coast, and around the shores of Sydney Harbour. The first emplacement, built in 1788, was designed as a signalling station to notify the arrival of a ship. Then in 1839, the undetected arrival of ships, from the fast developing USA, caused a great concern. This triggered the building of the well-known fortifications at Bradleys Head and Fort Denison, as well as these ones at South Head. Another enemy at the time, France, then joined a campaign against a newer enemy - the Russians - in 1853, which prompted the completion of these gun emplacements. Guns were installed in 1872. In WWII, it was a Japanese enemy who these guns were trying to keep out, then in 1944, when the threat of invasion was less of a concern, the emplacements where disarmed.

Hornby Lighthouse
Opened by Sir William Denison (then Governor of New South Wales) in 1858, this distinct red and white vertical striped lighthouse was originally powered by a high-tech kerosene lantern. The lighthouse was built in response to two significant losses of life near South Head - firstly in 1857, the 'Dubar' (on it last leg from England), when 121 of the 122 people on board lost their lives, and soon after, the 'Catherine Adamson' when 21 lives were lost near North Head just two months later. Since 1933, this lighthouse has been automated and is now powered with a 12 volt, 55 watt Quartz Halogen Lamp (similar to a down light in a kitchen).

Lightkeepers Cottage
Two homes were built on South Head for the Hornby lighthouse keepers. The first cottage is the Head Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage in the clearing, with the assistant's house being closer to the lighthouse. This arrangement is unusual - normally, the head keeper's house would be closer. The head lightkeeper's house was completed about three years after the other house, around 1860. The first head lighthouse keeper was the well-motivated James Johnston, who was aboard the Dubar (a sailing ship on route from England) that smashed against the rocks near The Gap in 1857. 121 souls were lost that evening and James Johnston was the only survivor.

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 and is on sloped ground. There is a toilet, great water views, an open grassy area, bench seats and a monument. The monument reminds visitors that Cove Beach (just below) was the first landing place for Governor Philip in 1788. The park is a pleasant place to rest and is sometimes hired for weddings. A cottage at the top can also be hired from NPWS to make a weekend of your adventures.

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, the anti-motor torpedo boat defensive battery entrance and another battery. There is also a information sign with more details about the history of the area.

Get more information
Wildwalks

Weather & Alerts Check forecasts & closures
Weather Forecast
- Bondi Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon
  
  Monday 28 April
  
  Shower or two.
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers along the coastal fringe, slight chance elsewhere. Winds southerly 15 to 25 km/h becoming light in the evening.
  
  Tuesday 29 April
  
  18°C → 23°C
  Showers developing.
  80% chance of rain
  1 → 15mm
  
  Partly cloudy. The chance of fog in the outer west in the early morning. High chance of showers, most likely in the afternoon and evening. The chance of a thunderstorm in the afternoon. Light winds becoming southerly 15 to 20 km/h in the middle of the day then becoming light in the evening.
  
  Fire Danger Rating: No Rating
  
  UV Alert: Sun protection 9:40am to 1:50pm, UV Index predicted to reach 4 [Moderate]
  
  Wednesday 30 April
  
  17°C → 20°C
  Showers. Windy.
  95% chance of rain
  7 → 35mm
  
  Partly cloudy. High chance of showers, most likely from the late morning. The chance of a thunderstorm. Winds south to southwesterly 25 to 35 km/h.
  
  Thursday 1 May
  
  16°C → 19°C
  Showers. Windy.
  95% chance of rain
  8 → 40mm
  
  Cloudy. Very high chance of showers. The chance of a thunderstorm. Winds southwesterly 20 to 30 km/h turning southerly 25 to 35 km/h during the morning.
  
  Friday 2 May
  
  15°C → 20°C
  Showers.
  80% chance of rain
  1 → 10mm
  
  Partly cloudy. High chance of showers. Winds south to southwesterly 15 to 25 km/h becoming light during the evening.
  
  Saturday 3 May
  
  17°C → 22°C
  Shower or two.
  70% chance of rain
  0 → 7mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers. Winds southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h turning southeasterly during the day.
  
  Sunday 4 May
  
  17°C → 22°C
  Shower or two.
  50% chance of rain
  0 → 4mm
  
  Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers. Light winds becoming easterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day.
  
  Monday 5 May
  
  17°C → 23°C
  Possible shower.
  40% chance of rain
  0 → 1mm
  
  Cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Light winds becoming east to northeasterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day.
  
  Forecast data thanks to © Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
Alerts
- Sydney Harbour National Park alerts
  Closed areas: Manly Scenic Walkway partial closure
  The Castle Rock Track section of Manly Scenic Walkway is closed from Monday 28 April until further notice due to maintenance works by Northern Beaches Council.
  Detours will be in place:
  
  Walkers heading west should exit Grotto Point track, head north along Barrabooka track, onto Barrabooka Street and turn left onto Ogilvy Road. Then walk down Ogilvy Road to re-enter Castle Rock track and continue west along Clontarf track.
  
  Walkers heading east along Clontarf track should turn left at the intersection with Castle Rock track, head east along Ogilvy Road, turn right at Barrabooka Street and continue onto Barrabooka track. Then head east on Grotto Point track.
  
  For more information, please contact Northern Beaches Council.
  
  Other planned events: North Head Scenic Drive gate opening times
  The North Head Scenic Drive gate opening times are:
  
  AEDT From 7 October 2024 to 6 April 2025 - from 5am to 8.30pm
  
  AEST From 7 April 2025 to 5 October 2025 - from 6am to 6pm
  
  Closed areas: Bluefish Point closed
  The Bluefish Point bushland area is closed to public access for public safety and to protect the landscape and important plant and animal communities. Access to rock pools is difficult and dangerous. Please stay on sign-posted walking tracks when visiting Sydney Harbour National Park for your safety and observe warning signs in the area.
  
  Closed areas: Collins Beach Road drainage improvement works
  Major drainage improvement works are planned for Collins Beach Road during the week commencing 10 March 2025. Collins Beach Road will be closed for the duration of the works and signs will be displayed advising of the closure. Visitors wishing to access Collins Beach are advised to use the Stuart St Manly access track.
  Works are expected to be completed in the week commencing 31 March - weather permitting.
  
  Closed areas: Fort Denison closed
  Service upgrades and extensive conservation works on the fort are ongoing through to mid-2025.
  Fort Denison – Muddawahnyuh remains closed to visitors during this time.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance.
  Standard work hours during the construction phase will be between:
  
  7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday
  
  8am to 1pm on Saturday
  
  For more information, visit the project webpage or email us. Visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.
  
  Other planned events: 1080 pest management operation
  NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will be conducting a baiting program using manufactured baits, fresh baits and Canid Pest Ejectors (CPEs) containing 1080 poison (sodium fluroacetate) for the control of foxes.
  The program is continuous and ongoing between Saturday 1 February 2025 and Thursday 31 July 2025 in the following areas of Sydney Harbour National Park:
  
  Chowder Bay
  
  Dobroyd Head
  
  Bradleys Head
  
  Georges Head
  
  Middle Head
  
  North Head (North Head includes the adjoining land of Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, Australian Institute of Police Management and Quarantine Station).
  
  Please don’t touch baits or ejector devices. All baiting locations are identifiable by signs.
  Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW national parks and reserves. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.
  Fox baiting in these reserves is aimed at reducing their impact on threatened species.
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local park office on:
  Middle Head: 02 9960 6266 (business hours)
  NPWS after-hours call centre: 1300 056 294 (after hours)
  North Head Sanctuary, Many (Harbour Trust Lands): 02 8969 2128 (business hours).
  
  Closed areas: North Head partial closure
  Some parts of North Head in Sydney Harbour National Park are closed due to fire damage and geological instability. The closed areas include:
  
  Bluefish Point
  
  Wastewater Treatment Plant emergency access road
  
  The following areas, and the bushland surrounding them, are also closed due to steep and unstable ground:
  
  Old Man's Hat
  
  Cannae Point
  
  Quarantine Head
  
  Do not enter the closed areas.
  Open areas include:
  
  Q Station
  
  North Head Sanctuary and Bella Vista Cafe (entry via North Fort)
  
  The track between Shelly Beach and Bluefish Drive
  
  Bluefish Drive to the Avenue of Honour
  
  Collins Flat Beach
  
  Fairfax track
  
  Burragula and Yiningma lookouts
  
  Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the National Parks Contact Centre on 1300 072 757 or Sydney North area office on 02 9451 3479 between 9.30am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.
  
  Alert kindly provided by © NSW Nataional Parks and Wildlife Service

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