South Head Tour
Download & Print Map and Notes
1 hr 45 mins
4.1 km Circuit
144 m
Hard 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[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
250 m
5 mins
17m
-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].
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 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.
(0.25km) The Gap → The Gap Bluff Lookout
190 m
5 mins
23m
-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].
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 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.
(0.44km) The Gap Bluff Lookout → Old car park Int
100 m
2 mins
6m
-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].
(0.54km) Old carpark Int → Gun Emplacement Lookout
60 m
2 mins
4m
-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.
(0.54km) Old car park Int → The Armoury
220 m
5 mins
6m
-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 â70m, 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 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.
(0.76km) The Armoury → HMAS Watson entrance
430 m
8 mins
6m
-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].
(1.19km) HMAS Watson entrance → Camp Cove Beach
240 m
4 mins
3m
-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].
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 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].
(1.43km) Camp Cove Beach → Cannon
130 m
3 mins
7m
-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].
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.
(1.56km) Cannon → Lady Bay Beach Int
290 m
6 mins
9m
-12m
Easy track
Continue straight: From the cannon, this walk heads up the path and steps and soon turns left to follow the old road[103]. The walk follows the old road, enjoying sweeping harbour views[104] (to your left). About 170m along this road (as it bends right), it passes a toilet block[105] then finds some garbage bins[106] at the end of the road. Here, the walk heads along the narrower footpath for ≈60m until coming to the signposted intersection above ‘Lady Bay Beach’[107].
(1.85km) Lady Bay Beach Int → Lady Bay Beach
30 m
1 mins
0m
-3m
Moderate track
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[110][111]. There are great views across the water to Middle Head[112]. 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. More info.
(1.85km) Lady Bay Beach Int → Lady Bay Lookout
90 m
2 mins
5m
-2m
Easy track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads gently downhill along the main path, keeping the large fence to your right[115]. The path leads down a few steps[116] and after ≈80m, heads up a few steps[117] then some more steps through a cleft in the rock[118] to find the fenced timber lookout platform looking over Lady Bay[119].
Lady Bay Lookout
Some may find it strange having a lookout platform overlooking a nudist beach, but the harbour and city views are great[120]. 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.
(1.94km) Lady Bay Lookout → Circuit intersection
60 m
1 mins
5m
0m
Easy track
(2km) Circuit Intersection → Gun Emplacements
130 m
3 mins
6m
-3m
Easy track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads uphill along the concrete path directly away from the water, initially keeping the large ‘South Head Heritage Trail’ sign[123] on your left. The path leads up through the heath, soon crossing an old road[124]. The path then bends left and passes a few old fortifications[125][126][127][128], coming to a large gun emplacement and a ‘Fortifications 1854’[129] sign.
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[130]. More info.
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). More info.
(2.21km) Hornby Lighthouse → Lightkeepers Cottage
90 m
2 mins
1m
-4m
Easy track
Continue straight: From Hornby Lighthouse, this walk heads downhill along the footpath past the concrete gun emplacement[137], keeping the water views to your right. The path bends left and leads over a small bridge[138], soon coming to the front of the Lightkeeper’s Cottage marked with a ‘Lightkeeper’s Cottages 1858’ sign [139] between the old house and a gun emplacement[140].
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[142]. More info.
(2.3km) Lightkeepers Cottage → Camp Cove Beach
740 m
15 mins
27m
-29m
Easy track
Continue straight: From the Lightkeeper’s Cottage, this walk follows the footpath, keeping the water views to your right[143]. The path leads around the edge of the large clearing[144] and after ≈100m, the path leads into the heath[145]. Soon the path leads to a timber boardwalk and a four-way intersection marked with a large ‘South Head Heritage Trail’ sign[146] on your left.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads directly away from the face of the ‘South Head Heritage Trail’ sign[147] along the timber boardwalk[148] and down a series of steps. The timber boardwalk soon leads to a fenced lookout with a view over Lady Bay[149].
Continue straight: From Lady Bay Lookout, this walk heads down the steps[150] next to the lookout and follows the footpath alongside the large fence[151]. The path heads up a series of steps to the signposted intersection above ‘Lady Bay Beach’[152].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads gently uphill along the footpath (keeping the water to the right) and after ≈60m, the path comes to the end of an old road. This walk continues along the old road, past the garage bins[153] and the large toilet block (on your left)[154]. The walk now follows the road as it leads around a sweeping left-hand bend, enjoying more harbour views until turning right onto a footpath, near a palm tree (just before the road meets a large fence). The walk heads down this path and some steps to find a disused cannon[155], gun emplacement and more great harbour views[156].
Continue straight: From the cannon, this walk heads down along the wide, cobbled sandstone path[157] (keeping the water views to your right). The walk then follows the footpath gently downhill to an intersection[158][159] (with a toilet block on the left). The walk heads straight, then down the steps and across the beach to the front of the Camp Cove Beach Kiosk[160].
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads directly away from the face of the ‘South Head Heritage Trail’ sign[147] along the timber boardwalk[148] and down a series of steps. The timber boardwalk soon leads to a fenced lookout with a view over Lady Bay[149].
Continue straight: From Lady Bay Lookout, this walk heads down the steps[150] next to the lookout and follows the footpath alongside the large fence[151]. The path heads up a series of steps to the signposted intersection above ‘Lady Bay Beach’[152].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads gently uphill along the footpath (keeping the water to the right) and after ≈60m, the path comes to the end of an old road. This walk continues along the old road, past the garage bins[153] and the large toilet block (on your left)[154]. The walk now follows the road as it leads around a sweeping left-hand bend, enjoying more harbour views until turning right onto a footpath, near a palm tree (just before the road meets a large fence). The walk heads down this path and some steps to find a disused cannon[155], gun emplacement and more great harbour views[156].
Continue straight: From the cannon, this walk heads down along the wide, cobbled sandstone path[157] (keeping the water views to your right). The walk then follows the footpath gently downhill to an intersection[158][159] (with a toilet block on the left). The walk heads straight, then down the steps and across the beach to the front of the Camp Cove Beach Kiosk[160].
(3.03km) Camp Cove Beach → Southern End of Camp Cove Beach
230 m
4 mins
2m
-5m
Easy track
Veer right: From the northern end of Camp Cove Beach, in front of the kiosk[161], this walk heads along the sand[162] (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[163][164].
(3.26km) Southern End of Camp Cove Beach → Green (Laings) Point Park
50 m
1 mins
5m
-1m
Easy track
Turn right: From the southern end of Camp Cove Beach, this walk heads up the timber staircase[165], keeping the beach and water to your right. At the top of the stairs[166], this walk follows the footpath up the steps[167] through the open parkland to find a monument commemorating the landing of Governor Phillip in 1788[168] just below the toilet block.
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[169] and is on sloped ground[170]. There is a toilet[171][172], great water views[173], an open grassy area, bench seats[174] and a monument[175]. The monument reminds visitors that Cove Beach (just below) was the first landing place for Governor Philip in 1788[176]. The park is a pleasant place to rest and is sometimes hired for weddings. A cottage[178] at the top can also be hired from NPWS to make a weekend of your adventures.
(3.31km) Green (Laings) Point Park → Green (Laings) Point
90 m
2 mins
1m
-5m
Easy track
Veer right: From the monument commemorating the landing of Governor Phillip in 1788[180], in the middle of the park, this walk heads downhill diagonally across the grassy area, keeping the water ahead and to your right[181]. The walk then follows the steps down between the gap in the bushes[182] and across the grass to find a tall sandstone monument[183] and an information sign about the ‘World War II Anti-Torpedo Boom’[184] at Green (Laings) Point, beside the water[185].
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[188], the anti-motor torpedo boat defensive battery entrance[189] and another battery[190]. There is also a information sign with more details about the history of the area[191]. More info.
(3.4km) Green (Laings) Point → End of Pacific St
130 m
3 mins
9m
-1m
Easy track
Continue straight: From the ‘World War II Anti-Torpedo Boom’[192] information sign, this walk heads along the grass away from the tall sandstone monument[193], keeping the water on your right. The walk follows the worn path between the bushes[194] then between the two bunkers[195][196], and then across the next grassy clearing towards the house[197]. Near the house, the walk turns left and heads up the hill then steps[198] to find the end of Pacific St[199][200].
(3.52km) End of Pacific St → Int of Cove and Short Sts
360 m
7 mins
5m
-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’[201] (on your left).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads downhill, the wrong way along Pacific Street past the ‘no entry’ signs[202]. The road soon leads past the signposted ‘Victoria Wharf Reserve’[203][204] (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[205], coming to an intersection just below the intersection of Cove and Short Streets.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads downhill, the wrong way along Pacific Street past the ‘no entry’ signs[202]. The road soon leads past the signposted ‘Victoria Wharf Reserve’[203][204] (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[205], coming to an intersection just below the intersection of Cove and Short Streets.
(3.88km) Int of Cove and Short Sts → Watsons Bay Wharf
240 m
4 mins
1m
-5m
Easy track
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the path and steps, towards the water[206]. Here the walk turns left and follows the footpath along the back of Watsons Bay Beach, between the boats and the houses[207]. Soon the walk passes ‘Doyles Restaurant’[208] to find ‘Watsons Bay Wharf’[209].
Maps for the South Head Tour 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 South Head Tour bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the South Head Tour
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 | 4.1 km | ||
| Time | 1 hr 45 mins | ||
| . | |||
| Grade 4/6 Hard track |
AS 2156.1 | Gradient | Very steep (4/6) |
| 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
2.7km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 1.1km is flat with no steps. Whilst another 220m has short steep hills and the remaining 90m is very steep.
Quality of track
Around 3.5km 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, 4.1km is clearly signposted.
Experience Required
This whole walk, 4.1km requires no previous bushwalking experience.
weather
This whole walk, 4.1km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
This whole walk, 4.1km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).
Similar walks
243 m Circuit
15 mins
Easy track
358 m Return
15 mins
Easy track
886 m Return
30 mins
Hard track
992 m Return
30 mins
Moderate track
1.7 km Circuit
45 mins
Easy track
2.5 km Circuit
1 Hr
Hard track
2.8 km Return
1 hr 15 mins
Easy track
Other Nearby walks
2.2 km One way
1 Hr
Moderate track
896 m Return
20 mins
Easy track
1.7 km Circuit
40 mins
Easy track
2.5 km Circuit
1 Hr
Moderate track
1.8 km Circuit
40 mins
Easy track
661 m Circuit
15 mins
Easy track
548 m Circuit
20 mins
Moderate track
842 m Return
30 mins
Moderate track
706 m Return
25 mins
Easy track
4.9 km Circuit
2 hrs 30 mins
Moderate track
144 m Return
7 mins
Very easy
1.7 km Return
1 Hr
Moderate track
Plan your trip to and from the walk here
The South Head Tour walk starts and ends at the Watsons Bay Wharf (gps: -33.843316, 151.28184)Your transport options to Watsons Bay Wharf are by;
Ferry. (get details)
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.(get details)
Ferry. (get details)
Short URL = http://wild.tl/sht
Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)
Special Maps/ brochures
* A3 topo maps
* PDF with Lands Topo map base
* PDF with arial image (and map overlay)
I wanted to get the main site live first, this extra stuff will come in time.
Happy walking
Matt 🙂
Comments