South Head
Sydney Harbour National Park
Overview
There's no shortage of lookouts at South Head. The Gap offers some of Sydney's finest views and good opportunities for whale watching. South Head is also great for a swim, try Camp Cove or Lady Bay Beach.
- Type
- Lookouts
- Accessibility
- Hard
- Hire this venue
South Head is available for events and function hire.
- Please note
- Flying of recreational drones is prohibited by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) at South Head as it's within 5.5km of an airfield or helicopter landing site.
- Permission must be sought in advance for commercial filming or photography around South Head. Download an application form to apply.
South Head is known for its sheer ocean cliffs, military history, and the whimsical-looking Hornby Lighthouse. But it’s the picture-perfect ocean views most likely to keep you coming back again and again.
The Gap features an unbeatable lookout. Hike to the top and gaze out over the Tasman Sea and Sydney Harbour. If you’re there between June and September keep your eyes open for whales on their annual migration journey.
Walk the South Head Heritage trail, where you’ll find even more lookouts – it’s hard to tire of that panorama. Check out 19th century gun emplacements along the way.
Swim at Camp Cove or at Lady Bay Beach and stop to see the Dunbar shipwreck memorial and site. You’re bound to be hungry after all that sea air – stop for fish and chips in Robertson park or at one of Watson’s Bay’s restaurants.
Take a virtual tour of South Head captured with Google Street View Trekker.
Map
Map legend
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/lookouts/south-head/local-alerts
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Park info
- in Sydney Harbour National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region
Sydney Harbour National Park is open sunrise to sunset but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
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Park entry fees:
Bradleys Head carpark: $8 per vehicle per day. North Head carpark: $5 per vehicle per day. There are pay machines that accept cards and coins - no change given. Chowder Bay Road parking: Monday-Friday: $3 per hour, to a maximum of $16 per day. Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays: $4 per hour, to a maximum of $20 per day. If you hold an NPWS All Parks or Multi Parks Pass, you can park free for up to four hours per day - additional time can be purchased. Car parks operated by Sydney Harbour Federation Trust or Mosman Council are not covered by your pass. Please check signs carefully. You can also pay for your visit via the Park’nPay app.
Other fees:
Landing fees or tour fees apply to visit Sydney Harbour islands. All public visitors to Shark, Clark or Rodd Island, need to pay a $7 per person landing fee. To arrange, please contact 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS). Annual NSW Parks Passes do not cover landing fees.
Buy annual pass.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about South Head.
Getting there and parking
Get driving directions
South Head is in the South Head precinct of Sydney Harbour National Park. To get there:
- Drive along New South Head Road past Vaucluse to the end
- Turn right into Robertson Road, then left into Military Road, which becomes Cliff Road.
- Turn left into Short Street then right into Cove Street and right into Victoria Street
- Continue to the end and leave the car at Camp Cove carpark.
Alternatively, the Eastern Suburbs Ferry from Circular Quay, as well as buses 324, 325 and 380, stop a short walk from Camp Cove. Check out the Transport Info website for more information.
Road quality
- Sealed roads
Vehicle access
- 2WD vehicles
Weather restrictions
- All weather
Parking
Parking is available at Camp Cove carpark, including several designated disabled spots.
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - hard
Wheelchairs can access this area with some difficulty
- Lookouts and walks are not suitable for wheelchairs
- The area around Watson’s Bay’s restaurants and Robertson Park are more accessible
Prohibited
Drones
Flying a drone for recreational purposes is prohibited in this area. Drones may affect public enjoyment, safety and privacy, interfere with park operations, or pose a threat to wildlife. See the Drones in Parks policy.
This area may be a declared Drone Exclusion Zone, or may be subject to Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) rules for flying near airports, aerodromes and helicopter landing sites. See CASA's Drone Flyer Rules.
Commercial filming and photography
Commercial filming or photography is prohibited without prior consent. You must apply for permission and contact the local office.
Pets
Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.
Smoking
NSW national parks are no smoking areas.
Learn more
South Head is in Sydney Harbour National Park. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
A world of history
Although British authorities first planned to set up their penal colony in Botany Bay, the First Fleet of convicts only stayed in Botany Bay for a few days and then set sail around the coast to Sydney Harbour, where the colony was established. Since then, Sydney Harbour has continued to play an important part in the development of the nation and a number of places in the park have strong links to Sydney's history. You'll find buildings constructed using convict labour, maritime and military fortifications, and the Quarantine Station which once housed new boat arrivals to Sydney, protecting Sydneysiders from infectious disease.
- Bradleys Head guided walking tour in Sydney Join your friendly guide from EcoWalks Tours for a fascinating harbour-side excursion at Bradleys Head in Sydney. You'll experience local history, enjoy stunning views and see native wildlife.
- Convict kids on Goat Island 'Guilty of petty theft – your punishment is penal transportation to Australia for the term of your natural life.' Discover what life was like for the first convicts of Australia in this unique Stage 2 (Years 3-4) excursion on historic Goat Island.
- Fort Denison – Muddawahnyuh Fort Denison – Muddawahnyuh (mud-uh-'wahn-yuh) is closed for maintenance and conservation works until late 2023.
- Goat Island convicts, castles and champagne tour Discover Sydney’s colourful convict past on a unique tour with Sydney Harbour Tall Ships. Visit historic sites on Goat Island and take in beautiful views as you cruise around Sydney Harbour.
- Greycliffe House and Nielsen Park heritage tour Enter the world of the mid 1800s when you visit Greycliffe House. It's been a part of Sydney's history since its first residents moved in. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the grounds after the tour.
Aboriginal heritage
Before Australia became a British colony, the area around Sydney Harbour was occupied by the Eora and Daruk Aboriginal Nations. Upon the arrival of settlers and convicts, land was cleared to make way for the developing colony, and Aboriginal people were forced further and further away from their traditional camping and hunting grounds. As the colony spread, more evidence of Aboriginal life and culture was destroyed. Today, despite the great spread of the city, you can find many Aboriginal sites like rock engravings and middens - examples of an ancient and enduring cultural heritage and a record of the Eora Peoples' connection to Country.
- Arabanoo lookout at Dobroyd Head Arabanoo lookout at Dobroyd Head is named in honour of Arabanoo, the first Aboriginal man to live among European settlers. It's a great spot for whale watching, offering views over North and South Head and the Pacific Ocean.
- Grotto Point Aboriginal engraving site Sydney Harbour National Park’s rock engravings immerse you in Sydney’s Aboriginal heritage. Head to Grotto Point at Dobroyd Head for historic rock art and scenic views.
- Living world WildTracker: Bradleys Head On a WildTracker excursion, Stage 3 (Years 5-6) students investigate and analyse the natural environment of Bradleys Head. Students identify and group species and discuss adaptations that help these species survive and thrive here.
- Living world WildTracker: Nielsen Park On a WildTracker excursion, Stage 3 (Years 5-6) students will explore and analyse the natural environment of Nielsen Park. We'll identify and group species and discuss the adaptations that help these species survive and thrive here.
- Who's Arabanoo? This school excursion in Sydney Harbour National Park is for Stage 2 (Years 3-4) students and focuses on HSIE. Walk down the track to Reef Beach with an Aboriginal ranger to hear about the cultural history of the area and learn about the European history of surrounding sites.
An island paradise
The park protects five historic harbour islands. Discover the rich convict and maritime heritage of Goat Island, along with stunning views from all angles. Why not picnic at Rodd or Shark Island? Set aside for public enjoyment as early as 1879, both offer picnic areas, beaches and paths for you to explore. The park’s exceptional landscapes are the perfect setting for fishing, swimming, scuba diving and soaking up the views. Head to Clark Island for an Aboriginal cultural experience and enjoy the city lights as you dine on Fort Denison. Sydney Harbour National Park is beloved by landscape photographers, so why not bring your camera and take a few shots?
- Arabanoo lookout at Dobroyd Head Arabanoo lookout at Dobroyd Head is named in honour of Arabanoo, the first Aboriginal man to live among European settlers. It's a great spot for whale watching, offering views over North and South Head and the Pacific Ocean.
- Bradleys Head – Booraghee Amphitheatre Bradleys Head – Booraghee ('boo-ruh-gee) Amphitheatre is an exceptionally popular place within Sydney Harbour National Park. A fabulous lookout, it's also a great picnic area and fishing spot.
- Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk Take the Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk for beautiful views of Sydney Harbour. This easy walk takes you from Taronga Zoo to the beach and cafes at Chowder Bay.
- Fairfax walk Fairfax Walk is paved, making it an easy stroll and ideal for walking with children. Located at North Head in Sydney Harbour National Park, it's a great walk for whale watching.
- Sydney seaplane flight and Shark Island picnic Discover a whole new side to Sydney Harbour on a scenic flight with Sydney Seaplanes. You’ll fly through to Bondi before enjoying a decadent picnic on Shark Island.
Diverse landscapes
Immerse yourself in nature at Sydney Harbour National Park. Exploring its varied scenery, you'll find everything from sandstone cliffs and rocky foreshores to quiet beaches and bushland. Stand beneath gigantic Sydney red gums and Port Jackson figs or absorb the sheer size of the harbour from a headland lookout.
- Aboriginal cultural cruise in Sydney Harbour Join the friendly and knowledgeable guides of Tribal Warrior for a fascinating boat and island tour as you learn about the Aboriginal culture of Sydney Harbour.
- Bottle and Glass Point Bottle and Glass Point is an ideal picnic spot in Nielsen Park in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. Enjoy lovely harbour views and relax in Sydney Harbour National Park.
- Bradleys Head guided walking tour in Sydney Join your friendly guide from EcoWalks Tours for a fascinating harbour-side excursion at Bradleys Head in Sydney. You'll experience local history, enjoy stunning views and see native wildlife.
- Guided kayak tours at Manly Beach Join the friendly local guides of Manly Kayak Centre for an unforgettable paddle and scenic walk. From ocean to hilltop, it’s a great way to enjoy the highlights of Sydney’s beautiful North Harbour, near Manly Beach.
- Guided walks in Sydney's national parks Connect with nature in one of Sydney’s most beautiful national parks on a guided bushwalk with Trip Slow. You’ll learn about local wildlife and the history of the area.
Native birds and animals
You'll probably spot at least one of the park's 150 bird species on your visit, like a white-bellied sea eagle or a New Holland honeyeater. If you're near Manly, you may be lucky enough to glimpse an endangered little penguin as it is the state's only known mainland colony. If you happen to see unusual webbed footprints on a beach or shoreline, they may well belong to a native water rat looking for seafood in shallow water close to the shoreline.
- Aboriginal cultural cruise in Sydney Harbour Join the friendly and knowledgeable guides of Tribal Warrior for a fascinating boat and island tour as you learn about the Aboriginal culture of Sydney Harbour.
- Bradleys Head guided walking tour in Sydney Join your friendly guide from EcoWalks Tours for a fascinating harbour-side excursion at Bradleys Head in Sydney. You'll experience local history, enjoy stunning views and see native wildlife.
- Fairfax walk Fairfax Walk is paved, making it an easy stroll and ideal for walking with children. Located at North Head in Sydney Harbour National Park, it's a great walk for whale watching.
- Guided walks in Sydney's national parks Connect with nature in one of Sydney’s most beautiful national parks on a guided bushwalk with Trip Slow. You’ll learn about local wildlife and the history of the area.
- Living world WildTracker: Bradleys Head On a WildTracker excursion, Stage 3 (Years 5-6) students investigate and analyse the natural environment of Bradleys Head. Students identify and group species and discuss adaptations that help these species survive and thrive here.
Plants and animals you may see
Animals
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Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)
The humpback whale has the longest migratory path of any mammal, travelling over 5000km from its summer feeding grounds in Antarctica to its breeding grounds in the subtropics. Its playful antics, such as body-rolling, breaching and pectoral slapping, are a spectacular sight for whale watchers in NSW national parks.
Plants
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Grass tree (Xanthorrea spp.)
An iconic part of the Australian landscape, the grass tree is widespread across eastern NSW. These Australian native plants have a thick fire-blackened trunk and long spiked leaves. They are found in heath and open forests across eastern NSW. The grass tree grows 1-5m in height and produces striking white-flowered spikes which grow up to 1m long.
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Blueberry ash (Elaeocarpus reticulatus)
The blueberry ash is a rainforest shrub which produces blue olive-shaped berries and spectacular bell-shaped flowers, which often appear on the plant together. It is a tall slender shrub or small tree found in rainforest, tall eucalypt forest and coastal bushland in eastern NSW, south-east Queensland and Victoria.
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Flannel flower (Actinotus helianthi)
The delicate flannel flower is so named because of the soft woolly feel of the plant. Growing in the NSW south coast region, extending to Narrabri in the Central West and up to south-east Queensland, its white or pink flowers bloom all year long, with an extra burst of colour in the spring.
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Smooth-barked apple (Angophora costata)
Smooth-barked apple gums, also known as Sydney red gum or rusty gum trees, are Australian native plants found along the NSW coast, and in the Sydney basin and parts of Queensland. Growing to heights of 15-30m, the russet-coloured angophoras shed their bark in spring to reveal spectacular new salmon-coloured bark.
Environments in this park
Education resources (1)
School excursions (9)
- Convict kids on Goat Island, Stage 2 (Years 3-4), History
- The earth’s environment at Bradleys Head , Stage 2 (Years 3-4), Geography
- The earth's environment at Arabanoo lookout, Stage 2 (Years 3-4), Geography
- The earth's environment at Bradleys Head, Stage 1 (Years 1-2), Geography
- Who's Arabanoo?, Stage 2 (Years 3-4), HSIE
- Living world WildTracker: Bradleys Head, Stage 3 (Years 5-6), Science and Technology
- Living world WildTracker: Nielsen Park, Stage 3 (Years 5-6), Science and Technology
- The earth's environment at Nielsen Park, Stage 2 (Years 3-4), Geography
- WildThings at Bradleys Head, Stage 1 (Years 1-2), Science and Technology