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West Head lookout

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Overview

Enjoy incredible views from West Head lookout, regarded as one of Sydney's best in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Photograph Pittwater and Barrenjoey Head, or take a short walk from here.

Type
Lookouts
Where
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park in Sydney and surrounds
Accessibility
Easy
Entry fees
Park entry fees apply
Opening times

The gates to West Head are open from 6am to 8.30pm during daylight savings, and 6am to 6pm rest of the year.

What to
bring
Drinking water, binoculars, hat
Please note

West Head lookout is being upgraded in 2021/2022. Temporary fencing has been installed at West Head lookout due to safety concerns. Please do not enter the fenced area. Find out more about the community consultation and infrastructure upgrades for West Head lookout.

 

Prepare to be impressed – the views from West Head lookout are some of Sydney’s best. On your visit, you’ll be greeted with a real visual feast. From West Head lookout, you can see Broken Bay on your left, Pittwater on your right and Barrenjoey Headland and Lighthouse in front.

You can also enjoy amazing vistas across the Hawkesbury River to Lion Island Nature Reserve and the beaches of the Central Coast, including Patonga and Umina Beach.

The lookout itself is a large sandstone viewing area with a number of informative interpretive signs. Rest on one of the benches and absorb the sounds of the birds and waves below before heading to nearby Resolute picnic area for lunch or taking a walk on Aboriginal Heritage walk.

If you want to learn more, see this documentary on the history of West Head fortresses, or Jack 'Bluey' Mercer recall his time there during the fort constructions in 1942.

Take a virtual tour of West Head lookout captured with Google Street View Trekker.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Tours and events at this location

  • View from West Head lookout to Barrenjoey Headland. Photo: Nicole Ribera © DPIE

    Gun emplacements at West Head tour

    Learn about the historic significance of the gun emplacements at West Head on this challenging, 2 hour walk in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

Also see

  • Aboriginal heritage walk, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Photo: Andrew Richards/OEH

    Aboriginal Heritage walk

    Take the fascinating Aboriginal Heritage walk highlighting rock art and engravings of the Aboriginal people of West Head in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

  • NPWS rangers on West Head army track steps. Photo: Lee de Gail/NPWS

    West Head army track

    Follow in the footsteps of World War II soldiers as you climb down the challenging West Head army track to a historic army battery. From here, Sydney’s Broken Bay was protected from possible invasion.

 

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A family walk a boardwalk section of Bouddi coastal walk, Bouddi National Park. Photo: John Spencer/OEH.

 

Google Street View Trekker

Using Google Street View Trekker, we've captured imagery across a range of NSW national parks and attractions. Get a bird's eye view of these incredible landscapes before setting off on your own adventure.

Google Trekker at Cape Byron State Conservation Area. Photo: J Spencer/OEH.

General enquiries

Operated by

Park info

  • in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region

  • Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is open sunrise to sunset but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

    • The entrance to Bobbin Head and Appletree Bay is closed from 8pm to 6am during daylight savings periods, and from 5.30pm to 6am the rest of the year.
    • Gates to West Head are closed from 8.30pm to 6am during daylight savings periods, and from 6pm to 6am the rest of the year.

  • Park entry fees:

    $12 per vehicle per day. You can also pay for your visit via the Park’nPay app.

    Vehicles over 8 seats: $4.40 per adult, $2.20 per child (per day). Students on educational programs: $1.10 per student. Teachers/educational supervisors: free (1 adult per 10 students).

    Other fees:

    A $3 per adult, $2 per child landing fee may apply for day visitors to The Basin campground. Please pay at the campground wharf. Landing fees are included in your camping fees.

    Group bookings:

    Under the Plan of Management for this park, prior written approval is required for organised groups of 20 or more people planning to visit this park. Contact the park office before your visit.

    Buy annual pass
See more visitor info

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