Henry Head walking track

La Perouse area in Kamay Botany Bay National Park

Open, check current alerts 

Overview

Enjoy spectacular coastal views from Henry Head walking track at La Perouse in Sydney. This easy walk offers several historic sites, beaches, whale watching, and great bird watching along the way.

Distance
4km return
Time suggested
45min - 1hr 15min
Grade
Grade 3
Opening times

If you're driving into the La Perouse area of Kamay Botany Bay National Park please note that gates are open:

  • 7am-8.30pm (November to March) 
  • 7am-7.30pm (April to October)
What to
bring
Hat, sunscreen
Please note
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go bird watching or whale watching.

Grab your backpack and follow Henry Head walking track as it curves along the clifftops and beaches of Kamay Botany Bay National Park. This 4km walk rewards you with dramatic views across Congwong beach, Botany Bay and the Pacific Ocean beyond as you make your way to Endeavour Lighthouse at Henry Head.

There two options for where this walk can be started:

  • La Perouse Museum at Cann Park on Anzac Parade, or
  • The carpark near the park entry gates on Anzac Parade, opposite Goorawahl Avenue.

Take a break to admire the views, and check out Henry Head’s historic World War II battlements – part of Sydney’s early coastal defence systems.

If all this isn’t enough to pique your interest, there’s always the bird watching. Kookaburras, lorikeets and yellow-tailed black cockatoos are just some of the species you might encounter as you stride along this walk. Reptiles such as skinks, blue-tongue lizards and water dragons are also common around here. 

Once you reach Henry Head you have the option of turning back to retrace your steps, or, continuing the walk a further 1.2km to explore Cruwee Cove and the headland at Cape Banks.

Take a virtual tour of Henry Head walking track, captured with Google Street View Trekker.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Map


Map


Map legend

Map legend

Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

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/walking-tracks/henry-head-walking-track/local-alerts

General enquiries

Park info

See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Henry Head walking track.

Track grading

Features of this track

Distance

4km return

Time

45min - 1hr 15min

Quality of markings

Clearly sign posted

Experience required

No experience required

Gradient

Short steep hills

Steps

Occasional steps

Quality of path

Formed track

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    Henry Head walking track is in the La Perouse precinct of Kamay Botany Bay National Park. To get there, follow Anzac Parade to La Perouse.

    There two options for where this walk can be started:

    •  the carpark near the park entry gates on Anzac Parade, opposite Goorawahl Avenue.

    Parking

    Free parking is available outside the park on Anzac Parade, La Perouse, or within the park at Cape Banks.

    Parking is also available around Cann Park, near La Perouse Museum on Anzac Parade.  

    Please note it can get very busy on the weekends and parking may be difficult.

    Facilities

    Food outlets and public toilets are located near La Perouse Museum at Cann Park, Anzac Parade.

    Drinking water

    Drinking water is limited or not available in this area, so it’s a good idea to bring your own.

    Maps and downloads

    Safety messages

    There are unfenced cliffs at this location. Don't walk close to cliff edges because the overhanging rocks may be very thin. Please stick to the marked walking tracks and supervise children closely.

    Beach safety

    Beaches in this park are not patrolled, and can sometimes have strong rips and currents. These beach safety tips will help you and your family stay safe in the water.

    Bushwalking safety

    If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

    Mobile safety

    Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

    Prohibited

    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.

    Visitor centre

    Learn more

    Henry Head walking track is in La Perouse area. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:

    Aboriginal culture

    Burrawang walk, Kamay Botany National Park. Photo: Andrew Richards

    At the time of the first encounters with Europeans, Aboriginal people of 2 different nations - the Goorawal People and the Gweagal People - were living in the area which now includes Kamay Botany Bay National Park. Over 30 Aboriginal sites have been recorded in the park, including rock art and engravings.

    • Blak Markets at Bare Island Visit Blak Markets at La Perouse, to discover the best of Aboriginal culture. There'll be traditional dance performances, arts and craft stalls, weaving and bush tucker.
    • Dharawal Resting Place track Walk the short track to Dharawal Resting Place to discover this important La Perouse Aboriginal site, that’s also steeped in Sydney’s colonial history.

    Sharing traditional knowledge

    Sunset at Congwong Beach swimming area in the La Perouse area of Kamay Botany Bay National Park. Photo: Stacy Wilson © DPE

    The Gamay Rangers have been appointed as ‘honorary rangers’ for Kamay Botany Bay National Park. Part of the Commonwealth Indigenous Ranger Program, which is designed to support Indigenous Australians to protect and conserve land and sea Country, the Gamay Rangers work alongside the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. The Gamay team share traditional knowledge and techniques, and are involved in the management of natural and cultural resources, protection of marine wildlife, and operation of the national parks on their cultural areas.

    • Blak Markets at Bare Island Visit Blak Markets at La Perouse, to discover the best of Aboriginal culture. There'll be traditional dance performances, arts and craft stalls, weaving and bush tucker.
    • Dharawal Resting Place track Walk the short track to Dharawal Resting Place to discover this important La Perouse Aboriginal site, that’s also steeped in Sydney’s colonial history.

    Historic heritage

    Bare Island Fort, Kamay Botany National Park. Photo: Andrew Richards

    Two of Australia's earliest European explorers landed in Botany Bay here—James Cook in 1770, and the Comte de Laperouse in 1788. Cook's botanists, Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander, first explored Australia's natural world here. After the reports of Cook and Banks, Botany Bay was recommended as a suitable site for settlement. But upon inspection by Captain Arthur Phillip it was found unsuitable as it had no secure fresh water or suitable anchorage. Sydney Cove was set up as the penal colony instead. You can also explore the fascinating history of Bare Island Fort on a guided tour, see World War II military remnants at Henry Head, or learn more at La Perouse Museum.

    • Bare Island and Cape Banks ultimate day tour Uncover the wealth of history along the shores of La Perouse, Kamay Botany Bay National Park. From a shipwreck to the Henry Head fortifications, there's plenty to delve into on this guided tour.
    • Bare Island Fort guided tour Join this guided tour to hear about the unpredictable history of Bare Island Fort at La Perouse. We'll cross a 130-year-old wooden bridge and enter a world of fine engineering and great deception.
    • Bound for Botany Bay In 1770, James Cook and his crew aboard the Endeavour were bound for Botany Bay. Their 8-day stay would have a dramatic impact on the future of Australia. This Stage 2 (Years 3-4) History excursion explores the first British landing on Australian soil.
    • Cape Banks walking track Cape Banks walking track is a beautiful coastal walk in La Perouse with views across Sydney’s Botany Bay. Start at Congwong Beach and take a swim along the way before passing Henry Head. Continue to Cape Banks, a fantastic spot for whale watching.
    • Dharawal Resting Place track Walk the short track to Dharawal Resting Place to discover this important La Perouse Aboriginal site, that’s also steeped in Sydney’s colonial history.
    • Junior ranger: Bound for Botany Bay Want to discover what life was like for a convict in Sydney? These school holidays, come to Bare Island at La Perouse, and find out more in this fun junior ranger event for kids aged 6 to 12 years.
    • La Perouse Museum Housed in a heritage building at La Perouse in Sydney's south, the La Perouse Museum documents the expedition of French explorer the Comte de Laperouse.
    • Stories of a different time at La Perouse Stories from a different time is a fascinating Stage 1 (Years 1-2) history excursion at La Perouse. Students will learn about the first contact between the Aboriginal people, traditional custodians of the land, and the new British arrivals.
    Show more

    Biodiversity

    Wildflowers in Kamay Botany Bay National Park. Photo: John Spencer

    Much of the park’s unspoilt flora give an idea of the plants that were present pre-1770. A conservation effort to protect and rehabilitate rare and threatened species and ecosystems is underway to preserve this heritage-listed Sydney park. Henry Head walking track leads through the rare eastern suburbs banksia scrub now listed as an endangered ecological species.

    • Cape Banks walking track Cape Banks walking track is a beautiful coastal walk in La Perouse with views across Sydney’s Botany Bay. Start at Congwong Beach and take a swim along the way before passing Henry Head. Continue to Cape Banks, a fantastic spot for whale watching.
    • Jennifer Street boardwalk Jennifer Street boardwalk is a short, wheelchair-accessible walking track in La Perouse. The smooth, boarded path is popular with all ages looking for an easy weekend walk in Sydney.

    Visitor experiences

    La Perouse Museum, Kamay Botany Bay National Park. Photo: Andrew Richards

    La Perouse offers a real escape just minutes from the city and close to cafes and public transport. Take a day trip to go bushwalking, whale watching or fishing. Learn more about the early European explorers, and Aboriginal stories, at the fascinating exhibits in La Perouse Museum tell. Enjoy a picnic, cafes and fish ’n’ çhips and watch the sun set over the bay. Keep an eye out for guided tours of Bare Island Fort.

    Plants and animals protected in this park

    Animals

    • White-bellied sea eagle. Photo: John Turbill

      White-bellied sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)

      White-bellied sea eagles can be easily identified by their white tail and dark grey wings. These raptors are often spotted cruising the coastal breezes throughout Australia, and make for some scenic bird watching. Powerful Australian birds of prey, they are known to mate for life, and return each year to the same nest to breed.

    Plants

    • Blueberry ash. Photo: Jaime Plaza

      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.

    • Flannel flowers in Wollemi National Park. Photo: © Rosie Nicolai

      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.

    • Old man banksia, Moreton National Park. Photo: John Yurasek

      Old man banksia (Banksia serrata)

      Hardy Australian native plants, old man banksias can be found along the coast, and in the dry sclerophyll forests and sandstone mountain ranges of NSW. With roughened bark and gnarled limbs, they produce a distinctive cylindrical yellow-green banksia flower which blossoms from summer to early autumn.

    • Smooth-barked apple. Photo: Jaime Plaza

      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 area

    School excursions (3)