Middle Head Gubbah-Gubbah to Georges Head walking track

Where

Sydney Harbour National Park in Sydney and surrounds

Accessibility

No wheelchair access

Distance

3km one-way

Time suggested

1 - 2hrs

Grade

Grade 2

Entry fees

Park entry fees apply

What to
bring

Drinking water, hat, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, suitable clothing

History buffs and kids alike will delight in this walk, exploring forts and learning about history. Middle Head – Gubbah Gubbah to Georges Head walking track seamlessly connects the 2 headlands. Parking is available at both ends, allowing you to choose your starting point. Keep in mind that it’s a 6km walk if you need to retrace your steps to where you started.

If you park at Middle Head, follow Govenors Road past the of 19th century cottages to the Inner Middle Head Fort. Here you’ll find 2 large gun emplacements sitting atop a tunnel network once used for shelter and ammunition storage.

Continue south to Outer Middle Head and explore the maze of gun emplacements, canons, ‘tiger cages’ and structures dating from the 1800s to 1960s built to protect Sydney from potential invasion. Discover what life was like for the people who trained and worked here. Gain new insights with historic photographs, interpretive signage, and online videos.

Stoll down the inner defensive ditch through wattle, coastal rosemary and bankias. As the bushland changes enjoy the shade of taller trees like eucalypts and blueberry ash. At times it even feels like you’re passing through rainforest. If you’re quiet you might see some of the park’s tiniest birds like the suburb fairy wren or a spotted pardalote.

As you alternate between nature, harbour and history, you'll pass the oldest fortification built on the headland, the long abandoned 1801 Fort. From the Obelisk Casemate you can see Nielsen Park directly across the harbour while standing on the roof of the gun emplacement.

Following the coastal track, you’ll pass Obelisk Beach where nude bathing is permitted. Continue past the Beehive and Armoured Casemates to the unmistakable Belvedere lookout, offering unrivalled views between North and South Head. The journey ends at the 3 story tower and gun emplacement at Georges Head. Learn about the men and women who served here and helped protect Sydney Harbour during World War 2 though one of the oldest collections of defence structures in Sydney.

Retrace your steps back to your vehicle or bus stop, or, if you’d like to venture further, continue down the hill to Chowder Bay and Clifton Gardens.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info