The Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk is a popular hiking trail located on the Barrenjoey Headland, the northernmost point of Palm Beach in Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
Two walking tracks lead up to the historic Barrenjoey Lighthouse, perched atop the headland, where you’re rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views.
| Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 2.2 km (loop) |
| Time: | 1.5 hours |
| Grade: | Easy / moderate (steep sections) |
| Dogs: | Not allowed |
Getting There
While there are plenty of (paid) parking options in the Palm Beach area, finding a spot can be challenging, especially on busy weekends.
The main parking area is located at Governor Phillip Park, accessible via Beach Road. To get there, turn onto Barrenjoey Road from Pittwater Road and continue past the Palm Beach Golf Club (see map location).
Palm Beach doesn’t have a train station, but it’s well-served by buses. Keep in mind, though, that the journey by bus from the city can be quite long.
Bus route 199 travels to Palm Beach, with a convenient stop right in front of Governor Phillip Park.
Map
Start the trail at the northern end of the car park, walking onto the small and beautiful beach facing Pittwater.
The first part of the walk, from the car park along Station Beach, is nice and easy, and soon arrives at an intersection. That is where you have to choose between the Smugglers Track (1) and the Access Trail (2).
Track Notes
The walk up to Barrenjoey Lighthouse isn’t overly difficult, though there are some steep sections to tackle. The Smugglers Track (see below), in particular, can be quite challenging.
However, it’s a relatively short hike, and the views are among the best in the Greater Sydney area, making it well worth the effort.
Start of the Walk
At the northern end of the parking area, just past The Joey, you’ll spot a large sign pointing towards the beach on the Pittwater side.
This quiet beach, known as Station Beach, typically has calm waters and is divided into northern and southern sections.
From here, make your way to this narrow stretch of sand, walk approximately 200 metres north, and then turn right at the next sign.
Follow the trail for another 100 metres until you reach a junction. Here, you’ll need to choose between two tracks, both leading up to the lighthouse at the top of the headland:
- Smugglers Track
- Access Trail
We recommend doing one of these two trails to climb up and the other trail to walk back down to the beach, and make it a loop.
1. Smugglers Track
Despite being the shorter option, the Smugglers Track is the more challenging of the two walking trails.
This 400-metre-long trail (grade 3) is quite steep, leading straight up to the summit of the headland.
Depending on your fitness and energy levels, you might want to save this track for the return journey and use it as a descent.
The path winds through bushland and includes numerous steps, so be sure to bring water, as it can be particularly demanding on a warm day.
The Smugglers Track earned its name from customs officers who constructed this steep trail in the 19th century to monitor smugglers bringing contraband into Broken Bay.
2. Access Trail
The Access Trail (grade 2) is twice as long as the Smugglers Track but much easier, despite a few steep sections.
This trail follows a narrow road leading to the top of the hill, where you’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore and soak in the far-reaching views.
Be sure to wander around the lighthouse and take the extra stretch of walking track on the other side. It continues for a fair distance, offering even more stunning views to enjoy.
You might also come across the grave of George Mulhall, the first principal keeper of Barrenjoey Lighthouse. According to accounts, Mulhall was struck by lightning on the headland and passed away in June 1885 after a period of illness.
Barrenjoey Lighthouse
The Barrenjoey Lighthouse stands at the highest point of the Barrenjoey Headland, the northernmost tip of the Palm Beach Peninsula, which forms part of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
This heritage-listed sandstone lighthouse, perched 113 metres above sea level, was built in 1881 and has been an iconic Sydney landmark for decades.
From the Barrenjoey Lighthouse, you can enjoy beautiful views of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park (west), Broken Bay (north) and the coastline north of Sydney (east). During the months of May to November, you may even spot some whales migrating.
Looking across Pittwater to the west, you may catch a glimpse of the West Head Lookout, another stunning spot offering panoramic views of the area.
The headland’s name, ‘Barrenjuee’, was given by Arthur Phillip, the first Governor of New South Wales, in the late 18th century. It means ‘little kangaroo’ or ‘wallaby’ in the local Indigenous language. Over time, the name has seen various spellings, but in 1966, it was officially designated as Barrenjoey Headland.
In September 2013, a massive bushfire destroyed much of the bushland on the hill, but fortunately, the lighthouse remained unscathed.
Keen to spend one or more days in Palm Beach?
Read our comprehensive guide to the best things to do in the Palm Beach area for some great ideas for activities, sightseeing spots, and places to eat.
