West Head Lookout (Views, Beaches and Walks)

The West Head Lookout in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park offers stunning views and is surrounded by scenic walks and beaches, making it a great spot for a day out.

Widely regarded as one of the best lookouts in Sydney, the West Head Lookout is one of the most popular destinations in Ku-ring-gai Chase NP.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about West Head, including nearby beaches and walking trails.

West Head Lookout
Where: Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Parking: Car park close to lookout
Road quality: Sealed roads
Wheel-friendly: No
Dog-friendly: No

Getting There

West Head Lookout is located at the end of West Head Road in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, with access via McCarrs Creek Road.

Parking is available at the lookout and at the nearby Resolute Picnic Area. From the picnic area, you can walk to the lookout via the Red Hands Track (more on that below).

Entry to the national park costs $12, payable at the booth on West Head Road or at one of the pay machines at the lookout.

The best time to visit? Any time of year, but a sunny day will give you the best experience and views. Arriving early is also a good idea to avoid the crowds.

Map

The map below shows the two car parks:

  • P1: West Head Lookout car park
  • P2: Resolute Picnic Area car park

Map of West Head Lookout with parking options

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About the West Head Lookout

Once you’ve parked your car, it’s time to start exploring this beautiful area.

But West Head is not just a beautiful lookout point; it also has a rich history.

Military History

The northeastern tip of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park was an ideal location for the army to defend Sydney from a potential invasion via Broken Bay.

Views of Lion Island
Views of Lion Island

During World War II, West Head was home to the West Head Battery, which included two large guns, an observation post, and two searchlight posts.

The guns were positioned at the base of the headland, while the administrative area, complete with large sleeping quarters. was located at the top. An inclined railway was built to transport supplies between the two locations.

West Head Lookout
West Head Lookout

At the time, West Head operated as a full-scale military site; an impressive feat given how difficult it was to access, let alone construct such a crucial defence post.

Recreational Site

West Head Lookout was established in the 1960s, featuring a large sandstone viewing area and several information boards.

Walking path to the lookout
Walking path to the lookout

A short walking path from the car park leads to the lookout, with benches thoughtfully placed throughout the area.

The views are so stunning that you could easily spend hours sitting on one of the benches, simply taking in the scenery.

Beautiful ocean views
Beautiful ocean views

Today, West Head is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular lookouts in Sydney and New South Wales.

Read our guide on walks in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park for hiking ideas in this beautiful part of Greater Sydney.

Walks and Beaches Nearby

No visit to West Head Lookout is complete without exploring at least one of the nearby bushwalks. Some of these trails lead to stunning beaches, including West Head Beach, Resolute Beach, and Great Mackerel Beach.

Here are five great walks near West Head Lookout:

  1. Red Hands Track
  2. West Head Army Track
  3. West Head Beach Walk
  4. Resolute Beach Loop Trail
  5. Great Mackerel Beach Walk

1. Red Hands Track

Red Hands Track
Red Hands Track

The Red Hands Track is an easy bushwalk connecting the Resolute Picnic Area to West Head Lookout.

It gets its name from a large rock overhang along the trail, which was once used as a shelter by Aboriginal people.

If you look closely, you might spot Aboriginal artwork in the shape of two hands inside the cave.

Map of the Red Hands Track

Red Hands Track
Distance: 1 km (one way)
Duration: 0.5 hours
Grade: Easy (sections with rough surface)

2. West Head Army Track

West Head Army Track
West Head Army Track

Officially opened on 14 May 2016, the West Head Army Track offers a glimpse into what it was like to defend the country against a potential invasion during World War II.

Though short, the track is quite challenging and is rated Grade 4. One section is so steep that a ladder structure was installed to assist with the descent to the old West Head army battery.

Once there, you can explore the site up close and see the gun emplacements and battery observation posts.

Map of the West Head Army Track

West Head Army Track
Distance: 1 km (return)
Duration: 1 hour
Grade: Moderate / hard (steep)

3. West Head Beach Walk

West Head Beach
West Head Beach

If you’re looking for a beautifully secluded beach, the walk to West Head Beach is well worth it. The trail is short but includes a steep staircase leading down to the sand.

West Head Beach is a small strip of sand facing Barrenjoey Headland on the other side of Pittwater. With stunning views and crystal-clear water, it feels like a hidden paradise.

Map of the West Head Beach Walk

West Head Beach Walk
Distance: 1 km (return)
Duration: 1 hour
Grade: Easy / moderate (some steep sections)

4. Resolute Beach Loop Trail

Resolute Beach
Resolute Beach

From West Head Beach, the trail continues to Resolute Beach, another secluded stretch of sand with stunning views.

From here, you have a few options. You can retrace your steps to West Head Lookout, continue hiking to Great Mackerel Beach, or complete the Resolute Beach Loop Trail back to the Resolute Picnic Area.

To follow the loop trail, look for the walking track that ascends the hill not far from the beach. This path connects with a fire trail leading back to the picnic area.

Map of the Resolute Beach Loop Trail

Resolute Beach Loop Trail
Distance: 6 km (circuit)
Duration: 3 hours
Grade: Moderate / hard (some steep sections)

5. Great Mackerel Beach Walk

Great Mackerel Beach
Great Mackerel Beach

From Resolute Beach, you can continue another 600 metres south to a third beach; Great Mackerel Beach.

The beach shares its name with the small suburb nestled just behind it. The area has a wharf, with ferries running between Great Mackerel Beach and Palm Beach.

Once you’ve finished exploring this charming coastal spot, you can retrace your steps to either West Head Lookout or the Resolute Picnic Area.

Map of the Great Mackerel Beach Walk

Great Mackerel Beach Walk
Distance: 3.2 km (return)
Duration: 2 hours
Grade: Moderate / hard (some steep sections)
 

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Author:

AJ Mens

AJ Mens is a digital publisher based in Sydney, Australia, and the editor-in-chief of Sydney Uncovered and Blue Mountains Uncovered.

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