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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Today, West Head is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular lookouts in Sydney and New South Wales.
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:
- Red Hands Track
- West Head Army Track
- West Head Beach Walk
- Resolute Beach Loop Trail
- Great Mackerel Beach Walk
1. 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.
| Red Hands Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 1 km (one way) |
| Duration: | 0.5 hours |
| Grade: | Easy (sections with rough surface) |
2. 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.
| West Head Army Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 1 km (return) |
| Duration: | 1 hour |
| Grade: | Moderate / hard (steep) |
3. West Head Beach Walk
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.
| West Head Beach Walk | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 1 km (return) |
| Duration: | 1 hour |
| Grade: | Easy / moderate (some steep sections) |
4. Resolute Beach Loop Trail
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.
| Resolute Beach Loop Trail | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 6 km (circuit) |
| Duration: | 3 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate / hard (some steep sections) |
5. Great Mackerel Beach Walk
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.
| Great Mackerel Beach Walk | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 3.2 km (return) |
| Duration: | 2 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate / hard (some steep sections) |
