Henry Head walking track at La Perouse offers some of the most accessible coastal scenery in southern Sydney. Set within Kamay Botany Bay National Park, this 4 kilometre, grade 3 walk takes around 1.5 hours and combines sweeping ocean views with pockets of history, sheltered beaches and abundant wildlife. It is an easy option when you want a satisfying coastal hike without committing to a full day on the trail.
The track follows the clifftops and sandy edges of Botany Bay, gradually drawing you towards Henry Head and the historic Endeavour Lighthouse. Along the way, you will look down over Congwong Beach, watch boats move across the bay and, on a clear day, see the Pacific stretching out beyond the headlands. The path is well formed but still feels close to the landscape, weaving through low coastal heath and open sections where the sea breeze rolls in off the water.
You can start the walk from two main locations. One option is near the La Perouse Museum at Cann Park on Anzac Parade. The other is the carpark near the park entry gates on Anzac Parade, opposite Goorawahl Avenue. Both provide straightforward access to the same coastal track, so your choice may simply depend on where you find parking.
As you approach Henry Head, the remains of World War II battlements come into view. These concrete structures were part of Sydney’s early coastal defence system and add an unexpected layer of depth to the landscape. It is worth slowing down here to take in both the views and the history, imagining the strategic importance this headland once held.
Wildlife is another highlight. Kookaburras and rainbow lorikeets are often heard before they are seen, and yellow tailed black cockatoos occasionally sweep overhead. Reptiles are common in the warmer months, with skinks darting across the track and blue tongue lizards and water dragons basking in the sun near sheltered areas. Keep your eyes open and move quietly if you want a closer look.
When you reach Henry Head, you can simply turn around and retrace your steps for the return journey. If you still have energy and time, continue for another 1.2 kilometres to explore Cruwee Cove and the headland at Cape Banks. This extension adds more rugged coastline and a stronger sense of remoteness, making an already enjoyable walk feel just that little bit more complete.
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Total distance: 4105 m
Max elevation: 49 m
Min elevation: 16 m
Total climbing: 111 m
Total descent: -111 m
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Variation from La Perouse (4km)
Total distance: 3989 m
Max elevation: 49 m
Min elevation: 5 m
Total climbing: 107 m
Total descent: -107 m
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Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting to the trailhead: Kamay Botany Bay National Park.
The Henry Head walking track is located in the La Perouse precinct of Kamay Botany Bay National Park. To reach the trailhead, follow Anzac Parade to La Perouse.
There are two main starting points for this walk. You can begin near the La Perouse Museum at Cann Park on Anzac Parade, or from the carpark near the park entry gates on Anzac Parade, opposite Goorawahl Avenue.
Free parking is available outside the park along Anzac Parade at La Perouse. Limited parking is also available within the park near Cape Banks. Additional parking can be found around Cann Park, close to the La Perouse Museum.
Be aware that this area is very popular on weekends and during holidays, and parking can be difficult to secure.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Banksmeadow, Botany, Caringbah, Cronulla, Kensington, Kurnell, La Perouse, Little Bay, Maroubra, Mascot, Matraville, Miranda, Ramsgate, Sylvania, Woolooware
Kamay Botany Bay National Park is located at La Perouse and Kurnell in Sydney. Discover its rich Aboriginal culture, explore Captain Cook's Landing Place, spot native plants on a bushwalk or whales at Cape Solander.
Filled with significant sites, coastal landscapes and heritage-listed attractions, Kamay Botany Bay National Park is an easy day out in Sydney's south. Separated by the marine-rich waters of historic Botany Bay, the park's northern and southern headlands feature a unique combination of natural and cultural heritage.
Explore the southern area around Kurnell where in 1770, local Aboriginal people encountered the crew of the Endeavour. The northern area at La Perouse is just as fascinating, where French explorer Comte de Laperouse was last sighted in 1788.
This park is also blessed with several sheltered coves and beaches, if you like swimming in salt water without fighting the surf. Its diverse waters offer plenty of beautiful snorkelling and scuba diving spots suitable for all levels of experience. You'll find rocky reefs at the entrance of Botany Bay, and underwater sea grass meadows inside the bay itself.
Looking for more walks in or near Kamay Botany Bay National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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