South Head Heritage trail is a 1km, grade 3 hike located in the Sydney Harbour National Park, New South Wales. The hike should take around 45 mins to complete.
Hike overview
The short South Head Heritage trail offers something for everyone: incredible beach and harbour views, a glimpse into history and excellent whale watching opportunities.
Starting at Camp Cove in Watsons Bay, this short walk takes you on a stroll along an 1870s cobblestone road past Lady Bay Beach, before reaching historic Hornby Lighthouse with its distinctive red and white stripes. Take some time to explore the gun emplacements and keep your eyes open if you're there during whale watching season.
The spectacular views of Sydney are sure to astound you, with Sydney Harbour to the west, Middle Head and North Head to the north, and the expansive Pacific Ocean to the east; and leave you wanting to explore more of Sydney Harbour National Park.
Take a virtual tour of South Head Heritage trail captured with Google Street View Trekker.
Route and GPX file
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Trail location
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Getting there
To Camp Cove carpark. South Head Heritage trail is in the South Head precinct of Sydney Harbour National Park. To get there:Drive along New South Head Road past Vaucluse to the endTurn right into Robertson Road, then left into Military Road, which becomes Cliff Road.Turn left onto Short Street then right into Cove Street and right onto Victoria StreetContinue to the end and leave the car at Camp Cove carparkThe walk begins near Camp Cove Kiosk.Alternatively, the Eastern Suburbs Ferry from Circular Quay, as well as buses 324, 325 and 380, stop a short walk from Camp Cove. Check out the Transport Info website for more information. Park entry points Camp Cove carpark See on map Parking Parking is available at Camp Cove carpark, including several designated disabled spots.
Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.
The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.
Gallery
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About the region
Sydney Harbour National Park protects islands and foreshore around Sydney Harbour. Explore Sydney's history on a school excursion or guided tour to enjoy coastal walks, picnics and swimming. Sydney Harbour National Park protects a number of islands and foreshore areas around one of the world's most famous harbours. The park is home to superb swimming spots, bushwalking tracks and picnic areas, which offer a huge range of activities that will have you coming back again and again.
See native wildlife living in rare pockets of bushland once common around Sydney, or take a fascinating walk to explore the park's cultural history. You'll see everything from convict-built buildings and military fortifications to Aboriginal sites and a heritage lighthouse. And with the harbour's staggering coastline creating an endless natural lookout, the park's jaw-dropping views simply have to be seen to be believed. If you're at one of the park's lookouts during winter, be sure to keep a lookout for whales on their annual migration north.
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Gear to consider

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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.