Barrenjoey Lighthouse Track

This track is a short but rewarding bush walk at the northern tip of Palm Beach.

It climbs the Barrenjoey Headland to the historic Barrenjoey Lighthouse and is popular for its clear views over Pittwater, Broken Bay, the Central Coast and the South Pacific Ocean.

During winter and early spring, the headland is also a well-known spot for whale watching.

The walk includes some steep sections and can be completed as a loop, with options to explore side tracks leading to additional viewpoints along the headland.

From the lighthouse and surrounding lookouts, there are wide coastal panoramas across the Hawkesbury Estuary to Lion Island and Bouddi National Park, as well as views south along the coast towards Careel Head.

The track combines coastal scenery, local history and accessible bushland walking in a compact route.

Directions

• The track starts at the end of the car park (point A). From there, you can choose between a sandy bush track (solid green line on the map) or a beach walk (dotted green line) to reach point B.
• At point B, you have two options: the Smuggler Track or the Access Trail, a narrow paved road. The Smuggler Track is essentially a stairway to the top – shorter than the paved road but steeper.

• I took the Smuggler Track going up and the Access Road coming down.
• The headland marks Sydney's northernmost point. At 100 metres above sea level, its elevated position offers spectacular views from every angle.
• From the central viewing platform, look east toward Lion Island and across the calm waters of Broken Bay. The Central Coast stretches out to the north.
• Moving around the headland, you'll see the ocean extending south toward the Northern Beaches, with clear views of the isthmus separating the ocean from Pittwater and the Hawkesbury River estuary.
• Walking westward from the Lighthouse, you'll find stones marking the sites of the headland's first structures, along with the grave of George Mulhall, the first principal lighthouse keeper. Mulhall was reportedly struck by lightning on the headland and died shortly afterward.
• To return, you can either retrace your steps via the Smuggler Track or take the Access Trail heading east from the Lighthouse.

Walk Details

• Australian Walking Track Grading: Grade 2 (easy) - Smuggler Track: Grade 3 (many steps)
• Total length: Approx. 2.7 km
• Time: 30 min (ascent) + 25 min (descent)- leisurely pace, with photo stops
• Highest point: 100 m
• Steepest ascent: 56%
• Steepest descent: 49%