West Head Lookout
West Head Lookout
4.8
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Liisa and Dave B
Adelaide, Australia4,247 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
West Head Lookout, located within the beautiful Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park in New South Wales, offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the Sydney region. It's the perfect destination for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking a tranquil escape from the city.
From the lookout, you are treated to stunning vistas of Pittwater, Broken Bay, Barrenjoey Headland, and the expansive Tasman Sea. On clear days, the view stretches across to the Central Coast, providing a remarkable sense of the natural beauty surrounding Sydney. The contrast of green forests, sandy beaches, and blue waters makes for a picturesque scene that changes with the light and weather.
The lookout is easily accessible by car, with parking available close by. It’s also a popular spot for those who enjoy bushwalking, as several trails start from or pass through the area, including walks down to Resolute Beach and Great Mackerel Beach. The trails vary in difficulty, offering something for both casual walkers and more seasoned hikers.
The facilities at the lookout are minimal, so it’s a good idea to bring water and snacks if you plan on staying for an extended period. The area is well-maintained and has plenty of spots to sit and soak in the views, making it an ideal spot for a picnic.
In short, West Head Lookout is a must-visit for anyone exploring the northern beaches or Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled day in nature, this lookout is sure to impress. It’s a hidden gem that offers some of the most dramatic coastal views near Sydney, making it well New South Wales, offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the Sydney region. It's the perfect destination for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking a tranquil escape from the city.
From the lookout, you are treated to stunning vistas of Pittwater, Broken Bay, Barrenjoey Headland, and the expansive Tasman Sea. On clear days, the view stretches across to the Central Coast, providing a remarkable sense of the natural beauty surrounding Sydney. The contrast of green forests, sandy beaches, and blue waters makes for a picturesque scene that changes with the light and weather.
The lookout is easily accessible by car, with parking available close by. It’s also a popular spot for those who enjoy bushwalking, as several trails start from or pass through the area, including walks down to Resolute Beach and Great Mackerel Beach. The trails vary in difficulty, offering something for both casual walkers and more seasoned hikers.
The facilities at the lookout are minimal, so it’s a good idea to bring water and snacks if you plan on staying for an extended period. The area is well-maintained and has plenty of spots to sit and soak in the views, making it an ideal spot for a picnic.
From the lookout, you are treated to stunning vistas of Pittwater, Broken Bay, Barrenjoey Headland, and the expansive Tasman Sea. On clear days, the view stretches across to the Central Coast, providing a remarkable sense of the natural beauty surrounding Sydney. The contrast of green forests, sandy beaches, and blue waters makes for a picturesque scene that changes with the light and weather.
The lookout is easily accessible by car, with parking available close by. It’s also a popular spot for those who enjoy bushwalking, as several trails start from or pass through the area, including walks down to Resolute Beach and Great Mackerel Beach. The trails vary in difficulty, offering something for both casual walkers and more seasoned hikers.
The facilities at the lookout are minimal, so it’s a good idea to bring water and snacks if you plan on staying for an extended period. The area is well-maintained and has plenty of spots to sit and soak in the views, making it an ideal spot for a picnic.
In short, West Head Lookout is a must-visit for anyone exploring the northern beaches or Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled day in nature, this lookout is sure to impress. It’s a hidden gem that offers some of the most dramatic coastal views near Sydney, making it well New South Wales, offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the Sydney region. It's the perfect destination for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking a tranquil escape from the city.
From the lookout, you are treated to stunning vistas of Pittwater, Broken Bay, Barrenjoey Headland, and the expansive Tasman Sea. On clear days, the view stretches across to the Central Coast, providing a remarkable sense of the natural beauty surrounding Sydney. The contrast of green forests, sandy beaches, and blue waters makes for a picturesque scene that changes with the light and weather.
The lookout is easily accessible by car, with parking available close by. It’s also a popular spot for those who enjoy bushwalking, as several trails start from or pass through the area, including walks down to Resolute Beach and Great Mackerel Beach. The trails vary in difficulty, offering something for both casual walkers and more seasoned hikers.
The facilities at the lookout are minimal, so it’s a good idea to bring water and snacks if you plan on staying for an extended period. The area is well-maintained and has plenty of spots to sit and soak in the views, making it an ideal spot for a picnic.
Written September 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mairwen1
United Kingdom12,410 contributions
Jun 2020
This is a lookout point set deep inside the Ku-ring-gai National Park, rather than a bushwalk. Once inside the park, there are several bush walking trails that you can also do afterwards. The lookout has panoramic views, sweeping across Pittwater and taking in Lion Island, Barrenjoey Lighthouse and Palm Beach. Even if you’ve seen it before, it is always beautiful and strikes you every time as stunning.
It would be very difficult to access this park without a car. Public transport is not very easy and even if you caught a bus to the park’s entry, the lookout point is still a long way in. If you are driving, access to the lookout is easy. You can park very close to the lookout and there is a short paved path leading to the headland.
The viewing area is large with information boards and plenty of space for children to run around safely. There are also a few bench seats – we sat there and shared our morning tea while looking out across the expansive views.
There is a lot of wildlife to be spotted in the area. At the lookout, you’ll see the native bush turkeys running and flapping around (keep any food well away from them). Later, on the walking trails, we saw kookaburras, an echidna and the very shy lyre bird.
WHAT TO TAKE: You will need to take the usual things like water, sunscreen and a hat. In summer, ’d also recommend insect repellent. Take any drinks, food or snacks with you (you won’t be able to buy any there). If you are planning on doing a bush walk afterwards, wear decent walking shoes. The area around the lookout is paved so you can wear whatever you like here but the bush walks are mostly dirt trails and can be rough in parts.
COST: To enter the National Park, there is a $12 admission fee. It’s only per car (not per person) and parking inside the park is free. If you are planning on going to other NSW National Parks, then you might like to buy the annual pass instead and it would be worth checking this out before you pay for the day pass.
ASK FOR A MAP: When you drive through the main gates, make sure you ask for a free map, which will show you all of the walking trails, the picnic area and the toilet block. At the same time, check to see if any of the trails are closed. On the day we went the Basin Trail and Salvation Loop were both closed. They marked these on the map for us which was great because this turned out to be very helpful later in the day. The bush trails range from steep with some level of difficulty (Flint and Steel Beach), to reasonably flat and easy (Challenger) but the map gives you all of this sort of information and will help you to pick a suitable one.
It would be very difficult to access this park without a car. Public transport is not very easy and even if you caught a bus to the park’s entry, the lookout point is still a long way in. If you are driving, access to the lookout is easy. You can park very close to the lookout and there is a short paved path leading to the headland.
The viewing area is large with information boards and plenty of space for children to run around safely. There are also a few bench seats – we sat there and shared our morning tea while looking out across the expansive views.
There is a lot of wildlife to be spotted in the area. At the lookout, you’ll see the native bush turkeys running and flapping around (keep any food well away from them). Later, on the walking trails, we saw kookaburras, an echidna and the very shy lyre bird.
WHAT TO TAKE: You will need to take the usual things like water, sunscreen and a hat. In summer, ’d also recommend insect repellent. Take any drinks, food or snacks with you (you won’t be able to buy any there). If you are planning on doing a bush walk afterwards, wear decent walking shoes. The area around the lookout is paved so you can wear whatever you like here but the bush walks are mostly dirt trails and can be rough in parts.
COST: To enter the National Park, there is a $12 admission fee. It’s only per car (not per person) and parking inside the park is free. If you are planning on going to other NSW National Parks, then you might like to buy the annual pass instead and it would be worth checking this out before you pay for the day pass.
ASK FOR A MAP: When you drive through the main gates, make sure you ask for a free map, which will show you all of the walking trails, the picnic area and the toilet block. At the same time, check to see if any of the trails are closed. On the day we went the Basin Trail and Salvation Loop were both closed. They marked these on the map for us which was great because this turned out to be very helpful later in the day. The bush trails range from steep with some level of difficulty (Flint and Steel Beach), to reasonably flat and easy (Challenger) but the map gives you all of this sort of information and will help you to pick a suitable one.
Written July 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard C
St Clair, Australia154 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
Have been hear twice before, Resolute Beach and Aboriginal rock art....time for a new beach and swim. West Head Beach this time.
Love the bush walk down to West Head Beach, going down easy coming back a little more difficult so bring plenty of water and expect to stop and rest if not fit, stairs up really work the calves..
Park fees apply $12 for the day, get there fairly early if you want a car spot.
Love the bush walk down to West Head Beach, going down easy coming back a little more difficult so bring plenty of water and expect to stop and rest if not fit, stairs up really work the calves..
Park fees apply $12 for the day, get there fairly early if you want a car spot.
Written January 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Retento
Sydney, Australia36 contributions
Feb 2020
Fantastic views of Pittwater and Palm Beach, as well as Patonga on the Central Coast. Lots of great walks and hidden beaches. Very few people I know have visited this place, which is probably because it is on the very outskirts of the city and can take well over an hour to drive to if you live on the southern side of the bridge.
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pittwaterstamps
Newport, Australia10 contributions
Dec 2019
This little-visited lookout is well worth the effort. The view is stunning & the locals (i.e. resident goanna & brush turkeys) are friendly. The nearby tracks are steep & should only be undertaken by the able-bodied with plenty of time.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
karol452
Edmonton, Canada990 contributions
Jan 2020
I saw this view when it was quite smoky due to the fires. This is a good day trip to make out of the city. From where you park the car it is a short walk to the viewpiont. If you are energtic there are also trails that a person can walk on. When you look straight out then look to the right you will see Palm Beach. Yes the houses are very expensive there. There was lots of water activity on the water. There is a $12 admission to get into the park.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MosesPH
1,591 contributions
Jan 2022
I had long heard of West Head but had never ventured to see. A drive on a Saturday this year fixed that! You'll have to drive into the national park but its an easy drive and lovely bushland surrounds. Once you get to the look out, you won't be disappointed - a view of Palm Beach, the coastline and our beautiful Pacific Ocean. Even on a cloudy day you can appreciate the beauty of nature and Sydney. There are a few trails where you can do bush walks.
Written February 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Judith R
Sydney, Australia55 contributions
Sep 2019
As a Sydneysider I always take overseas visitors here because I think it’s the best view in Sydney. If you are visiting in September and October there will be a lot of wildflowers to look at too. If you have time take a walk around the area. There are some lovely specimens of Angophora trees. When they lose a layer of bark in spring their trunks are a lovely salmon pink colour which makes them stand out in the bush.
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lindadownunder
Perth, Australia2,940 contributions
Jun 2015 • Couples
West Head Lookout has one of the most amazing views in Sydney.
You have to pay the daily entrance fee of $11 but it is worth it for the magnificent views of the waterways. You have great views of Pittwater/ Palm Beach, Lion Island and the central coast beaches.
Take a jacket as it can be windy and make sure you have your camera as fantastic photo opportunities.
You have to pay the daily entrance fee of $11 but it is worth it for the magnificent views of the waterways. You have great views of Pittwater/ Palm Beach, Lion Island and the central coast beaches.
Take a jacket as it can be windy and make sure you have your camera as fantastic photo opportunities.
Written June 11, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janev_Australia
Sydney, Australia910 contributions
Dec 2012 • Friends
I discovered this amazing place when studying at Horticulture College, we went there for a field trip. It has the most incredible panoramic views of Broken Head and Palm Beach. I take overseas visitors there for a real Sydney"wow' experience - it is like being in heaven - the view, the quiet, the trees, the birds, the beauty. On the way in (it is a National Park, so there is an entrance fee) there are lots and lots of walking tracks. Venture 500 metres and see lots of beautiful Sydney flora wildflowers - another Sydney secret. Sydney has over 600 native wildflowers and they aren't growing in George Street!! Last visit, I took a work colleague -she had no idea such a place existed in Sydney and her jaw dropped. There was a wedding taking place - smart people!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Written July 29, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, My husband and I will be staying in SydneyCBD and want to take public transport to Ku-ring-gai Natl Park, Would you please tell us what bus or train numbers to ride and what stop to get off at. Is it best to see the Kalkari Discovery Centre ? What entrance station is best? Thanks so much...
Written October 15, 2015
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