Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Middle Head hiking trail are found in each of the tabs below
Middle Head
Time:
1 Hr
1.2 km ENE of Balmoral
Length:
2 km
Sydney Harbour National Park
Climb:
104 m
Style:
Circuit
This walk leads you around the perimetre of Middle Head with its many forts, barracks and views over Sydney Harbour. The forts area is an excellent place to take time to explore, with many tunnels and gun pits scattered along the track.
Catch the bus to Int. Middle Head Rd and Chowder Bay Rd
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for upto date running time info And use these links to plan your Bus (and train) trip to the start of the walk.
(0 km) Int. Middle Head Rd and Chowder Bay Rd to Tallest Fort Track: Moderate - bushtrack, road, servicetrail
Distance = 0.9 km
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 24 m
Descent = -29 m
From the intersection of Chowder Bay and Middle Head Rd the track heads down through the car park to the far end where there are signs. The track heads along the fenceline passing the Sydney Harbour NP sign. The fencline is followed as it tends right, to a gate. From the intersection the track heads through the gate. Note that if the gate is closed you can walk around the right side fence which quickly ends. The track then follows the fenceline, on the left, to then continue up a small hill along the fencline and to a short stone wall. The track continues over the stone wall to the fork in the road. From the intersection the track heads up old Fort Rd passing a radio tower on the right and continuing on past a gate to the intersection opposite a sign in the clearing on the left. From the intersection the track heads along the overgrown service trail to the tallest of the forts. From here explore the fortifications.
Middle Head Forts
Alt = 37
The forts of Middle Head is a rabbit warren of concrete tunnels winding some 300m around the end of the headland. The fortifications and gun emplacements are varied in size and state with some closed to protect heritage and bats. Nearly all the forts overlook the harbour with views out past the heads and to sea. This is a great area for a little adventure with so tunnels to explore. For information on tours click the link. More info
(0.89 km) Tallest Fort to Disappearing Gun Pit South Track: Moderate - servicetrail, bushtrack
Distance = 0.3 km
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 9 m
Descent = -8 m
From the tallest fort the track heads away from the sea and the forts along an overgrown service track. The track comes to an intersection opposite a sign on the far side of the clearing. From the intersection the track heads away from the built up forts and across the clearing to a sign marked 'Inner Middle Head Forts'. The track follows the arrow of this sign for approximately 200m through the bush to a concrete fort on the right.
(1.22 km) Disappearing Gun Pit South to Disappearing Gun Pit North Track: Moderate - Bush Track
Distance = 0 km
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 2 m
Descent = -12 m
From the intersection the track winds right, north, away from the fort to quickly come to the intersection. From the intersection the track heads towards the concrete gun pit, approximately 120m away, nearer the sea.
(1.27 km) Disappearing Gun Pit North to Middle Head Oval NE Gate Track: Moderate - bushtrack, servicetrail, bushtrack
Distance = 0.5 km
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 44 m
Descent = -42 m
From the fort the track heads away from the fort for approximately 20m to the intersection. From the intersection the track heads south west along the bushtrack away from the concrete fort. The track slightly winds for approximately 120m to the intersection with Govenor Rd. From the intersection the track heads along the grass down the side of the old house. the track then turns left and down the hill with the fence line. The track then continues along the fenceline to turn right near the end of the house and down to the service trail. From the intersection the track heads up the hill to follow then follow the contour of the hill into a clearing. The track continues to the signs in the clearing. From the intersection the track heads along the line fo the cyclone fence, on the left for approximately 150m to the white picket fence of Middle Head Oval.
(1.8 km) Middle Head Oval NE Gate to Int. Middle Head Rd and Chowder Bay Rd Walk: Easy - undefined, bushtrack
Distance = 0.2 km
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 25 m
Descent = -12 m
From the gate the track heads across the oval to the far side, next to the baseball nets. From the gate the track heads to the road.
Catch the bus from Int. Middle Head Rd and Chowder Bay Rd
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for upto date running time info And use these links to plan your Bus (and train) trip home from the end of the walk.
One of Sydney's most diverse parks, Sydney Harbour National Park is formed from 11 pockets of harbour islands and shoreline. Highlights include coastal walks and swimming, breath-taking viewpoints, tours of colonial buildings and Aboriginal cave art.
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