Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for South Head Heritage Walk hiking trail are found in each of the tabs below
South Head Heritage Walk
Time
Distance
Climb
Style
1 Hr
1.9 km
120 m
Circuit
0.4 km NE of Watsons Bay
Sydney Harbour National Park
Track: Moderate
Focussing on historical significance of Sydney this walk is great for those wanting to find out about Sydney's settlement, maritime and military history. Alternately, this walk is great for those looking for a great picture of the harbour and out to sea. Be aware that you will see lots of people along this trail as this is a very very popular walk.
Bushwalking can be fun and interesting when you are well prepared. Please ensure you and your group are well prepared and equipped for all possible dangers. The authors, staff and owners of wildwalks take care in preparing these notes but do not accept responsibility for any inconvenience, loss or injury sustained when using these notes. Please take care and feel free to provide feedback through our website. Please note that side trips and alternate routes mentioned in these notes are not included in the tracks overall rating, distance or time estimate. The notes also only describe the side trip and alternate routes in one direction.
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Catch the bus to Corner of Old South Head Road and Derby St
(0 km) Corner of Old South Head Road and Derby St to The Gap Track: Moderate - footpath
Distance = 0.5 km
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 25 m
Descent = -57 m
From the corner of of Old South Head Rd and Derby St the track branches off the road and goes along the footpath next to the clifftop. This heads downhill past various historical monuments including memorabilia to the Dunbar Ship that sank on the rocks below and the large gun emplacements used for the protection of Sydney up to World War II. This continues down until opening out into a bus zone at the bottom. This is The Gap.
(0.51 km) The Gap to Gun Emplacements Track: Moderate - footpath
Distance = 0.3 km
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 25 m
Descent = -2 m
From the bus-zone at the Gap the track heads north the track following the footpath marked by the sign saying "Sydney Harbour National Park- Gap Bluff" up the hill until coming to an intersection with a small track off to the left, approximately a third of the way up the hill. From the intersection the track heads north-east up the hill following the cliff line until reaching the top of the headland where there are several gun emplacements and information on the historical significance of the area. Accompanying this there is also an intersection with a track heading off to the left (west)
(0.78 km) Gun Emplacements to Caretakers Cottage Intersection Track: Moderate - footpath
Distance = 0.5 km
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 13 m
Descent = -29 m
From the top of the headland the track loops around to the west and descends a set of steep concrete steps to a group of the heritage buildings, including the Artillery Cottage that now serves as the caretakers house. From the carpark of this group of buildings the track connects with the footpath using the small bushtrack to the east.
(1.27 km) Caretakers Cottage Intersection to Corner of Old South Head Road and Derby St Track: Moderate - footpath
Distance = 0.6 km
Time = 15 mins
Climb = 57 m
Descent = -34 m
From the intersection the track heads down the footpath until reaching the bus zone marked by the large signpost saying 'Sydney Harbour National Park- Gap Bluff' From the buszone at The Gap the track heads south up the hill along the footpath next to the cliff. This goes pas various historical monuments including historical monuments including memorabilia to the Dunbar Ship that sank on the rocks below and the large gun emplacements used for the protection of Sydney up to World War II. The track goe uphill until emerging onto Old South Head Rd.
Nearest know Outdoor Stores near the start of this 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.
Hiking near Sydney 
500 meters
