Norah Head Rockpool

And Walk

Norah Head Rockpool

(0km) Boat ramp → Rock Pool

80 m
2 mins
4m
-2m

Easy track

From the boat ramp at the bottom of Bald St, Norah Head, this walk follows the concrete footpath towards the rock pool, keeping the ocean to the left. After a short distance, the walk goes down the concrete ramp and continues along the beach a little to the steps at the bottom of the Bush St Rock Pool Path, just below the toilet block.

Norah Head Rock Pool

This tidal ocean pool is in Cabbage Tree Harbour at Norah Head. It is a beautiful, sheltered place to swim or to relax on the sand. There are public toilets nearby. More info.

Maps for the Norah Head Rockpool walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Toukley	1:25 000 Map Series	92313N TOUKLEY	NSW-92313N
Lake Macquarie	1:100 000 Map Series	9231 LAKE MACQUARIE	9231

Cross sectional view of the Norah Head Rockpool bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Norah Head Rockpool

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	150 m
		Time	15 mins
		.
Grade 2/6 Easy track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
		Quality of track	Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
		Signs	Clearly signposted (1/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

This whole walk, 75m has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

This whole walk, 75m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

This whole walk, 75m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 75m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 75m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 75m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Norah Head Rockpool walk starts and ends at the Boat ramp (gps: -33.279197, 151.56865)
Your transport options to Boat ramp are by;
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-norahheadlightr-nhr
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

This walk starts in the Hunter weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-norahheadlightr-nhr

Norah Head Lighthouse walk

And Walk

Norah Head Lighthouse walk

Download & Print Map and Notes

(0km) Lighthouse car park → Merchant Mariners memorial lookout

90 m
2 mins
0m
-7m

Very easy

From the end of the car park, this walk crosses the car park, tending to the left, then crosses Bush St to the Merchant Mariners memorial and lookout. There are numerous plaques in the footpath and set in rocks at the memorial, providing information about merchant ships and lives lost during times of war.

Merchant Mariners memorial and lookout

This memorial and lookout point commemorates the loss of lives in the merchant navy, during times of war, primarily WWII [1]. There are several plaques with details of the ships and number of lives lost. The stunning views from the lookout take in the nearby Norah Head lighthouse and much of the coastline to the south.

(0.09km) Merchant Mariners memorial lookout → Cottage car park

120 m
3 mins
4m
-11m

Very easy

Turn sharp left: From the lookout, this walk follows the footpath towards the lighthouse, passing an information board, to the right, and keeping the driveway to the left. The walk soon arrives at the corner of the lighthouse cottage yard, beside the car park.

Lighthouse cottages and weddings

The cottages at the Norah Head Lighthouse can be booked as accommodation (ph: 1300 132 975) and the Lighthouse grounds can be booked for weddings (ph: (02) 4396 4102). More info.

(0.2km) Cottage car park → Lighthouse

100 m
2 mins
6m
-5m

Very easy

Continue straight: From the corner of the cottage yard, this walk follows the footpath past the lighthouse cottages, to the left, to the gate beside the lighthouse.

Norah Head Lighthouse

The lighthouse was established in 1903 and was converted from a kerosene burner to mains electricity power in 1961. Tours of the lighthouse are available on weekends [5], every half hour between 10am and 1:30pm [6]. More info.

(0.3km) Lighthouse → Lighthouse Point lookout

80 m
1 mins
1m
-4m

Very easy

Continue straight: From the gate beside the lighthouse, this walk follows the footpath, gently down the hill, towards the ocean. The walk soon reaches a viewing point at the top of the beach access steps.

Norah Head Lighthouse Point lookout

This lookout, on the point of Norah Head, near the lighthouse, has amazing views in all directions, up and down the coastline, across the rockshelves and beaches below, and of the lighthouse itself.

Maps for the Norah Head Lighthouse walk walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Toukley	1:25 000 Map Series	92313N TOUKLEY	NSW-92313N
Lake Macquarie	1:100 000 Map Series	9231 LAKE MACQUARIE	9231

Cross sectional view of the Norah Head Lighthouse walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Norah Head Lighthouse walk

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	762 m
		Time	30 mins
		.
Grade 1/6 Very easy	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Flat, no steps (1/6)
		Quality of track	Smooth and hardened path (1/6)
		Signs	Clearly signposted (1/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

This whole walk, 380m is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

This whole walk, 380m follows a smooth and hardened path.

Signs

This whole walk, 380m is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 380m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 380m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 380m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Norah Head Lighthouse walk walk starts and ends at the Lighthouse car park (gps: -33.28214, 151.57357)
Your transport options to Lighthouse car park are by;
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-norahheadlightr-nhlw
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

This walk starts in the Hunter weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-norahheadlightr-nhlw

Norah Head Lighthouse and Rockshelf walk

And Walk

Norah Head Lighthouse and Rockshelf walk

Download & Print Map and Notes

(0km) Lighthouse car park → Merchant Mariners memorial lookout

90 m
2 mins
0m
-7m

Very easy

Merchant Mariners memorial and lookout

(0.09km) Merchant Mariners memorial lookout → Cottage car park

120 m
3 mins
4m
-11m

Very easy

Lighthouse cottages and weddings

The cottages at the Norah Head Lighthouse can be booked as accommodation (ph: 1300 132 975) and the Lighthouse grounds can be booked for weddings (ph: (02) 4396 4102). More info.

(0.2km) Cottage car park → Lighthouse

100 m
2 mins
6m
-5m

Very easy

Continue straight: From the corner of the cottage yard, this walk follows the footpath past the lighthouse cottages, to the left, to the gate beside the lighthouse.

Norah Head Lighthouse

(0.3km) Lighthouse → Lighthouse Point lookout

80 m
1 mins
1m
-4m

Very easy

Norah Head Lighthouse Point lookout

This lookout, on the point of Norah Head, near the lighthouse, has amazing views in all directions, up and down the coastline, across the rockshelves and beaches below, and of the lighthouse itself.

(0.38km) Lighthouse Point lookout → Bottom of Norah Head steps

40 m
1 mins
1m
-2m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the top of the steps, this walk goes down the timber steps to the beach at the bottom.

(0.43km) Bottom of Norah Head steps → Southern end of Lighthouse Beach

360 m
6 mins
7m
-8m

Hard track

Veer left: From the bottom of the steps, this walk crosses the end of the sandy beach and explores the extensive rock platform before heading north around the headland, keeping the ocean to the right. Soon after going around the headland, the walk reaches the southern end of Lighthouse Beach[7].

Norah Head rockshelf

This rockshelf is at the tip of Norah Head, below the lighthouse. The general scenery in the area is beautiful and the rockshelves have a lot of interesting shapes and textures, making the area interesting to explore. The rockshelf can be reached from the nearby beaches or via steps from the lighthouse.

Maps for the Norah Head Lighthouse and Rockshelf walk walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Toukley	1:25 000 Map Series	92313N TOUKLEY	NSW-92313N
Lake Macquarie	1:100 000 Map Series	9231 LAKE MACQUARIE	9231

Cross sectional view of the Norah Head Lighthouse and Rockshelf walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Norah Head Lighthouse and Rockshelf walk

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	1.6 km
		Time	45 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
		Signs	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

380m of this walk is flat with no steps and another 360m has gentle hills with occasional steps. The remaining (45m) has short steep hills.

Quality of track

380m of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path and another 360m follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely. The remaining (45m) follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

380m of this walk is clearly signposted and another 360m has minimal directional signs. The remaining (45m) has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 400m of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 380m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 430m of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 360m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

Around 430m of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 360m has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Norah Head Lighthouse and Rockshelf walk walk starts and ends at the Lighthouse car park (gps: -33.28214, 151.57357)
Your transport options to Lighthouse car park are by;
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-norahheadlightr-nhlarw
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

This walk starts in the Hunter weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-norahheadlightr-nhlarw

Norah Head Nature Trail

And Walk

Norah Head Nature Trail

Download & Print Map and Notes

(0km) Bush St Reserve car park → Headland Nature Trail trackhead

90 m
2 mins
2m
-1m

Easy track

From the car park at the Bush St Reserve, Norah Head (near the intersection with Young St), this walk goes past the toilet block and across the park to the information board and trackhead at the back corner of the park.

Bush St reserve

This picnic area is in Bush St, Norah Head, near the intersection with Young St. The reserve has parking, toilets, picnic tables and garbage bins. There are fantastic views along the coastline. The Headland Nature Trail starts here, and it also a short walk to the beach and ocean rockpool.

(0.09km) Headland Nature Trail trackhead → Int near headland lookout

160 m
3 mins
1m
-5m

Moderate track

Veer right: From the trackhead at the back of Bush St Reserve, this walk goes through the timber barricade, passing the ‘Headland Nature Trail’ sign and following the bush track. The track winds through the beautiful area of bush for a while before reaching an intersection with another bush track, close to a fenced lookout platform.

(0.25km) Int near headland lookout → Headland lookout

20 m
0m
-1m

Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk goes a very short distance along the bush track to the fenced lookout platform.

Headland lookout

This unnamed lookout is on the Headland Nature Trail at Norah Head and has excellent views along the coastline and out to sea. The lookout is on a small, fenced, wooden platform.

(0.27km) Headland lookout → Lighthouse car park

380 m
7 mins
12m
-2m

Moderate track

Turn around: From the lookout platform, this walk goes a very short distance along the bush track to a ‘Y’ intersection.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track, taking the left fork, directly away from the nearby lookout platform. After a short distance, the track follows a ‘Nature Trail’ arrow to the left, ignoring a track to the right, and continues meandering through the bush. The track passes over a small timber bridge and bends to the right, continuing through the bush for some time and arriving at the end of the lighthouse car park.

(0.65km) Lighthouse car park → Merchant Mariners memorial lookout

90 m
2 mins
0m
-7m

Very easy

Continue straight: From the end of the car park, this walk crosses the car park, tending to the left, then crosses Bush St to the Merchant Mariners memorial and lookout. There are numerous plaques in the footpath and set in rocks at the memorial, providing information about merchant ships and lives lost during times of war.

Merchant Mariners memorial and lookout

(0.74km) Merchant Mariners memorial lookout → Cottage car park

120 m
3 mins
4m
-11m

Very easy

Lighthouse cottages and weddings

The cottages at the Norah Head Lighthouse can be booked as accommodation (ph: 1300 132 975) and the Lighthouse grounds can be booked for weddings (ph: (02) 4396 4102). More info.

(0.85km) Cottage car park → Lighthouse

100 m
2 mins
6m
-5m

Very easy

Continue straight: From the corner of the cottage yard, this walk follows the footpath past the lighthouse cottages, to the left, to the gate beside the lighthouse.

Norah Head Lighthouse

(0.95km) Lighthouse → Lighthouse Point lookout

80 m
1 mins
1m
-4m

Very easy

Norah Head Lighthouse Point lookout

This lookout, on the point of Norah Head, near the lighthouse, has amazing views in all directions, up and down the coastline, across the rockshelves and beaches below, and of the lighthouse itself.

(1.03km) Lighthouse Point lookout → Bottom of Norah Head steps

40 m
1 mins
1m
-2m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the top of the steps, this walk goes down the timber steps to the beach at the bottom.

Maps for the Norah Head Nature Trail walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Toukley	1:25 000 Map Series	92313N TOUKLEY	NSW-92313N
Lake Macquarie	1:100 000 Map Series	9231 LAKE MACQUARIE	9231

Cross sectional view of the Norah Head Nature Trail bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Norah Head Nature Trail

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	2.2 km
		Time	1 Hr
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

490m of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 380m is flat with no steps. The remaining (200m) has short steep hills.

Quality of track

600m of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 380m follows a smooth and hardened path. The remaining (95m) follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 630m of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 450m has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 1km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 45m requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 1.1km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 1.1km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Norah Head Nature Trail walk starts and ends at the Bush St Reserve car park (gps: -33.28044, 151.56945)
Your transport options to Bush St Reserve car park are by;
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-norahheadlightr-nhnt
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

This walk starts in the Hunter weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-norahheadlightr-nhnt

Norah Head Lighthouse Loop

And Walk

Norah Head Lighthouse Loop

Download & Print Map and Notes

(0km) Bush St Reserve car park → Headland Nature Trail trackhead

90 m
2 mins
2m
-1m

Easy track

Bush St reserve

(0.09km) Headland Nature Trail trackhead → Int near headland lookout

160 m
3 mins
1m
-5m

Moderate track

(0.25km) Int near headland lookout → Headland lookout

20 m
0m
-1m

Moderate track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk goes a very short distance along the bush track to the fenced lookout platform.

Headland lookout

This unnamed lookout is on the Headland Nature Trail at Norah Head and has excellent views along the coastline and out to sea. The lookout is on a small, fenced, wooden platform.

(0.27km) Headland lookout → Lighthouse car park

380 m
7 mins
12m
-2m

Moderate track

(0.65km) Lighthouse car park → Merchant Mariners memorial lookout

90 m
2 mins
0m
-7m

Very easy

Merchant Mariners memorial and lookout

(0.74km) Merchant Mariners memorial lookout → Cottage car park

120 m
3 mins
4m
-11m

Very easy

Lighthouse cottages and weddings

The cottages at the Norah Head Lighthouse can be booked as accommodation (ph: 1300 132 975) and the Lighthouse grounds can be booked for weddings (ph: (02) 4396 4102). More info.

(0.85km) Cottage car park → Lighthouse

100 m
2 mins
6m
-5m

Very easy

Continue straight: From the corner of the cottage yard, this walk follows the footpath past the lighthouse cottages, to the left, to the gate beside the lighthouse.

Norah Head Lighthouse

(0.95km) Lighthouse → Lighthouse Point lookout

80 m
1 mins
1m
-4m

Very easy

Norah Head Lighthouse Point lookout

This lookout, on the point of Norah Head, near the lighthouse, has amazing views in all directions, up and down the coastline, across the rockshelves and beaches below, and of the lighthouse itself.

(1.03km) Lighthouse Point lookout → Bottom of Norah Head steps

40 m
1 mins
1m
-2m

Moderate track

Turn right: From the top of the steps, this walk goes down the timber steps to the beach at the bottom.

(1.08km) Bottom of Norah Head steps → Southern end of Lighthouse Beach

360 m
6 mins
7m
-8m

Hard track

Norah Head rockshelf

(1.43km) Southern end of Lighthouse Beach → Rock Pool

750 m
14 mins
16m
-15m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the southern end of Lighthouse Beach[8], this walk follows the beach north, keeping the ocean to the right, until reaching the rock platforms at the north end of the beach.
Continue straight: From the northern end of Lighthouse Beach[9], this walk goes north across the rock shelf, keeping the ocean to the right. The walk then goes up the steps and along the concrete footpath with the metal handrail, around the headland and past the ocean pool, to the right, before arriving at the bottom of the concrete steps, just below the toilet block.

Norah Head Rock Pool

This tidal ocean pool is in Cabbage Tree Harbour at Norah Head. It is a beautiful, sheltered place to swim or to relax on the sand. There are public toilets nearby. More info.

(2.18km) Rock Pool → Int of Rock Pool Path and Bush St reserve path

90 m
2 mins
11m
0m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the bottom of the steps, this walk goes up the concrete steps and footpath, away from the ocean pool, passing the toilet block, to the left. The walk continues up the footpath, with houses to the right, until an intersection with a sandy path, to the left, signposted ‘Cabbage Tree Harbour Rock Pool path, Bush St’[10].

(2.27km) Int of Rock Pool Path and Bush St reserve path → Bush St Reserve car park

180 m
4 mins
5m
-3m

Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the sandy track away from the houses and the concrete footpath. The walk bends to the left and soon reaches an open grassy area. Here, the walk bends to the right and continues across the grassy area, keeping the car park to the right, and passing some picnic tables, until reaching the information board and trackhead at the back of the park.
Turn right: From the information board and trackhead, this walk goes across the park, past the toilet block, to the car park of the Bush St Reserve, Norah Head (near the intersection with Young St).

Maps for the Norah Head Lighthouse Loop walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Toukley	1:25 000 Map Series	92313N TOUKLEY	NSW-92313N
Lake Macquarie	1:100 000 Map Series	9231 LAKE MACQUARIE	9231

Cross sectional view of the Norah Head Lighthouse Loop bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Norah Head Lighthouse Loop

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	2.5 km
		Time	1 Hr
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
		Signs	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

1.8km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 380m is flat with no steps. The remaining (290m) has short steep hills.

Quality of track

1.1km of this walk follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and another 600m follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. Whilst another 380m follows a smooth and hardened path and the remaining 370m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

1.1km of this walk has minimal directional signs and another 720m is clearly signposted. The remaining (630m) has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 1.2km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 1.2km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 2km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 450m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

1.3km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) and another 840m has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced). The remaining (360m) has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Norah Head Lighthouse Loop walk starts and ends at the Bush St Reserve car park (gps: -33.28044, 151.56945)
Your transport options to Bush St Reserve car park are by;
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-norahheadlightr-nhll
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

This walk starts in the Hunter weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-norahheadlightr-nhll

Rockpool to Norah Head Lighthouse

And Walk

Rockpool to Norah Head Lighthouse

Download & Print Map and Notes

(0km) Boat ramp → Rock Pool

80 m
2 mins
4m
-2m

Easy track

Norah Head Rock Pool

This tidal ocean pool is in Cabbage Tree Harbour at Norah Head. It is a beautiful, sheltered place to swim or to relax on the sand. There are public toilets nearby. More info.

(0.08km) Rock Pool → Southern end of Lighthouse Beach

750 m
14 mins
15m
-16m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the bottom of the steps, just below the toilet block, this walk goes along the water’s edge, keeping the ocean pool to the left. The walk crosses the rock shelf using some steps and metal handrails before going around the headland on a concrete footpath with metal handrail. The walk then drops down a few steps and crosses the next section of rock shelf, keeping the ocean to the left, before arriving at the northern end of Lighthouse Beach[1].
Continue straight: From the northern end of Lighthouse Beach[2], this walk follows the beach south, keeping the ocean to the left, until reaching the southern end of the beach.

Norah Head rockshelf

(0.82km) Southern end of Lighthouse Beach → Bottom of Norah Head steps

360 m
6 mins
8m
-7m

Hard track

Continue straight: From the southern end of Lighthouse Beach[3], this walk goes south, onto the extensive rock platform beneath the lighthouse. After exploring the rock platform, the walk continues south, around the headland, keeping the ocean to the left, and arriving at the bottom of the wooden staircase leading up to the lighthouse.

(1.18km) Bottom of Norah Head steps → Lighthouse Point lookout

40 m
1 mins
2m
-1m

Moderate track

Veer right: From the bottom of the steps, this walk goes up the steps to the viewpoint at the top, near the lighthouse.

Norah Head Lighthouse Point lookout

This lookout, on the point of Norah Head, near the lighthouse, has amazing views in all directions, up and down the coastline, across the rockshelves and beaches below, and of the lighthouse itself.

(1.22km) Lighthouse Point lookout → Lighthouse

80 m
1 mins
4m
-1m

Very easy

Turn left : From the lookout point, this walk follows the footpath gently up the hill, to the gate beside the lookout.

Norah Head Lighthouse

(1.3km) Lighthouse → Merchant Mariners memorial lookout

220 m
5 mins
16m
-10m

Very easy

Continue straight: From the gate beside the lighthouse, this walk folllows the footpath gently up the hill, leaving the lighthouse to the right. The footpath continues past the cottages, on the right, to the car park beside the cottages.
Continue straight: From the corner of the cottage yard, this walk follows the footpath away from the lighthouse, keeping the car park and driveway to the right. The walk passes an information board, to the left, then arrives at the merchant navy memorial lookout. There are numerous plaques in the footpath and set in rocks at the memorial, providing information about merchant ships and lives lost during times of war. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn left .

Merchant Mariners memorial and lookout

This memorial and lookout point commemorates the loss of lives in the merchant navy, during times of war, primarily WWII [7]. There are several plaques with details of the ships and number of lives lost. The stunning views from the lookout take in the nearby Norah Head lighthouse and much of the coastline to the south.

Maps for the Rockpool to Norah Head Lighthouse walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Toukley	1:25 000 Map Series	92313N TOUKLEY	NSW-92313N
Lake Macquarie	1:100 000 Map Series	9231 LAKE MACQUARIE	9231

Cross sectional view of the Rockpool to Norah Head Lighthouse bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Rockpool to Norah Head Lighthouse

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

		Length	2.6 km
		Time	1 Hr
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
		Signs	Minimal directional signs (4/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

1.2km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 75m is flat with no steps. The remaining (45m) has short steep hills.

Quality of track

1.1km of this walk follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and another 75m follows a smooth and hardened path. Whilst another 75m follows a clear and well formed track or trail and the remaining 45m follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

1.1km of this walk has minimal directional signs and another 150m is clearly signposted. The remaining (45m) has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 1.1km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 150m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 850m of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 450m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

750m of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced) and another 360m has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged). The remaining (200m) is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Rockpool to Norah Head Lighthouse walk starts and ends at the Boat ramp (gps: -33.279197, 151.56865)
Your transport options to Boat ramp are by;
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.
(get details)

Fire Danger

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_fire_danger.php?walkid=nsw-norahheadlightr-rtnhl
Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather Forest

This walk starts in the Hunter weather district always check the formal BOM forecast or pdf before starting your walk.

Forecast snapshot

Park Information & Alerts

https://www.wildwalks.com/wildwalks_custom/includes/walk_park_closure.php?walkid=nsw-norahheadlightr-rtnhl

And Walk

Norah Head Rockpool

(0km) Boat ramp → Rock Pool

Easy track

Norah Head Rock Pool

Maps for the Norah Head Rockpool walk

Cross sectional view of the Norah Head Rockpool bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Norah Head Rockpool

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Some more details of this walks Grading

Gradient

Quality of track

Signs

Experience Required

weather

Infrastructure

Similar walks

Other Nearby walks

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

Fire Danger

Weather Forest

Park Information & Alerts

Comments

And Walk

Norah Head Lighthouse walk

(0km) Lighthouse car park → Merchant Mariners memorial lookout

Very easy

Merchant Mariners memorial and lookout

(0.09km) Merchant Mariners memorial lookout → Cottage car park

Very easy

Lighthouse cottages and weddings

(0.2km) Cottage car park → Lighthouse

Very easy

Norah Head Lighthouse

(0.3km) Lighthouse → Lighthouse Point lookout

Very easy

Norah Head Lighthouse Point lookout

Maps for the Norah Head Lighthouse walk walk

Cross sectional view of the Norah Head Lighthouse walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Norah Head Lighthouse walk

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Some more details of this walks Grading

Gradient

Quality of track

Signs

Experience Required

weather

Infrastructure

Similar walks

Other Nearby walks

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

Fire Danger

Weather Forest

Park Information & Alerts

Comments

And Walk

Norah Head Lighthouse and Rockshelf walk

(0km) Lighthouse car park → Merchant Mariners memorial lookout

Very easy

Merchant Mariners memorial and lookout

(0.09km) Merchant Mariners memorial lookout → Cottage car park

Very easy

Lighthouse cottages and weddings

(0.2km) Cottage car park → Lighthouse

Very easy

Norah Head Lighthouse

(0.3km) Lighthouse → Lighthouse Point lookout

Very easy

Norah Head Lighthouse Point lookout

(0.38km) Lighthouse Point lookout → Bottom of Norah Head steps

Moderate track

(0.43km) Bottom of Norah Head steps → Southern end of Lighthouse Beach

Hard track

Norah Head rockshelf

Maps for the Norah Head Lighthouse and Rockshelf walk walk

Cross sectional view of the Norah Head Lighthouse and Rockshelf walk bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Norah Head Lighthouse and Rockshelf walk

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Some more details of this walks Grading

Gradient