If you ever wondered what the centrepiece of northern beaches looks like, then look no further than the picturesque Barrenjoey Lighthouse walk and Palm Beach or as some of you may know it as Summer Bay from the Australian television series ‘Home and Away’.
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How to reach Barrenjoey Lighthouse and Palm Beach?
Parking for Barrenjoey Lighthouse walk
Things to do in Barrenjoey Head and Lighthouse
What to pack
Best time to visit
How to reach Barrenjoey Lighthouse and Palm Beach?
There are multiple ways to reach this amazing place. Driving or renting a car would be the best option. It is little over one-hour via drive as compared to a couple of hours on public transport. But if you’re new to the city or short-term traveller then you can take the bus from Wynyard or Townhall station in Sydney CBD.
To travel anywhere in Sydney by public transport, you will need an Opal Card or a regular credit card.
Parking for Barrenjoey Lighthouse walk
There are a few spots for free parking around Governor Phillip Park reserve however they are time-limited and is also quite a walk to get to the base of the lighthouse. Within the reserve, parking is charged between $8 and $10 per hour.
Things to do in Barrenjoey Head and Lighthouse
Barrenjoey Lighthouse walk offers you spectacular views of the narrow Barrenjoey Peninsula. It is very popular among tourist and locals alike. If you do not want to walk too far, try parking your car near the lighthouse track that begins on the calm Pittwater side. A quick 2 minutes’ walk on the beach will lead you to a path with a sign pointing towards Barrenjoey Lighthouse where you’ll be given two routes:
The Access Trail which is 800m and takes 15minutes. This route is relatively easier with its paved pathway however, this route is steep and narrow and requires a decent level of fitness.
The Smugglers Track, named by customs officers who built the track to monitor smugglers bringing contraband into Broken Bay around 1850 is shortest of the two routes with 400m. It takes just 10 minutes but involves climbing uneven steps and rocks. If you are not a regular hiker we wouldn’t recommend this path but if you are the adventurous type, go for it! This track also boasts great photography spots overlooking the Palm Beach.
Assuming you do take the access trail like we did then you wouldn’t be disappointed because even this route gives you amazing opportunities to capture remarkable landscape shots.
Reaching this 19th-century sandstone heritage Lighthouse with its keeper’s cottage you will be welcomed by a spectacular view of the South Pacific Ocean and of course of the isthmus.
Fancy a short but rewarding bushwalk? head over to the Barrenjoey headland. This is an excellent location for tranquillity and whale watching. Do note whale migration is between May and August.
Did you know : Barrenjoey means Young Kangaroo
What to pack
If you are making this trip from Sydney then less is more. We believe in travelling light with all essentials in a day bag that include :
- Headgear and Sunglasses
- Comfortable shoes (Must)
- Water bottle (Must)
- Binoculars for whale watching (Only if you make this trip in the winters)
- Handy snack probably fish and chips as this is one of those few places where you can eat peacefully without the fear of beach chicken (seagull) snatching it away.
Note : Flying drones for photography/video is prohibited at the Lighthouse
Best time to visit
Good time to visit would be between September and February as these offer the best seasons to enjoy the walk. The best time would undoubtedly be early morning as there are far fewer vehicles (and of course people) and you wouldn’t have to waste time looking for a parking spot.