West Head lookout

4.8
2495 reviews
Attraction
The view from West Head lookout, looking east to Palm Beach and Barrenjoey Head. Credit: Drew Elliot
Aerial view of the curved West Head lookout, at the edge of a cliff above calm water below. Credit:
West Head lookout, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Photo: David Finnegan/NSW Government
West Head lookout, showing Central Coast headlands to the north in the distance. Credit: Drew Elliot
Gallery showing 4 of 4 images

Park alerts

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

8 current alerts · Checked 13 Oct 2026, 2:05 pm

Official alerts
  • Other planned eventsUntil 1 Feb 2027

    1080 pest management operation

    NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will be conducting a baiting program using manufactured baits, fresh baits and Canid Pest Ejectors (CPEs) containing 1080 poison (sodium fluroacetate) for the control of foxes. The program is continuous and ongoing between 1 August 2026 and 31 January 2027 in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

    Do not touch baits or ejector devices. Penalties apply for non-compliance.

    All baiting locations are identifiable by signs.

    Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW national parks and reserves. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.

    Fox baiting in these reserves is aimed at reducing their impact on threatened species.

    For more information, contact the local park office on:

    • Forestville 9451 3479 or Lane Cove 8448 0400 (business hours)
    • NPWS after-hours call centre: 1300 056 294 (after hours)

About

Prepare to be impressed the views from West Head lookout are some of Sydney's best. On your visit, you'll be greeted with a real visual feast. From West Head lookout, you can see Broken Bay on your left, Pittwater on your right and Barrenjoey Headland and Lighthouse in front.

You can also enjoy amazing vistas across the Hawkesbury River to Lion Island Nature Reserve and the beaches of the Central Coast, including Patonga and Umina Beach.

The lookout itself is a large sandstone viewing area with a number of informative interpretive signs. Rest on one of the benches and absorb the sounds of the birds and waves below before heading to nearby Resolute picnic area for lunch or taking a walk on Aboriginal Heritage walk.

If you want to learn more, see this documentary on the history of West Head fortresses, or Jack 'Bluey' Mercer recall his time there during the fort constructions in 1942.

Take a virtual tour of West Head lookout captured with Google Street View Trekker.

Know before you go

Part of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park · Sydney and surrounds

Enjoy incredible views from West Head lookout, regarded as one of Sydney's best in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Photograph Pittwater and Barrenjoey Head, or take a short walk from here.

Accessibility
Easy
Entry
Park entry fees apply

What to bring

  • Drinking water
  • Binoculars
  • Hat

Plan your visit

Access, facilities and practical details.

Frequently asked questions

8 questions

Reviews & Ratings

Hannah Wild

Hannah Wild

Google review

Wow, what a stunning place! On a clear day you can see for miles. Theee information to show you where you are looking at. It's a lovely place on a late weekday afternoon when it's very quiet. You have to pay a 12 dollar entrance fee into the national park per vehicle.

Get in touch

Phone

1300 072 757

Email

parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au

Website

Visit website

Park office

02 9451 3479

Where you'll be

Ku-ring-gai Chase NSW 2084

Get DirectionsView on map