This circuit walk explores the great sea cliffs of The Bluff on the ocean side of South Head, before heading to the scenic and historic Camp Cove and Green Point on Sydney Harbour. During this walk, you will visit several historic military defense systems for the harbour, as well as enjoying some of the natural beauty of the region. For much of the year, especially in spring, you will see some lovely coastal wildflowers as well.
(open in app)
There are closures in Sydney Harbour National Park Today's Fire rating LOW MODERATE (No fire ban)
Bushwalking track notes photographs, maps and camping spots for The Gap Bluff and Green Point loop
Cross sectional view of the The Gap Bluff and Green Point loop bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the The Gap Bluff and Green Point loop bushwalking track
Overview of this walks Grading - Based on the AS 2156.1 - 2001
These details are new. This new feature still requires more testing and refining. Please use the 'Walker Feedback' for report specific issues. Please e-mail Matt if you have any general comments. Hope you find it helpful.
Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.
Length
2.5km
Time
1 Hr
.
Grade 4/6
Track: Hard
AS 2156.1
Gradient
Very steep (4/6)
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)
*This summary of grading information is new and still in testing
Some more detail of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining the grading looking at sections of the walk. Gradient
1.4km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 810m is flat with no steps. Whilst another 220m has short steep hills and the remaining 90m is very steep.
Quality of track
Around 1.9km of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path, whilst the remaining 580m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.
Signs
This whole walk, 2.5km is clearly signposted.
Experience Required
This whole walk, 2.5km requires no previous bushwalking experience.
Weather
This whole walk, 2.5km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
This whole walk, 2.5km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).
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Catch the ferry to Watsons Bay
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for upto date running time info Use these links to plan your Ferry (and train) trip to the end of this walk.
Watsons Bay is a popular spot to enjoy the harbour, Robertson Park and some fish and chips. Doyles offers a formal dining restaurant[1] and the more relaxed fish and chip shop[2] on the ferry wharf[3]. Robertson Park is a large open grassy park with some natural shade[4], a rotunda[5], toilets[6][7], children's play equipment[8], garbage bins[9] and picnic tables[10]. More info
(0 km)
Watsons Bay Wharf
to
The Gap Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 251 m
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 17 m
Descent = -2 m
From Watsons Bay Wharf[11], this walk heads diagonally across the turning circle at the end of Military Rd[12] and into 'Robertson Park'[13]. The walk follows the path diagonally across the open park and tends a little left (straight ahead) at the four-way intersection beside the rotunda[14]. Here the walk goes up the ramp[15] and crosses Military Rd using the crossing[16], coming to the base of the steps (that lead to The Gap)[17]. Continue straight: From the bottom of the Gap steps[18], this walk heads up the steps (or ramp[19]). About halfway up the steps, there is an emergency phone for contacting the police or Lifeline[20], then at the top there is a fenced section of footpath (lookout) and ocean views from The Gap[21].
The Gap
Alt = 20 m
The Gap is one of Sydney's most famous ocean cliff lookouts. The view from the track beside the stretch of cliff is simply stunning[22]. The tall cliffs are enhanced by the rock platform and the pounding ocean far below[23]. Sadly, this site is not only known for the natural wonder, but also for the many deaths that occur here each year[24][25]. Security cameras[26] and an emergency phone[27] have been installed, to help assist people considering suicide. On the unlikely event that you see someone in distress, please call the police on 000 and lifeline on 131 114, or use the nearby emergency phone. More info
(0.25 km)
The Gap
to
The Gap Bluff Lookout Track: Hard - footpath
Length = 192 m
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 23 m
Descent = -1 m
Turn left: From The Gap[28], this walk heads up the hill along the path, keeping the fence and water views to your right. The path leads past the 'Sydney Harbour National Park - Gap Bluff' sign[29] and more great views of The Gap. The path comes to a three-way intersection in a small clearing, marked with a few signs including 'The Gap timeline'[30]. Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads up the path then steps[31], following the fence and keeping the water views to your right. The path leads past several information signs on local plant life[32][33][34][35] and some lovely wildflowers[36]. The walk continues up the many steps[37] to a rocky clearing[38] near the top. Here the walk tends left and takes the steps through the cleft in the rock to find another rocky clearing and lookout with great panoramic views at the top of Gap Bluff[39].
The Gap Bluff Lookout
Alt = 40 m
The Gap Bluff Lookout sits high on the rocky hill overlooking the South Pacific Ocean. On the left is a view to North Head[40] and to your right, looking south down the coast, there are great views over The Gap[41]. There are also distant views over the harbour to the city[42]. This site is significant to the traditional owners, the Birrabirragal people, who once occupied the area - although not at this site, there are some rock engraving still remaining[43]. This is a great place to visit and well worth climbing the steps for the view.
(0.44 km)
The Gap Bluff Lookout
to
Old car park Int Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 97 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 6 m
Descent = -1 m
Turn left: From the Gap Bluff Lookout, this walk follows the footpath away from the gap[44] and into the heath[45], keeping the ocean to your right. This path soon leads to a three-way intersection (at an old car park undergoing regeneration[46][47]) marked with a 'Banksia integrifolia - coast banksia' information sign[48].
(0.54 km)
Old carpark Int
to
Gun Emplacement Lookout Optional sidetrip: Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 55 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 4 m
Descent = -15 m
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads uphill along the sealed footpath, away from the face of the 'Banksia integrifolia - coast banksia' information sign[49]. Soon the path passes a lookout on your right[50] and comes to a old gun emplacement marked with a 'The gunnery range' sign[51] and a short track to a fenced lookout with another sign[52]. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn right to continue along this walk.)
Gun Emplacement Lookout
Alt = 37 m
Once home to several gun emplacements, this is now a peaceful, fenced lookout[53]. There are information signs[54][55] explaining some history, and also some remaining sections of the fortifications[56][57] to explore.
(0.54 km)
Old car park Int
to
The Armoury Track: Moderate - footpath
Length = 224 m
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 6 m
Descent = -23 m
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads along the sealed footpath[58], directly away from the ocean (not in view) whilst keeping the 'Banksia integrifolia - coast banksia' information sign[59] initially on your left. The path leads into the heath and after â70m, passes a rock cutting[60] then turns left onto a yellow-painted concrete path[61]. After a while, this path leads down a series of steps, past the side of the 'The Armoury'[62] and a 'Gunning for Australia' sign[63] and comes to a large clearing and intersection with a road (driveway) in front of 'The Armoury'[64]. The intersection is marked with a 'Access to South Head Heritage Trail' sign[65] (pointing to the right).
The Armoury
Alt = 32 m
The Armoury was a store building built in 1938[66], to keep defence supplier secure. Since then, it has undergone several changes and is now a popular function centre[67]. The building is at the back of a large grassy clearing that hosts some great harbour views[68], popular for wedding parties. There is also a public toilet block[69] and several other historic buildings in the area, including the larger Officer's Mess[70] to the south-east.
(0.76 km)
The Armoury
to
HMAS Watson entrance Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 430 m
Time = 8 mins
Climb = 6 m
Descent = -21 m
Turn right: From the front of 'The Armoury'[71], this walk follows the 'Access to South Head Heritage Trail' sign arrow[72], passing the palm trees and water views[73] (to your left). This walk follows the driveway for ≈270m and passes around the locked gates to find a 'Sydney Harbour National Park' sign[74] and an intersection with a road in front of HMAS Watson security gates[75]. Here the walk crosses the road using the pedestrian crossing[76], then turns left and follows the 'Access to Camp Cove Beach and South Head Heritage Trail' sign[77] down the footpath. Just before the sandstone HMAS Watson gates, this walk follows the footpath to the right and down the steps to Cliff St and another 'Access to Camp Cove Beach and South Head Heritage Trail' sign[78].
(1.19 km)
HMAS Watson entrance
to
Camp Cove Beach Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 239 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 3 m
Descent = -10 m
Veer right: From the near the sandstone pillars at the HMAS Watson entrance[79], this walk follows the 'Access to Camp Cove Beach and South Head Heritage Trail' sign[80] downhill along Cliff Street. The road soon leads to the signposted 'Camp Cove car park'[81][82] at the intersection with Victoria St. Continue straight: From the signposted 'Camp Cove Car Park[83], this walk follows the 'No Through Road' sign[84] to the end of 'Cliff St'. The footpath leads past a 'Camp Cove timeline' information sign[85] then, at the end of the road, turns left, coming to the front of the kiosk[86] at the northern end of Camp Cove Beach[87].
Camp Cove
Alt = 5 m
Camp Cove is home to a lovely, yellow sand, north-east facing beach. The cove is on the protected side of South Head and is a popular spot for swimming and relaxing on the beach. At the northern end of the beach is a kiosk[88], toilet block[89] and an entrance to Sydney Harbour National Park[90].
The cove was an important location to the Cadigal (Gadigal) people who gathered fresh water, shellfish, launched their canoes and buried some of their people nearby[91].
This cove is also believed to be the first landing place for Europeans in 1788. The name Camp Cove was given during that landing and appears on the earliest maps of Sydney Harbour[92][93].
(1.43 km)
Camp Cove Beach
to
Cannon Optional sidetrip: Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 125 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 7 m
Descent = -3 m
Veer right: From the front of Camp Cove Beach kiosk[94], this walk crosses the beach (keeping the water to your left)[95] and climbs up the timber staircase[96]. From the intersection at the top of the stairs, this walk continues straight, along the timber boardwalk[97] that soon turns into a concrete path. The path soon comes to a wide, cobbled sandstone path[98] that leads up a disused cannon[99], gun emplacement and great harbour views[100]. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then veer right to continue along this walk.)
Cannon
Alt = 10 m
This cannon was placed here prior to 1890, along with the rest of this gun emplacement and rifle walls. The emplacement was designed to protect a military jetty and boat shed from the threat of an invasion[101]. The 'Cobblestone Road' beside the cannon was built during the late 1870s or early 1880s and extends from the jetty in Camp Cove up to Hornby Road above. The road was build to carry supplies and ordnance from Camp Cove to the various military installations on south head[102]. More info
(1.43 km)
Camp Cove Beach
to
Green (Laings) Point Park Walk: Easy - beach,footpath
Length = 277 m
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 7 m
Descent = -6 m
Turn left: From the northern end of Camp Cove Beach, in front of the kiosk[103], this walk heads along the sand[104] (or the footpath) to the far end of the beach, keeping the water to your right. At the far end of the beach, the walk comes to an intersection with a couple of other tracks[105][106]. Turn right: From the southern end of Camp Cove Beach, this walk heads up the timber staircase[107], keeping the beach and water to your right. At the top of the stairs[108], this walk follows the footpath up the steps[109] through the open parkland to find a monument commemorating the landing of Governor Phillip in 1788[110] just below the toilet block.
Green Point Park
Alt = 6 m
Also know as Laings Point, Green Point is a headland on the inside of South Head. The park (at the end of Pacific St) is inside the National Park[111] and is on sloped ground[112]. There is a toilet[113][114], great water views[115], an open grassy area, bench seats[116] and a monument[117]. The monument reminds visitors that Cove Beach (just below) was the first landing place for Governor Philip in 1788[118]. The park is a pleasant place to rest and is sometimes hired for weddings[119]. A cottage[120] at the top can also be hired from NPWS to make a weekend of your adventures[121].
(1.71 km)
Green (Laings) Point Park
to
Green (Laings) Point Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 87 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -5 m
Veer right: From the monument commemorating the landing of Governor Phillip in 1788[122], in the middle of the park, this walk heads downhill diagonally across the grassy area, keeping the water ahead and to your right[123]. The walk then follows the steps down between the gap in the bushes[124] and across the grass to find a tall sandstone monument[125] and an information sign about the 'World War II Anti-Torpedo Boom'[126] at Green (Laings) Point, beside the water[127].
Green (Laings) Point
Alt = 3 m
Green (Laings) Point is an open grassland reserve with extensive harbour views. Then western tip of the point is still home to many relics, reminding visitors that this area played a significant role in the 1480m anti-submarine net that spanned the harbour entrance, built in 1942. The other end of the net attached to Georges Head[128]. Midway through construction, in May 1942, was when the three Japanese midget submarines entered and attacked vessels in the harbour [129]. From this headland, there are still some preserved parts of the net's construction, including the winch house foundations[130], the anti-motor torpedo boat defensive battery entrance[131] and another battery[132]. There is also a information sign with more details about the history of the area[133]. More info
(1.8 km)
Green (Laings) Point
to
End of Pacific St Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 126 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 9 m
Descent = -1 m
Continue straight: From the 'World War II Anti-Torpedo Boom'[134] information sign, this walk heads along the grass away from the tall sandstone monument[135], keeping the water on your right. The walk follows the worn path between the bushes[136] then between the two bunkers[137][138], and then across the next grassy clearing towards the house[139]. Near the house, the walk turns left and heads up the hill then steps[140] to find the end of Pacific St[141][142].
(1.92 km)
End of Pacific St
to
Int of Cove and Short Sts Walk: Easy - road
Length = 358 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 5 m
Descent = -10 m
Turn right: From the end of Pacific St, this walk heads downhill along the road. The road soon bends right and comes to an intersection with Victoria St and the signposted 'Marine Biological Station Park'[143] (on your left). Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads downhill, the wrong way along Pacific Street past the 'no entry' signs[144]. The road soon leads past the signposted 'Victoria Wharf Reserve'[145][146] (on your right) and continues along the road, soon turning right into Cove St. The walk follows the footpath that soon leads down a ramp[147], coming to an intersection just below the intersection of Cove and Short Streets.
(2.28 km)
Int of Cove and Short Sts
to
Watsons Bay Wharf Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 235 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -5 m
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the path and steps, towards the water[148]. Here the walk turns left and follows the footpath along the back of Watsons Bay Beach, between the boats and the houses[149]. Soon the walk passes 'Doyles Restaurant'[150] to find 'Watsons Bay Wharf'[151].
Catch the ferry to Watsons Bay
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for upto date running time info Use these links to plan your Ferry (and train) trip to the end of this walk.
Fire Danger This walk passes Greater Sydney Region fire area which currently has a LOW MODERATE rating and No fire ban in place. (Tomorrow the Fire Danger Rating is LOW MODERATE, No fire ban.) (Downloaded 8 years ago) Please Note: 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.
Sydney Harbour National ParkLink to official closures and fire bans page 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. Region: Sydney & Surrounds Park feesCampingFacilities Current Park Closure information for Sydney Harbour National Park Closure information last downloaded Sunday 27th of September 2015 07:00 AM Closed areas: Park closure sunset to sunrise for pest management Pest management activities are taking place between sunset and sunrise at the following selected sites within Sydney Harbour National Park. Please abide by all park signage. Closed areas are:
Closed areas: Shark Island upcoming closures Shark Island in Sydney Harbour will be closed to public access due to essential wharf repairs on the following dates:
16 to 17 September 2015
24 to 27 September 2015.
Other incidents: Sydney Harbour National Park accommodation Constables, Green Point and Steele Point Cottages are no longer available for accomodation bookings. New options are being considered for the conservation, management and use of these buildings.
Closed areas: Collins Flat Beach unavailable for venue hire Collins Flat Beach is currently unavailable for venue hire due to the impact of high visitation on the critical habitat found at this location. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact NPWS Mosman office on (02) 9960 6266 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Hard
1 km
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for upto date running time info
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
There is free parking available.
not too much longer now :)