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West Head lookout

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about West Head lookout.

Getting there and parking

West Head lookout is in the West Head precinct of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. To get there, follow West Head Road or access the lookout from the Resolute picnic area, along the West Head lookout track (1.9km).

Road quality

  • Sealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • All weather

Parking

Parking is available in bitumen and roadbase carparks at the end of West Head Road, including one accessible parking space next to the lookout entrance. 

You can also walk to the lookout along West Head lookout track.

Best times to visit

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park offers an exceptional visit all year round. You're sure to find a walk, tour, activity or attraction to appeal, regardless of the season.

Spring

If you're interested in wildflower displays, set aside a day in August or September to stroll through the park's blooming heathlands.

Summer

Bring your fishing gear and go camping at The Basin.

Winter

Barrenjoey Head (on the other side of Pittwater, but still in the park) is an excellent spot for whale watching. Take the Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk between May and August or celebrate International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend in August.

Weather, temperature and rainfall

Summer temperature

Average

17°C and 31°C

Highest recorded

43.1°C (1994)

Winter temperature

Average

5°C and 20°C

Lowest recorded

-3.5°C (1986

Rainfall

Wettest month

February and March

The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day

253mm

Facilities

There are toilets, picnic tables and barbecue facilities at nearby Resolute picnic area.

Step-free access

There are 2 ways to get to the lookout:

  • There's a wheelchair-accessible step-free pathway from the carpark to the viewing platform.
  • There's also a slightly sloped stone flagging pathway with 5 steps and a handrail
  • Step-free outdoor pathways

Seats and resting points

There are benches along the path to the lookout and at the lookout platform. Three of the benches have back rests.

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Beach safety

Beaches in this park are not patrolled, and can sometimes have strong rips and currents. These beach safety tips will help you and your family stay safe in the water.

Mobile safety

Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

Accessibility

Disability access level - easy

West Head lookout has the following accessible features:

  • A sealed wheelchair-accessible path that leads from the carpark to the lookout platform
  • Bench seats for resting, including 3 with backrests at the main lookout platform.
  • 1 accessible parking space in the carpark

Prohibited

Gathering firewood

Gathering firewood and the use of heat beads is not permitted.

Pets

Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

Smoking

NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

West Head lookout

Operated by

Park info

  • in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region

  • Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

    • Gates to West Head are closed from 8.30pm to 6am during daylight savings periods, and from 6pm to 6am the rest of the year.
    • Gates to Sphinx Memorial carpark are closed overnight from 7pm.

  • Park entry fees:

    $12 per vehicle per day. You can also pay for your visit via the Park’nPay app.

    Vehicles over 8 seats: $4.40 per adult, $2.20 per child (per day). Students on educational programs: $1.10 per student. Teachers/educational supervisors: free (1 adult per 10 students).

    Other fees:

    A $3 per adult, $2 per child landing fee may apply for day visitors to The Basin campground. Please pay at the campground wharf. Landing fees are included in your camping fees.

    Group bookings:

    Under the Plan of Management for this park, prior written approval is required for organised groups of 40 or more people planning to visit this park. Contact the park office before your visit.

    Buy annual pass

Visitor centre