Middle Head is a superb lookout spot in Sydney Harbour National Park. From this outstanding vantage point, you can follow the Pacific Ocean to the horizon, framed by North and South Heads. The panoramic view extends to the Eastern Suburbs, Middle Harbour and Manly.
One of the three headlands that define the entrance to Sydney Harbour, Middle Head features peaceful walking tracks that take you through fascinating military relics and scenic outlooks with panoramic harbour views.
One of Sydney’s green headlands, Middle Head offers bushland and serenity just minutes from Mosman village. With sparkling vistas of the Harbour and Balmoral Beach just a short walk away, the site forms part of an exciting precinct that offers panoramic views, bushwalking tracks and heritage attractions.
Walks
You can explore Middle Head at your own pace and discover former military fortifications such as gun pits and brick workshops. Be sure to leave time to view the nearby Georges Heights Lookout, which offers panoramic views of Sydney Harbour and features an elegant sandstone platform designed by award-winning architect Richard Leplastrier.
Food & beverage
The Burnt Orange boutique café (link is external) is located in the beautifully renovated golf club house from the 1930s at Georges Head. It features a wrap-around verandah with stunning views of Sydney Harbour round to The Heads and Manly.
Nearby Chowder Bay offers many casual cafes and fine restaurants. Options range from the lovely waterside locations of the Bacino Kiosk and Cafe and Ripples Cafeat Chowder Bay or the beautiful bushland setting and authentic French cuisine at Frenchy’s Cafeor the impressive Tea Room Gunners’ Barracks at Georges Head.
Nature
The bushland in Headland Park provides a habitat for a wide range of native species. Keep a look out for water dragons, blue-tongue lizards, ring-tailed possums, green tree snakes, kookaburras, rainbow lorikeets, currawongs, pacific white face herons, and dollar birds.
Lookouts
The showpiece of Headland Park is Georges Heights Lookout: the perfect place to view a panorama of Sydney Harbour. The vantage point is defined by an elegant sandstone platform allowing visitors to catch stunning views of the Heads, Pacific Ocean, eastern suburbs, and city skyline. Designed by award-winning architect Richard Leplastrier, the lookout opened in 2007. You can access it via Suakin Drive off Middle Head Road in Mosman.
In addition to enjoying sensational views, you can find out more about Middle Head’s military significance. Walk the Don Goodsir track to the 1801 Forts, built in response to a feared French invasion, or explore the tunnels, sandstone gun pits and infamous Vietnam War-era ‘Tiger Cages’. Guided tours of the Fort are available between October and May.
When you are finished exploring why not relax on nearby Cobblers Beach and enjoy the picturesque cove.
You can also take a short stroll down from the headland to Chowder Bay
Chowder Bay (Headland Park)
Chowder Bay is the perfect spot for a family-friendly day trip. Grab a meal at one of the many charming waterfront cafes and restaurants or spend the afternoon snorkelling, kayaking, or bushwalking.
Named after whalers who made chowder from the bay’s abundant seafood, Chowder Bay is located on the southern side of Sydney’s Middle Head peninsula, nestled between stunning harbour-side frontage and a steep backdrop of natural bushland. It was opened to the public in 2000 following decades of military occupation. It’s a great place to relax, enjoy an afternoon on the beach, explore historic buildings or dine by the harbour.
Walks & self guided tours
Chowder Bay is a convenient rest point on the coastal walk between Taronga Zoo and Balmoral. The walking tracks offer stunning harbour views, scenic bushland, and historic military sites that have been closed to the public for more than 100 years.
Food & beverage
Chowder Bay offers some lovely waterside eating options. Stop by the Bacino Bar for a coffee or light meal or indulge in the fine dining of Rippleson the deck of the former Submarine Miner’s Depot.
Attractions
Nature
The largely undisturbed shoreline of Chowder Bay and the bushland in Headland Park provide habitat for a wide range of native species. Keep a look out for water dragons, blue-tongue lizards, ring-tailed possums, green tree snakes, kookaburras, rainbow lorikeets, currawongs, pacific white face herons, and dollar birds.
Beaches
Chowder Bay has a beautiful beach with a netted enclosure at the western end of the bay.
Water sports
You can discover the beautiful marine life of Chowder Bay by snorkelling or diving. If you prefer to keep your head above water, you can kayak around the picturesque harbour foreshore. You can hire everything you need for a day on the water from Plunge Diving.
Extra Links
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