Barrenjoey Headland

Dramatic sandstone peninsula north of Sydney with a historic lighthouse and sweeping Pacific views.

Barrenjoey Headland is a striking peninsula at the northern tip of Pittwater, just minutes from Sydney's upscale Palm Beach suburb. Since 1998 it has been part of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, connected to the mainland by a narrow tombolo of wind-blown sand. The headland is composed of Hawkesbury sandstone in warm red-gold tones, resting on softer Narrabeen shale beneath. Atop the point stands a lighthouse built in 1881, offering on clear days sweeping views across the Pacific, the lagoon, and nearby islands. The walk to the summit takes around 20 minutes along well-marked trails and rewards visitors with one of Sydney's finest coastal vistas.