Barrenjoey Lighthouse

The historic sandstone Barrenjoey Lighthouse (1881) sits at the northern tip of the Northern Beaches in an annex of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. You've got two route options – shorter stairs or a winding, convict-built track – for the steep hike to the top, but majestic views across Pittwater and down the peninsula are worth the effort.

A beautiful spot atop of Barrenjoey Headland overlooking Palm Beach, The Pittwater & West Head (Ku-rin-gai Chase National Park) at Sydney's Northern Beaches.
Definitely worth the 15-20 min accent along a well maintained path, with picturesque views all the way up, then the grand prize views from the top which are breathtaking.

A nice short hike going up the lighthouse. A bit steep, but manageable even for my 5 year old kid. I enjoyed the panoramic view.

Great all round photography location and viewpoint looking over Palm Beach.

Astrophotography is also very popular here and I'm the one who is almost always here helping other photographers on a clear moonless night.

This spot is optimal when the Milky Way is in the eastern skies from late January to early July.

The night skies here are rated at a Bortle 4 on the Light Pollution Scale.

There is very strong light pollution from South to South West and from North to North East.

If you're doing Astrophotography here, please note that the Lighthouse is very bright and blinks 4 times in a 10 second period and is off for another 10 seconds. An 8 second exposure is highly recommended.

Hope this helps.

Really breathtaking view! Definitely worth the short hike up. There are two ways you can scale the headland. Either the quick and steep or slow and less steep.

Note that you have to pay for a tour to go up to the top of the lighthouse.

A grade 2 walk leading you from Palm Beach to Sydney’s northern point providing you almost 360 views. Lighthouse not accessible though would be advantageous if you’ve already paid for parking down below to support the surrounding grounds. Suitable for 5 years +, accessible 24/7 & toilets at the top as well.

This is one my favourites places to come and walk. The headland around the lighthouse provides an excellent view of Broken Bay. You’ll see the Central Coast to the north and Palm Beach/Pittwater to the south. To access the walk you need to walk through Governor Phillip Park, verge towards the beach on the western side of peninsula.walk along the beach from the Boathouse wharf until you come to a National Parks & Wildlife sign that points you to the two tracks. Smugglers Track is a short, but stepper walk to the lighthouse - lots of steps. The fire trail is a ‘gentler’ walk and a lot wider. Both walks will increase your heart rate. You only need a low to medium level of fitness to make it to the top. You’ll enjoy the views. Some of the locations you’ll see from the top include: Lion Island, Umina Beach, Pearl Brach, Ettalong Beach, Box Head, Bouddi National Park, Pittwater and Palm Beach. #PalmBeach

Take the stairs up for the really good views and better photo opportunities. Take the smugglers track (steep ramp) down.

This place is great. I would suggest the smugglers steps for the climbing up and down. They have gorgeous views through this way. It would be great if you visit early in morning 8 or 9 during non summer seasons. The views are amazing. At the top, after admiring the lighthouse, make sure you go down the path leading down towards the eastern end. You get almost 360 deg views from there. On the way back, there is one unique lookout on the slope down close to the light house. It gives best view of both beaches and the land in between.
There is ample parking at the base. It's bit expensive. If you want free parking try near the golf club and the street next to it. But those places get filled fast so go early of you wish to find free parking.

Did the hike up here to watch the sunrise.

The hike itself was pretty short but it was just difficult to find cause we hadn’t been here before. The way to find it is to walk past the carpark near the Boathouse Cafe, and down to the beach. Keep walking down the beach until there’s a sign on the right (it’s about 100m down the beach) to start the hike.

There are two different tracks and they take different amounts of time to do. We took the Smugglers Track (faster but a bit harder?) The hike itself is mostly just going up many stairs. Probably took about 10 minutes or so, and wasn’t overly difficult. There are some steep parts so be careful about that. The walk up also involves some great views, so be sure to have a look!

Also, if you go out past the lighthouse towards Barrenjoey Head, just be careful cause there are no actual tracks so you’re kinda bushbashing and there are heaps of trip hazards!

The climb by stairs or the ramp is medium level but worth it, as the views up top are exilerating and breathtaking.
Took the stairs up, and ramp down.
Be sure to explore the tracks away from the lighthouse.
A great trip.

Nice walk but very crowded with tourists the random three times that I have done it.

Plus closed for covid update
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Born and raised in NSW 40 years ago.

Just shocked and appalled at the covid closures and lack of transparent communication.

It makes no sense. Eg. Say you are fearful of covid being horrible, then the overriding laws should prevail eg.capacity limits. Plus stay at home orders prevail so no need to close parks.

I am concerned of Covid as one of many risks. Eg 900 deaths from Covid in Australia in 2020 but over 3,500 suicide deaths and 4,500 flu deaths in 2019.)

Obesity and mental health issues are worse than covid risks in my view, so why restrict people going out in nature safely? Especially when people can easily physically distance in national parks and closing national parks means people are more likely to stay indoors or have to crowd somewhere.

Bizarre.

Amazing view from top and many beautiful spots on the way to take pictures. There are two ways to climb. I would recommend to take the longer one which is steep way for trekking. The way with steps is little hard for non experienced trekkers.

From parking to the start of trekking way, you have to walk through beach.

Parking charges are $10 per hr.

A great place to visit with your family and friends and couple.

It takes almost 40min to climb to the lighthouse, you can choose 2 ways to be up there.

At the lighthouse, there is a wash room and quite a specious place to sit on the ground.

Really good view but after a steep trekking. I saw few parents holding their kids but according to me it is very difficult to trek with kids there. However it was worth the efforts.

If you don't do the walk up to Barrejoey Lighthouse, you are missing a great experience.

We talk the longer access trail up to the lighthouse. Still a challenge with a couple of stops on the way to rest or take in the scenery. We walked back down via the Smugglers Track. Smugglers track is lots and lots of steps and not recommended for young children (unless they like a challenge).

The view over Palm Beach, Pittwater, Lion Island and North to Box Head is truly spectacular. There is toilets and water located near the lighthouse. Don't forget to walk around the smaller trails and locate George Mulhall's gravesite.
Now I'm keen to do the tour through the lighthouse itself, next time.

The Lighthouse walk is a must when visiting Palm Beach.
Well paved, steep (ish!) in places but well worth the views at the top.

Hands up all those who know which ausie tv, series has this in the background! Hands up all those who have seen the tour buses, pull in and show the participants that the cafe by the car park is also used to film it. Pretty cool huh! Yes I know get on with it! Right, I will there are two entry points, one is very steep! If U have breathing problems such asthma, please take Ur inhaler, and pace yourself, no there is no little car to zip up there, I don't know where they would store it, U can take bikes up here, no pets sorry

The other one is more senic, as it cuts along the bush and the rockface, please be careful as it's slippery underfoot- as someone with whs qualifications- I care and don't want U to get hurt!

The view at the top is stunning in either direction, the light house is not open at the moment, the cafe- tourist centre next to the light house, does require bookings, for entry- this pre covid- and it is closed on one day, I think Wednesday, I'll check and update this later, there is a small grave here on the grounds, please be respectful of that.
It's just an over all nice spot to be and while away the hours.

Nice casual walk up the point to the lighthouse for beautiful views over Palm Beach & the ocean. Very nice. I parked for free in Avalon & got a bus up there. Parking in Palm Beach can get quite pricey

A must place to visit. Whilst a road takes you to the top it would be a challenge to some 4wd only and not drivable to the public