The Resolute Beach Loop Track is a 6-kilometre bushwalk in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, passing secluded beaches, scenic lookouts, and Aboriginal heritage sites.
For those wanting to visit Resolute or West Head Beach only, a much shorter walk will get you to those two beaches without doing the full loop.
| Resolute Loop Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 6 km (circuit) |
| Duration: | 2.5 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate (steep sections) |
| Dogs: | Not allowed |
| Trailhead: | Google Maps |
Getting There
Resolute Beach is just south of West Head Lookout in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, located at the end of West Head Road.
Parking is available at both the lookout and the Resolute Picnic Area:
- P1: West Head Lookout car park
- P2: Resolute Picnic Area car park
The two are linked by the short Red Hands Track (more on that later).
Park entry is $12 per vehicle per day, payable at the booth on West Head Road or at a pay machine near the lookout.
Track Notes
Since this is a loop, you can walk it either clockwise or anti-clockwise. In the track notes below, we start at West Head Lookout and head clockwise.
From the lookout, both West Head Beach and Resolute Beach are close by, so if you only want to go for a swim, you can start there.
The full loop includes these seven highlights and sections:
- West Head Lookout
- West Head Beach
- Resolute Beach
- Aboriginal Occupation Site
- Aboriginal Engravings
- Resolute Picnic Area
- Red Hands Track
1. West Head Lookout
West Head is not only a scenic vantage point but also a site with a rich military history.
During World War II, West Head operated as a full-scale military site, helping to protect Sydney and the New South Wales coastline from potential attack.
In the 1960s, the area was redeveloped for visitors, with a large sandstone viewing platform and information boards detailing its past.
From the lookout, take the walking track towards West Head Beach, which leads you straight into the bush.
2. West Head Beach
The first section of the loop to West Head Beach is relatively easy, but it’s still a proper bushwalk, so wear sturdy shoes and bring some water.
A steep staircase leads down to the sand, where large rocks are scattered along the shore. West Head Beach is smaller than Resolute Beach but offers excellent swimming conditions.
3. Resolute Beach
The track between West Head Beach and Resolute Beach is a little more challenging, with steep sections, uneven ground, and a creek crossing to navigate.
As you follow the main path, you’ll soon catch glimpses of Resolute Beach. Like West Head Beach, it’s reached via a steep staircase.
Resolute Beach is a 60-metre stretch of pristine sand, free of rocks, with mostly calm waters. The views across Pittwater to Barrenjoey Headland are also impressive.
The beach can be reached on foot or by boat, and it’s a popular landing spot for private vessels from Palm Beach, with many visitors stopping in for a quiet afternoon in the sun.
From Resolute Beach, head back up the stairs and turn left to continue on the main track.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add a side trip to Great Mackerel Beach, about 600 metres further south. This track leads directly onto the sand, with no stairs to contend with.
4. Aboriginal Occupation Site
To continue the loop, look for the track heading uphill through the bush. This turn-off is close to the stairs leading to the beach, but it’s easy to miss.
As you climb, the path passes a significant rock formation that once served as a shelter for the local Aboriginal people before European settlement.
An information board in front of the site shares more about its history.
5. Aboriginal Engravings
The main track eventually meets a fire trail. Turn right here to continue the loop towards the Resolute Picnic Area and West Head Lookout.
Before reaching the picnic area, the path passes a fascinating site with well-preserved Aboriginal engravings dating back thousands of years.
Take a moment to explore and see how many you can spot, using the nearby information board as a guide.
6. Resolute Picnic Area
The Resolute Picnic Area is a well-equipped picnic spot set amidst scenic bushland.
It has picnic tables, barbecues, and a toilet block, making it an ideal place to take a break from all that walking.
From here, look for the start of the Red Hands Track, which will guide you back to West Head Lookout.
7. Red Hands Track
The Red Hands Track is named after a large rock overhang that features Aboriginal artwork in the shape of two hands. This rock formation once served as a cave and shelter for Aboriginal people.
From there, the track follows a well-maintained path through the bush, running parallel to the road, before returning to West Head Lookout!
Read our guide to the best walks in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park for more great hiking options in this beautiful area north of Sydney.
