The West Head Army Track in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is a short but steep trail that leads to a historic World War II army battery.
At the base, you can explore old gun emplacements, observation posts, and ammunition bunkers while enjoying views over Broken Bay.
| West Head Army Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 1 km (return) |
| Duration: | 1 hour |
| Grade: | Moderate / hard (very steep) |
| Dogs: | Not allowed |
| Trailhead: | Google Maps |
Getting There
The trailhead is at West Head Lookout, located at the end of West Head Road in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
Park entry costs $12 per vehicle per day, payable at the booth on West Head Road or at one of the pay machines at the lookout.
Parking is available at the lookout, but if it is full, you can park at Resolute Picnic Area, about a 10-minute walk from the trailhead.
Below is a map of the walk (not to scale).
Track Notes
The walk is short but rated hard because of how steep it is. A big metal ladder has been put in to make the descent to the old army battery easier.
Even with the steep parts, it’s still a walk families can enjoy. Take it slowly and be careful when climbing up and down the ladder.
The Trail
To start the walk, look for the large signpost near the path to West Head Lookout.
The track zigzags down through the forest and leads to a steel ladder with a small lookout at the top. From here, you get good views over Broken Bay, with Barrenjoey Headland to the east and Lion Island to the north.
The metal staircase is very steep. As the warning signs suggest, it’s best to face the ladder when climbing down and to use both hands.
Once you’re at the bottom, you can start exploring the West Head Army Battery.
Army Battery
The army battery at West Head was once equipped with two 4.7-inch ex-naval guns mounted on 800 kg pedestals, along with an observation post, ammunition storage, and two searchlights.
All of the heavy equipment was brought down using a purpose-built inclined railway. The railway is long gone, but the gun emplacements, observation post, and storage chamber remain.
The two concrete gun casings are open to visitors. Inside, you can see the 800 kg pedestals that once supported the guns. On a clear day, the views over Broken Bay from inside the casings are impressive.
The ammunition storage chamber is also open to explore. Cut partly into the cliff, this large concrete structure has a dark, slightly eerie feel to it.
Interestingly, the West Head Army Track follows the same route that soldiers once used to reach the battery. The track was restored and reopened to the public in 2016.
Keen to explore the area further? Read our West Head Lookout guide to learn more about this unique vantage point and the various walks you can do nearby.
