A newly opened walking track in Sydney Harbour National Park now connects Middle Head–Gubbuh Gubbuh and Georges Head, offering visitors an uninterrupted journey through Sydney’s military history while taking in panoramic harbour views.
The 3km track, which has been in the works for six years as part of a $9.5 million project, provides the missing link between these historic headlands. The new connection enhances accessibility and safety for visitors, while also preserving and showcasing some of Sydney’s most significant fortifications.
“Middle Head and Georges Head have been part of Sydney Harbour National Park since 1984, but until now, they have never been connected via walking tracks to other harbourside reserves,” said Chad Weston, Manager Sydney North Area, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. “This major infrastructure project has significantly improved visitor access, and history enthusiasts will be impressed by the conservation of some of Sydney’s most important military sites.”
The track immerses visitors in more than 220 years of defence history, with restored structures dating from 1801 to the Vietnam War. A series of interpretation signs and digital animations bring these layers of history to life, offering deeper insight into the area’s strategic importance. Visitors can explore restored World War II twin 6-pounder gun casemates and military fortifications, including the Inner and Outer Defensive Ditches, which were carved into the headland to protect against land-based attacks.
The project also features several new lookouts, such as ‘The Belvedere,’ and a bridge across the Outer Defensive Ditch, providing sweeping views of the harbour and foreshore. The 19th-century former NSW School of Artillery buildings have been carefully restored to reflect their original appearance from 150 years ago.
The walk also takes in the Engine Room at the Outer Fort at Middle Head, where officers trained for potential capture and interrogation during the Malayan Emergency and Vietnam War. The site still holds the notorious ‘Tiger Cages,’ offering a stark reminder of its past.
“New interpretation signs have been installed at key points along the track, helping to bring the site’s rich and complex history to life,” Weston said.
With its combination of natural beauty and historical significance, the new track provides a compelling experience for locals and visitors alike, strengthening Sydney’s network of coastal and heritage walks.
Learn more about Sydney Hardbour National Park: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
