Today we did the iconic Palm Beach to Barrenjoey Lighthouse walk. It was a beautiful Sydney summer day and it seemed everyone was out early enoying it. Governor Phillip Park was already busy at 8am and the Boathouse where we had planned to have breakfast afterwards was packed and not looking promising.
We headed north along Pittwater beach and turned off at the sign by the NPWS cottage and followed the main path around to the left. (There is a shorter but more difficult track 'Smugglers track' that veers off to the right). The main track used to be heavy going as it was gravel, stone and rubble and you could often find yourself stumbling. These days, it is much improved with a reconstructed sandstone road which goes for most of the way. It is a steep track that flattens out momentarily but then pitches up again. Even if you are used to walking, there are parts that will make you breathe hard, though it’s not very long so it is possible for most people. Anyway you will find you want to stop on the way up to enjoy the fabulous view and get your breath back.
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| half way |
Once at the top, the views are stunning and so worth the walk. There is the beautiful old sandstone lighthouse and cottage and 270 degree ocean views. To the north and north west you can see all the way to Lion Island and Central Coast and to the south and south west there is Palm Beach and Pittwater.
The track can be busy with quite a bit of traffic going up and down so we would recommend going early if you can.
By the time we got back to the Boathouse again, the queues were out the door, so breakfast at the Boathouse was not going to happen today! We hear that Sunday's are always like that so maybe it is best to try it midweek!
The Greedy Goat
This is a great little cafe on Barrenjoey Road back towards Careel Bay (near the boat brokerage). There are a few different areas of tables, you can choose to eat either out the front near the footpath, inside or out on the lovely covered deck as we did. It has a fantastic breakfast menu and we chose the bircher muesli with fruit and the mushrooms and eggs. The food was great. It was beautifully presented and really tasty and fresh. Unfortunately it took a while to arrive. We watched as another table who arrived after us were served before us....always deflating and annoying! | ||
| Shaz's bircher muesli |
Our reviews
Palm Beach to Barrenjoey lighthouse walk
difficulty: easy to moderate
distance: 4km return (from carpark)
parking: meter parking in carpark (pittwater parking permit valid)
worth doing yes
Note that there is no water or toilets available along track
The Greedy Goat
food: great
service: slow
ambience: good
would we go again: yes
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