Cape Banks Circuit
Download & Print Map and Notes
3 hrs
6.6 km Circuit
182 m
Hard track
(0km) Southern End of Cann Park → Eastern end of Congwong Beach
230 m
4 mins
2m
-8m
Moderate track
From the southern end of Cann Park[1], this walk follows the concrete track down a series of stairs[2], passing the ‘Congwong Beach Walk’ sign[3] on your right. This walk continues gently downhill on a sandy track for about 40m, to find the western end of Congwong Beach[4]. Then this walk follows the beach, with the water to your right, for about 140m until coming to a three-way intersection, with the ‘Henry Head/Little Congwong Beach’ sign[5].
(0.23km) Eastern end of Congwong Beach → Little Congwong Beach
310 m
6 mins
13m
-11m
Moderate track
Turn right: From the eastern end of Congwong Beach[6], this walk follows a mostly level concrete track, passing a ‘Little Congwong Beach Track’ sign[7] (on the left) and keeping the water on the right for about 230m (with coastal views on the right[8]). Then this walk follows a sandy track moderately steeply downhill[9], with occasional timber steps[10] for about 90m, until coming to the western end of Little Congwong Beach[11]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.
Little Congwong Beach
Little Congwong Beach, located at La Perouse, is a sheltered sandy beach[12] that has been described as one of the most beautiful beach oases in Sydney. Little Congwong beach has also been used for over 40 years as an unofficial and secluded nude beach. If you see any offensive behaviour please call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333000 or the Maroubra Police on 02 9349 9299. This beach is very popular on summer weekends and has limited shade in the afternoon. More info.
(0.23km) Eastern end of Congwong Beach → Int of Henry Head Track and Congwong Beach Servicetrail
210 m
4 mins
10m
0m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection[15], this walk follows the ‘Henry Head Scenic Walk’ sign[16] and wide track gently uphill and away from the beach through coastal bush. The walk continues to follow the timber and concrete track [17] moderately steeply uphill[18] for about 160m, until coming to a three-way intersection[19] with a track on the right.
(0.44km) Int of Henry Head Track and Congwong Beach Servicetrail → Int of Henry Head Track AND Depot Trail
490 m
10 mins
24m
-5m
Moderate track
Turn right: From the intersection[20], this walk follows the track slightly uphill, over a dry culverted creek and onto rock slabs[21]. The track continues up a gentle hill through coastal forest[22] for about 130m until coming to a three-way intersection[23] (with a track on the left).
Veer right: From the intersection[24], this walk follows the ‘Henry Head’ sign east along a wide track, gently uphill through wooded forest[25]. This walk continues to follow the track for about 170m, until coming to a three-way intersection[26], with a narrow management trail and large green shed[27] (on the left).
Veer right: From the intersection[24], this walk follows the ‘Henry Head’ sign east along a wide track, gently uphill through wooded forest[25]. This walk continues to follow the track for about 170m, until coming to a three-way intersection[26], with a narrow management trail and large green shed[27] (on the left).
(0.93km) Int of Henry Head Track AND Depot Trail → Int of Henry Head and Browns Rock Tracks
400 m
8 mins
17m
-7m
Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection[28], this walk follows the track gently downhill[29] for about 20m to come to a shallow, dry water course[30]. Then this walk continues to follow the track gently uphill through moist forest[31] for about 120m, coming to a metal ring fence[32] (on the right). The walk follows the track moderately steeply uphill[33] with occasional timber steps for about 260m, until coming to a four-way intersection[34]. This intersection has a track to the left[35], a ‘Henry Head’ signed[36] track tending right and a ‘Browns Rock’ signed[37] track to the right.
(1.33km) Int of Henry Head and Browns Rock Tracks → Browns Rock
310 m
7 mins
0m
-38m
Hard track
Turn sharp right: From the intersection[38], this walk follows the track gently downhill, following the ‘Browns Rock 280m’ sign[39]. About 110m down the track, the walk continues down a moderately steep hill with timber steps[40] for a further 180m, until coming to a square concrete platform[41] on the water and Browns Rock. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn sharp right.
Browns Rock
Browns Rock is a popular fishing spot at La Perouse, with an unfenced shelf of rock and concrete from which to cast fishing rods[42]. Unfortunately, this area suffers from littering[44] – Please help by carrying out your own rubbish and a few extra bits where safe (the rangers do a great job, but it is hard to keep up). More info.
(1.33km) Int of Henry Head and Browns Rock Tracks → Int of Henry Head Track & Golf Course Management Trail
220 m
4 mins
7m
-2m
Moderate track
Turn right: From the intersection[45], this walk follows the wide sandy track gently uphill, past the ‘Henry Head 700m’ sign[46] (on the left). After about 70m, the walk passes views of Bare Island[47] on the right, then continues to follow the track moderately steeply uphill through low coastal forest for about 140m, until coming to a T-intersection[48] with a management trail.
(1.55km) Int of Henry Head Track and Golf Course Management Trail → Int of Henry Head Track and Henry Head Trail
310 m
5 mins
0m
-8m
Moderate track
Turn right: From the intersection[49], this walk follows the wide level track south, passing the bench seat (on the right). Then this walk continues to follow the track through dense coastal bush for about 70m, until finding a World War One fort[50] (on the right). This walk continues to follow a sandy, moderately steep downhill track for about 130m, where there are views of Bare Island[51] on the right. This walk then continues to follow the track through dense forest[52] for about 100m, until passing between timber posts[53] and coming to a T-intersection, with a management trail.
(1.86km) Int of Henry Head Track and Henry Head Trail → Henry Head
230 m
5 mins
0m
-23m
Easy track
Henry Head
The Henry Head Battery is located on the northern side of the entrance to Botany Bay at Henry Head. The battery was constructed on an unfenced headland between 1892 and 1895 and operated until 1910 when it was closed down. The battery and observation posts was re-utilised during World War Two to defend against approaches to Botany Bay. The battery consisted of two disappearing guns, ammunition storage and observation posts. The underground bunker and tunnel complex consisted of vaulted ammunition storage rooms with double walls and ceilings. The doubling-up of walls and ceilings was a preventative measure meant to stop the walls from collapsing in the event of a direct hit. The battery is currently not in use. The white tower on the battery is the Endeavour Tower, not a lighthouse as such, but a red marker light nonetheless. More info.
(2.09km) Henry Head → North end of Cape Banks Bridge
1.3 km
30 mins
65m
-73m
Hard track
Turn sharp left: From the white round tower[61] at Henry Head, this walk follows the track east over rock slabs[62], with the water to the right. After about 130m, the walk then follows a narrow rocky track[63] through coastal heath for about 130m, then descends rock steps[64] to exposed rock platforms[65] (with views back to Henry Head and the south coast[66]). Then this walk continues along the narrow track, gently undulating through coastal forest[67] for about 600m, until coming to Cruwee Cove[68] and Shelly Beach[69].
Turn left: From Cruwee Cove[70], this walk follows the beach east, with the water on your right. At the end of the beach, the walk follows initially level rock shelves, then moderately steep uphill rock shelves onto a grassy track[71], and comes to a golf course[72] after about 90m. Then this walk follows a sealed footpath across the golf course for about 250m, until coming to the ‘Cape Banks Aquatic Reserve’ sign[73] and Cape Banks bridge[74].
Turn left: From Cruwee Cove[70], this walk follows the beach east, with the water on your right. At the end of the beach, the walk follows initially level rock shelves, then moderately steep uphill rock shelves onto a grassy track[71], and comes to a golf course[72] after about 90m. Then this walk follows a sealed footpath across the golf course for about 250m, until coming to the ‘Cape Banks Aquatic Reserve’ sign[73] and Cape Banks bridge[74].
(3.39km) Cape Banks bridge int. → Cape Banks
50 m
1 mins
0m
0m
Easy track
Veer right: From the ‘Cape Banks Aquatic Reserve’ sign[75], this walk follows the concrete footpath[76] gently downhill, away from the seat, for about 20m to then cross over[77] to the island on the 20m long (1.1m wide) metal foot bridge[78]. Then this walk continues over the rocky track[79] to come beside the golf tee-off green[80] (on the right).
Cape Banks
Cape Banks on the northern side of the entrance to Botany Bay, offers possibly the best view in Botany Bay National Park. From the unfenced cliff top, you can watch the power of the ocean as waves crash into the sandstone rock face below, or watch boats of all shapes and sizes, sail peacefully across the sheltered waters of the bay[81][82][83][84][85]. If you are lucky, you can enjoy the spectacle of migrating Humpback and Southern Right whales reasonably close to shore, spouting and sometimes breaching as they make their way northward and southward in pods of three or four. The shipwreck of the SS Minmi can be seen at low tide[87], lying on rocks on the western side of Cape Banks. There are concrete foundations of buildings remaining on Cape Banks, from when World War Two servicemen were stationed there.
(3.44km) Cape Banks → Cape Banks bridge int.
50 m
1 mins
0m
0m
Easy track
Turn around: From the golf tee-off green[88] on the northern edge of Cape Banks headland, this walk follows a rocky track[89] to the bridge. The walk now crosses over[90] to the mainland on the 20m long (1.1m wide) metal foot bridge[91], where the walk leads gently uphill along the concrete footpath to the intersection marked with a ‘Cape Banks Aquatic Reserve’ sign[92], just before a seat.
(3.5km) Cape Banks bridge int. → Lifejacket intersection
390 m
8 mins
18m
-4m
Hard track
Turn right: From the ‘Cape Banks Aquatic Reserve’ sign[93], this walk follows the gravel then grassy trail [94] away from the ocean for about 10m to find a ‘Cape Bank’ map signpost[95]. From the sign, this walk follows the ‘Coastal Walk’ arrow[96] gently uphill along the grassy trail (passing a large rock platform[97] on the right) for about 160m to near the apex of a large cleft in the sea cliff[98] (on the right). From here the walk climbs very steeply up a rough[99] trail for about 30m, then leads more gently uphill for 100m before leading up another steep and rough section of trail[100]. The walk then continues more gently uphill along the grassy management trail for another 30m to come to a 3-way intersection marked with a ‘life jacket’ signpost[101].
(3.88km) Int of Cape Banks Management & Pistol Club Trail → World War Two Bunker
110 m
2 mins
2m
-4m
Moderate track
Veer left: From the intersection[102], this walk follows the wide management trail steeply uphill[103], away from the water. This walk continues to follow the level trail for about 35m to a T-intersection[104], where the walk turns right and follows a trail (with a metal ring fence[105] on the left) for about 20m to a World War Two Bunker[106] (on the right).
World War Two Bunker
(3.99km) World War Two Bunker → Southern End of Cape Banks Rd
100 m
2 mins
6m
0m
Easy track
Turn left: From the intersection (just below the WW2 gun emplacement and bunker[111]), this walk follows the asphalt trail along the fenceline towards the ‘Westpac Helicopter’ shed[112] for just shy of 40m to find a 3-way intersection[113] before a concrete building[114], marked with an NPWS arrow[115].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the main asphalt trail keeping the metal ring fence on the left for about 30m to head around the locked gate[116] and find the car park at the southern end of Cape Banks Rd, La Perouse[117].
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the main asphalt trail keeping the metal ring fence on the left for about 30m to head around the locked gate[116] and find the car park at the southern end of Cape Banks Rd, La Perouse[117].
(4.09km) Southern End of Pistol Club Rd → Int of Pistol Club Rd AND Coastal Cemetery Management Trail
320 m
5 mins
2m
-1m
Easy track
Continue straight: From the southern end of Pistol Club Rd[118], this walk follows the road gently uphill away from the ‘Westpac Helicopter’ sign and shed, passing a sealed car park (on the left). This walk continues to follow the road, with views (on the right) of the coastal cemetery[119] after about 200m. This walk then continues to follow the road gently downhill for about 140m, until coming to a three-way intersection, with an unsealed car park[120] and ‘Coastal Cemetery’ sign[121] (on the right).
(4.41km) Int of Cape Banks Rd & Cemetery Trail → Coast Hospital Cemetery int.
150 m
2 mins
0m
-5m
Easy track
Turn right: From the ‘Cemetry Trail’ trackhead and dirt car park[122] on Cape Banks Rd
La Perouse (about 1km past NSW Golf Course main gate), this walk follows the ‘Cemetry Trail’ sign[123] around the locked gate[124][125][126], and along the management trail. The grassy trail leads for about 20m to pass over a cobbeled stone section[127] then continues to follow the level trail[128] for another 110m, to come to a large 3-way intersection[129] near the Coastal Cemetery[130] (on the right). At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.
Coast Hospital Cemetery
The Coast Hospital Cemetery on the northern side of Botany Bay was first established in the early 1880’s and is now home to as many as 2000 graves. It serviced the Coast (Prince Henry) Hospital, originally a smallpox hospital. People who died of smallpox were required to be buried at the hospital grounds. The hospital was built far enough from the city to provide quarantine and for this reason, the hospital in time became an infectious diseases hospital, also treating patients with influenza, bubonic plague, typhoid fever and leprosy. Unfortunately, the cemetery has at times fallen into disrepair and some of the headstones are difficult to read. Many of the graves are unmarked.
On the eastern edge of the cemetery is an information sign[132] explaining that in the area are also buried the ancestral remains of the La Perouse Aboriginal people returned from museums.
A place steeped in history and worthy of respect.
(4.41km) Int of Pistol Club Rd and Coast Hospital Cemetery Management Trail → Int of Pistol Club Rd AND Jennifer Street Boardwalk Track
760 m
13 mins
12m
-3m
Easy track
Continue straight: From the intersection[133], this walk follows the level road west[134], with golf courses on the left and right (ignoring side roads[135]) for about 800m, until coming to a gentle uphill and three-way intersection[136], with a ‘Jennifer Street Boardwalk’ sign[137] and track (on the right).
(5.17km) Int of Cape Banks Rd & Jennifer Street Boardwalk → Int of Jennifer Street Boardwalk & Jennifer Street
380 m
6 mins
6m
0m
Easy track
Turn sharp right: From the Jennifer street boardwalk track head on Cape Banks Rd, La Perouse (next to the golf course), this walk follows the ‘Jennifer Street Boardwalk’ sign[138], through the narrow timber bollards and along the concrete footpath for about 35m to find a timber seat.
From the seat, this walk follows the timber boardwalk uphill through the lovely forest, after another 30m where the path becomes moderately steep[139] for about 15m. The boardwalk continues less steeply uphill through the forest with the occasional water glimpses for 80m where it passes the fenced ‘revegetation area’[140]. The boardwalks gently undulates, mostly gently uphill for another 160m to find the large sheltered ‘Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub’ sign[141] shelter to find a timber seat.
Soon after this sign, this walk joins a concrete footpath that leads you past the ‘Botany Bay National Park – Jennifer Street Lands’ sign[142] than between the timber bollards[143] (1.7m gap) to find the end of Jennifer St (near Marconi Pl), Little Bay[144]. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer right.
Jennifer Street Boardwalk
Jennifer Boardwalk provides you with an elevated view through a rare and endangered ecological community known as the Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub. This community of native plants is protected under the Threatened Species Conservation Act. These Banksia once occupied around 5,300 hectares of land between North Head and Botany Bay in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. Currently, surviving stands totalling approximately 146 hectares have been recorded by the local government areas of Botany, Randwick, Waverley, and Manly .
(5.17km) Int of Pistol Club Rd AND Jennifer Street Boardwalk → Int of Henry Head Lane AND Henry Head Track
450 m
7 mins
3m
-9m
Easy track
Continue straight: From the intersection[147], this walk follows the road gently uphill[148] for about 150m. Then this walk continues to follow the road gently downhill[149] for about 60m, then turns right at a T-intersection[150]. The walk follows the sealed road for about 50m, until coming to a three-way intersection with a trail and ‘LaPerouse Works Depot’ sign[151] (on the left).
Veer right: From the intersection[152], this walk follows the road gently uphill[153] and directly away from the face of the ‘LaPerouse Works Depot’ sign[154] for about 200m, until coming to a speed bump and four-way intersection[155], where a track crosses the road.
Veer right: From the intersection[152], this walk follows the road gently uphill[153] and directly away from the face of the ‘LaPerouse Works Depot’ sign[154] for about 200m, until coming to a speed bump and four-way intersection[155], where a track crosses the road.
(5.62km) Int of Henry Head Lane AND Henry Head Track → Henry Head Viewpoint
260 m
5 mins
8m
-6m
Easy track
(5.88km) Henry Head Viewpoint → Int of Anzac Parade AND Henry Head Track
400 m
8 mins
5m
-26m
Moderate track
Turn right: From the Henry Head view point[164], this walk follows the level rocky track north[165] and directly away from the viewpoint (ignoring sidetracks). After about 15m, the track starts to head gently downhill[166], and then after about 100m, the sandy track becomes steeper with timber steps[167]. After a further 170m, the walk finds a four-way intersection[168], with timber posts and a sealed road (Henry Head Lane). This walk crosses the road and continues along the unmarked track[169] gently downhill and across a timber bridge[170] over a creek. Then the walk continues moderately steeply uphill[171], until coming to ‘The Happy Valley’ sign[172] and Anzac Parade.
(6.28km) Int of Anzac Parade AND Henry Head Track → Southern end of Cann Park
370 m
6 mins
1m
-4m
Easy track
Turn left: From the car park and grassed park[173], this walk follows the footpath south, with Anzac Parade on your right. Approximately 300m along footpath[174] (the footpath briefly separates[175] from the road and then returns), the walk finds the northern end of Cann Park[176] and ‘Cann Park’ sign[177]. This walk then follows the footpath towards the coast (and past the snake pit) for about 100m, until coming to the southern end of Cann Park and ‘Congwong Beach Walk’ sign[178] .
Maps for the Cape Banks Circuit walk
You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.
| Botany Bay | 1:25 000 Map Series | 91303S BOTANY BAY | NSW-91303S |
| Bondi | 1:25 000 Map Series | 91302S BONDI | NSW-91302S |
| Sydney | 1:100 000 Map Series | 9130 SYDNEY | 9130 |
Cross sectional view of the Cape Banks Circuit bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Cape Banks Circuit
Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001
Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.
| Length | 6.6 km | ||
| Time | 3 hrs | ||
| . | |||
| Grade 4/6 Hard track |
AS 2156.1 | Gradient | Very steep (4/6) |
| Quality of track | Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6) | ||
| Signs | Minimal directional signs (4/6) | ||
| Experience Required | Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6) | ||
| Weather | Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6) | ||
| Infrastructure | Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6) |
Some more details of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk
Gradient
3km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 2.7km has short steep hills. Whilst another 850m is very steep and the remaining 95m is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
3.5km of this walk follows a clear and well formed track or trail and another 1.6km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. Whilst another 1.3km follows a rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely and the remaining 260m follows a smooth and hardened path.
Signs
3.7km of this walk is clearly signposted and another 1.7km has directional signs at most intersection. The remaining (1.3km) has minimal directional signs.
Experience Required
4.1km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience and another 1.3km requires a leader a with moderate level of bushwalking experience. The remaining (1.2km) requires some bushwalking experience.
weather
Around 5km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 1.3km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.
Infrastructure
3.3km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) and another 2km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced). The remaining (1.3km) has limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged).
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Plan your trip to and from the walk here
The Cape Banks Circuit walk starts and ends at the Southern End of Cann Park (gps: -33.988579, 151.23365)Your transport options to Southern End of Cann Park are by;
Bus. (get details)
Car. There is free parking available.(get details)
Short URL = http://wild.tl/cbc
Gallery images
There are other downloads I am still working on.
You will probably need to login to access these — still all free.
* KML (google earth file)
* GPX (GPS file)
Special Maps/ brochures
* A3 topo maps
* PDF with Lands Topo map base
* PDF with arial image (and map overlay)
I wanted to get the main site live first, this extra stuff will come in time.
Happy walking
Matt 🙂
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