Central Coast Bushwalk

Norah Head Lighthouse Loop (1.5km)

A 1.5km loop around Norah Head Lighthouse on the Central Coast. Lovely in winter for whale spotting, accessible out to the lighthouse and part dog friendly.

At a glance

Distance: 1.5km circuit
Grade: Grade 1, no experience required, flat and even
Dogs: Part of the walk only
Wheelchair: Part of the walk, sealed path out to the lighthouse
Prams: Part of the walk, sealed path out to the lighthouse
Toilets: Yes
Parking: Yes

This is a great walk to do in winter and it is fantastic for whale spotting. You head out along the headland to the historic Norah Head Lighthouse, down to the rock platform and beach, then loop back along the nature trail with the ocean beside you the whole way.

The start of the walk to the lighthouse is accessible, so you can take your pram or your grandparents to visit the lighthouse. There is a cafe and a playground at the top where you can get fish and chips, so it is an easy one to do with kids. Only parts of the walk are dog friendly. You can take your dog on a lead to the lighthouse and along the nature trail, but not down the stairs to the beach.

Elevation change: mostly flat and accessible out to the lighthouse and along the nature trail, with a set of stairs down to the beach and back.

Walk directions

Start at the Norah Head Lighthouse car park and head down to the lighthouse. Go down the stairs at the bottom and turn left: -33.282109, 151.573852 Google Maps Link
Head up the stairs to the cafe and playground where you can get fish and chips: -33.279185, 151.569378 Google Maps Link
Go along the nature trail back to the car park: -33.279705, 151.569314 Google Maps Link

The white Norah Head Lighthouse tower, built in 1903, against a clear blue sky on the grassy headland

Families relaxing on the lawn below Norah Head Lighthouse with a small heritage signal hut in the foreground

The accessible concrete path and white timber fence leading up to Norah Head Lighthouse

A walker in the doorway of the heritage Norah Head Semaphore Flag Signal Station, established 1903

Timber stairs and railing leading down through coastal scrub to the rock platform and beach below Norah Head

Ocean view from the Norah Head coastal walk over the heath to the rock platform, beach and breaking waves, a good spot for whale watching in winter

The ocean and rock shelf seen from the nature trail at Norah Head, with coastal grasses and a weathered fence post in the foreground

The restored white and navy signal hut on the lawn at Norah Head Lighthouse reserve

Norah Head Lighthouse with visitors resting on the grassy slope in the afternoon light

Similar Bushwalks

Wyrrabalong Coastal Walk (4km One Way)Red Gum Loop (4km)The Entrance North to Canton Beach (25km One Way)

The book

33 dog walks in the book

A Cornucopia of Central Coast Walks has a dog section with 33 walks your dog can come on, from the beaches at Forresters, Pearl Beach and Patonga to the trails at Strickland and Mt Alison. Each one has a map and numbered directions.

See the book

Get Started

Thinking about a
project?

We take on a small number of projects at a time, so you get Shea, not a junior. There is usually room to start something new.

Book a free 15 min chat Talk to Us

4.9 out of 5 from 15 Google reviews

This walk is on Darkinung country. Good Architect acknowledges the Darkinung people as the Traditional Custodians of this land and we pay our respects to Elders, past, present and emerging. Darkinjung Land Council.