The lookout is on The Scenic Road in Killcare Heights, just south of the Bouddi National Park Visitor Centre. Named after Marie Byles, the first proponent of a Bouddi National Park, the lookout has beautiful views to the south, along the coast, and over parts of Broken Bay.
A carpark allows easy access to the lookout, although no toilets are present. The area is well fenced due to the steep terrain. The views are amazing. An information board details the life of Marie Byles, which enables you to appreciate what she achieved. Additional boards point out features you can see and provide information on migrating whales.
Marie Byles
Marie Byles (8 April 1900 – 21 November 1979) was a committed conservationist, pacifist, the first practising female solicitor in New South Wales, mountaineer, explorer and avid bushwalker, feminist, journalist, and an original member of the Buddhist Society in New South Wales.
The Views
The views along the coastline and over the ocean are amazing. If you are unable to walk to some of the other lookouts, this one is great, because it lets you see some great views.
Named in memory of Allen Strom who dedicated much of his life to the establishment of many national parks and nature reserves in the state, this lookout is a tribute to him. A plaque in his memory is located here, overlooking the forests and water below.
How to Get There
The Wards Hill Carpark is a convenient place to park, because it is located near the beginning of the walking trail to the lookout. There are two trails that start at the car park. To go to the lookout, you need to follow Rocky Point Trail. This easy, 900m walk passes through eucalypt forest along a well formed and easy to follow path. A sign on the track points to a small side track, where the lookout is located.
The lookout provides views over Hardys Bay and extend across to Wagstaffe and Ettalong. The views are great making the short 900m walk very worthwhile. The lookout area is fenced, ensuring that visitors do not get too close to the side of the hill.
Norah Head is home to beautiful beaches and a historic lighthouse, as well as the Merchant Mariners’ Memorial, making it a great place to visit.
Merchant Mariners’ Memorial
The memorial commemorates merchant mariners who have died in service or have been killed in action in times of conflict. Located in a beautiful setting overlooking the ocean, the main memorial is surrounded by plaques commemorating ships lost locally.
Merchant Mariners’ Memorial
The Nimbin Memorial Plaque
The Age Memorial Plaque
Iron Chieftain Memorial Plaque
Norah Head Lighthouse
Norah Head Light is an active lighthouse located at Norah Head, a headland on the Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia, close to Toukley. It is the last lighthouse of the James Barnet style to be built, and the last staffed lighthouse constructed in New South Wales.
Officially displayed for the first time in 1903, the original vaporized kerosene burner was upgraded in 1923, electrified in 1961 and automated and de-manned in 1994, after more than 90 years of being staffed. It celebrated its centenary in 2003.
The concrete block tower is 27.5 metres (90 ft) high, topped by a bluestone gallery. On top of the gallery is the original Chance Bros. lantern. This lantern holds the original housing of the Chance Bros. 1st order bivalve dioptric Fresnel lens.
Tours of the lighthouse are not currently available, however these may resume in the future, so you should check to see if they are running.
Norah Head Lighthouse
Norah Head Beaches
From the lighthouse, steps lead down to the rock platform and beach, making access easy. However, because of the uneven rock surface, the area is not suitable for prams and wheelchairs. Popular for fishing, the rock platform also offers some interesting geological formations to look at. Weathering has left some interesting patterns on rocks and the waves have cut channels in the platform.
Following the shoreline south, you will find a nice sandy beach. However, to get there means climbing over some rocks, which we enjoyed, but others may not, as they are slippery, high and uneven. If the tide is fully out you maybe able to access the beach to get around them. At the edge of the beach are several small caves which were fun to sit in and watch the surf crashing on the beach.
Further along the coast is Pebbly Beach, which has another rock platform and great views over the ocean.
Wooden Steps Down to Norah Head Rock Platform
Caves on the Beach
Looking Towards Soldiers Point and Pebbly Beach
Fallen Boulders Below the Lighthouse
Soldiers Beach
Located south of Pebbly Beach and the lighthouse, Soldiers Beach is a popular swimming spot. Easy access from the carpark means that more people visit here than the beaches to the north of Soldiers Point.
In addition to the excellent beach, walk over the point itself at low tide, there are some great rock pools to explore. A kiosk at the carpark serves snacks and drinks, which is great on a hot day.
The amenities block has a beautiful whale painting on it, turning an otherwise boring building into something beautiful.
Soldiers Point Norah Head
Soldiers Beach Norah Head
Whale Artwork at Soldiers Beach
Norah Head Lighthouse
Food and Drinks
If the cafe at the lighthouse is not open, another great option is the General Store on Bush street. It has plenty of parking nearby and seating available outside, so that you can enjoy the relaxed surroundings.
