Barrenjoey Head Aquatic Reserve
Barrenjoey Head Aquatic Reserve at Palm Beach has rock fishing as its standout feature: line fishing and spearfishing from the rock are permitted within NSW size and bag limits. The protected rocky shore wraps around Barrenjoey Headland, beside the historic lighthouse.
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About Barrenjoey Head Aquatic Reserve
Rock Fishing and Collecting Rules at Barrenjoey Head Aquatic Reserve
Barrenjoey Head Aquatic Reserve permits line fishing subject to normal NSW size and bag limits. Spearfishing from the rock is allowed at Barrenjoey Head Aquatic Reserve, subject to normal restrictions. Eastern and southern rock lobster, blacklip abalone, sea lettuce and bait weed may be taken from Barrenjoey Head Aquatic Reserve when size, bag and method limits are observed. Bait cannot be collected at Barrenjoey Head Aquatic Reserve. Collecting cunjevoi, invertebrates and marine vegetation is prohibited at Barrenjoey Head Aquatic Reserve, while competitions and collecting for scientific or educational purposes require a permit.
Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk on Barrenjoey Headland
The walk to the top of Barrenjoey Headland covers 1km and requires moderate fitness, taking about 30 minutes each way. Barrenjoey Lighthouse, a Hawkesbury Sandstone lighthouse first lit in 1881, stands at the headland's summit with panoramic views over Pittwater, Broken Bay and Palm Beach. Two walking routes lead up the headland: the Smugglers Track, a short steep pinch, and the Access Trail, which is gentler but longer. The headland also hosts several bird of prey species, including white-bellied sea eagles and whistling kites.
Facilities at Barrenjoey Head Aquatic Reserve
Visitor tips for Barrenjoey Head Aquatic Reserve
- ✓Allow about an hour return for the headland walk, since each way takes around 30 minutes before any time spent at the lighthouse.
- ✓Take the Access Trail if you want a gentler climb, or the Smugglers Track if you prefer the shortest route and can handle a steep section.
- ✓Confirm current NSW size and bag limits before rock fishing, because the reserve's fishing and collection rules depend on them.
Getting to Barrenjoey Head Aquatic Reserve
Barrenjoey Rd, Palm Beach NSW 2108, at the northern end of the Palm Beach isthmus. Walks to the headland start from the Governor Phillip parking area, where parking is paid unless you hold a Northern Beaches resident permit.
Open in Google Maps →Frequently asked questions about Barrenjoey Head Aquatic Reserve
What sports or recreation can I do at Barrenjoey Head Aquatic Reserve, like snorkelling or diving?
Line fishing and spearfishing from the rock are the confirmed water activities at Barrenjoey Head Aquatic Reserve. Rock lobster, abalone, sea lettuce and bait weed may be taken within size, bag and method limits, but bait cannot be collected.
Where can I park when visiting Barrenjoey Head Aquatic Reserve in Palm Beach?
Visitors park at the Governor Phillip parking area, which is paid unless you hold a Northern Beaches resident permit. Walks to the headland begin from this car park.
Are there walking paths around Barrenjoey Head in Palm Beach?
Two walking routes climb the headland from the car park: the Smugglers Track, which is short and steep, and the Access Trail, which is gentler but longer.
How long is the walk to the top of Barrenjoey Headland?
The walk to the top of Barrenjoey Headland is 1km and takes about 30 minutes each way from the Governor Phillip parking area. It requires moderate fitness.
What makes Barrenjoey Head Aquatic Reserve special compared to other Northern Beaches spots?
The reserve protects the rocky shore around Barrenjoey Headland, which supports a wide variety of marine life and is set beneath the Hawkesbury Sandstone lighthouse. Its headland also hosts white-bellied sea eagles and whistling kites.