Georges Heights Battery: Incredible Views & Secret Tunnels
If you want the best view in Sydney without the crowds of Mrs Macquarie's Chair, go to Georges Heights. Perched 80 metres above sea level, this historic military precinct has a jaw-dropping 180-degree view of the harbour entrance, from the skyscrapers of the CBD to the rugged cliffs of North Head. It's one of the Sydney spots in Hidden Gems NSW.
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Built into the sandstone cliffs in the 1870s, the Georges Head Battery was the "brains" of the harbour's defence system. Today it's beautifully preserved parkland where you can walk through deep stone trenches past some of the most intact underground bunkers in Australia.
Quick Facts
- Access: Free, sunrise to sunset (Sydney Harbour National Park). Some tunnels are restricted and only opened on guided tours.
- Location: Suakin Drive, Mosman
- Difficulty: Very easy (mostly flat, paved paths; tunnel entries are via narrow stairs)
- Best for: Sunset views, military history and wedding photography
How to Get to Georges Head Battery
It's in the Headland Park precinct of Mosman and very easy to reach.
- By car: Drive to the end of Suakin Drive, Mosman. There's paid parking right next to the Headland Park area, plus limited parking at Gunners Barracks via Commonwealth Avenue.
- The walk: From the car park, follow the signs to the Georges Head Lookout. The battery is an easy 5-minute walk from the shops and cafes.
- The scenic route: If you're doing the Taronga Zoo to Balmoral Beach walk, the track passes right through the Georges Heights fortifications.
Highlights of Georges Head Battery
- The underground command post: Stairs lead down into the tunnels once used to coordinate the guns across the harbour. Some tunnels are restricted and only opened on guided tours, such as the volunteer-led Tunnels and Gunners Tour (check current dates). Never enter fenced or sealed tunnels.
- The gun pits: Walk past the deep, circular pits that once held massive "disappearing" guns, designed to drop back into the earth after firing to hide from enemy ships.
- The sandstone trenches: Unlike the ruins at Malabar, the trenches here are beautifully carved and safe to walk through. The geometry of the stone walls makes for some of the best architectural photography in Sydney.
Tips for Your Visit
- The "secret" coffee stop: Just a few steps from the battery is Frenchy's Cafe, a local favourite tucked away in the heritage buildings. Perfect for a croissant after your morning walk.
- Whale watching: In June and July, the lookout is an underrated spot to look for whales off the harbour entrance with binoculars.
- The best picnic spot: Directly above the battery is a big, flat grassy lawn. It's rarely crowded and has the same million-dollar views as the pricey restaurants nearby.
- Respect the heritage: Stick to the established trails and don't climb on or mark the fortifications.
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Georges Head Battery FAQs
Is Georges Head Battery free?
Yes. It's free to visit and open sunrise to sunset as part of Sydney Harbour National Park. Parking nearby is paid or limited.
Can you go inside the Georges Head tunnels?
Some tunnels are restricted and only opened on guided tours like the volunteer-led Tunnels and Gunners Tour. Don't enter fenced or sealed tunnels.
Where do you park for Georges Heights?
At the end of Suakin Drive in Mosman, next to Headland Park, or in the limited parking at Gunners Barracks off Commonwealth Avenue.
