Lock up your Dads, a new military history nature walk just dropped on the North Shore

The Bondi-Manly coastal walk got another addition on the North shore this week – a brand-new walking track in Middle Head – Gubbuh Gubbuh, offering locals and visitors a new way to experience the area’s natural beauty and rich military history.

 📍 🚶 Where is it and how long is the track?

The 3-kilometre trail traces the coastline from Middle Head to Georges Head, linking up with the existing Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay track.

As you wander along the clifftop path, you can take in sublime panoramic views of Sydney Harbour, the city skyline, and surrounding headlands.

A new bridge and several lookout points provide even more opportunities to behold the scenery, and you can continue on to Cobblers Beach for a post-walk swim.

🐋 🪖 Harbor views and historical heritage

As well as the views, the track offers a fascinating story.

Middle Head has been a key military site for over 200 years, and this new trail takes you past restored World War II fortifications, including twin 6-pounder gun casemates and former artillery positions.

You’ll also spot the refurbished 19th-century NSW School of Artillery buildings, now restored to their original condition from 150 years ago.

One of the most intriguing stops is a former engine room, which was repurposed as an interrogation room during the Malayan Emergency and later the Vietnam War.

The new track provides safe and easy access to these significant military relics, as well as connecting the previously hard-to-reach historic sites.

“This $9.5 million project, implemented over six years, delivers the missing link between the headlands, and connects to Chowder Bay and the Bondi to Manly Walk, creating a seamless walking experience for visitors,” Mosman Council announced earlier this week.

You can read all about the development of walking track here, and find more information here.

👟 🧢 Planning your walk

Starting Point: Middle Head/Gubbuh Gubbuh
End Point: Georges Head Distance: 3 km (one way)
Difficulty: Medium
What to Bring: Sturdy shoes, drinking water, sunscreen, a hat, and binoculars for spotting local wildlife
Parking: Available 100m away on Middle Head Road (paid parking)
Best time to visit: Any time of year, but keep in mind that between June and September, the tunnels are home to hibernating bent-wing bats.

Thumbnail images from National Parks NSW