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PLACES OF INTEREST

An old cannon "protects" Sydney Harbour, much as it would have done in 1871 when the Georges Head (A84) Battery was constructed. Picture: © Sydney.com.au

Former military fortification boasts
some of the best harbour views

Some of the best views of Sydney Harbour from the northern shores are from a reserve called Georges Heights Lookout, which is situated on Georges Head and is part of Sydney's Lower North Shore.

It's a little awkward to get to, but the 180-degree views of the harbour, CBD and Sydney's Eastern Suburbs are worth the effort. And you get to see the remnants of what was was once one of Sydney's most important military fortifications in the late 1800s.

The lookout is the former site of the A84 Battery, which was set up at Georges Head to protect Sydney Harbour from naval threats. The Georges Head Battery was one of three forts in the area that were built for the purpose of defending the outer harbour

It originally housed six guns in open circular pits connected by zig-zag passages and tunnels that lead to an underground magazine.

Artillerymen were housed in a nearby sandstone building know as Gunners Barracks.

GETTING THERE
The Chowder Bay to Balmoral Beach walking path passes the lookout. Alternatively, you can catch a 244 bus from Wynyard Station in the CBD to Middle Head Road and alight at Kahibah Road (route stop 2088100). Walk a further 70 metres along Middle Head Road until you reach Suakin Drive. Walk to the end of Suakin Drive.