Relatively easy to reach via a short bushwalk and always fairly quiet (although it’s getting more popular), Flint and Steel Beach is my favourite West Head Beach. It’s a great “family beach” with the water fairly calm and lots of shady areas at both ends.
The sheltered, north-facing beach is near the mouth of the Hawkesbury, and normally has very small waves. Looking out from the beach is Broken Bay, with Lion Island in the middle.
Rock platforms at both ends of the beach are suitable for fishing – you’ll often see a few fisherman (they are mostly men fishing, although I use this term in a gender neutral way) at the western end of the beach on Flint and Steel Point.
Behind the beach is low grassy foredune, and it’s not uncommon to see wallabies grazing here, especially just before dusk.
Other than swimming (or fishing), there is lots to explore around the beach. Weathered rocks and caves ca be found at both ends of the beach.You can continue along the rocks at the eastern end of the bay, to reach another unnamed beach. If you look carefully, you may even spot some weathered Aboriginal rock engravings.
Getting to Flint and Steel Beach
A signposted track goes down from a large carpark from West Head Road to Flint and Steel Beach – it’s about 1km each way, with some steps and steep-ish sections.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can do the longer Flint and Steel Loop. The route traverses Flint and Steel Point and follows the coastline to Flint and Steel Bay, passing the remains of the old McGaw house.
More information on Flint and Steel Beach
- Beachsafe – Flint and Steel
- National Parks (NPWS) – Flint and Steel Track
Guide to West Head
For more information on West Head bushwalks and beaches, have a look at the Guide to West Head bushwalks or download the PDF summary below.
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