Summary: Over ten metres in height, the Obelisk Trig at North Head was constructed around 1809 as a navigational aid for ships.

Visible from a long distance away, the Obelisk Trig at North Head is a tall sandstone column which is around 15m in height. Unlike most other trig points, the Obelisk trig was built to assist with maritime navigation.

The development and use of North Head has been influenced by its relative isolation from Sydney and its physical environment. This isolation slowed development of the area, although by 1810, the first land grants had been made to Richard Cheers and Gilbert Baker. A navigational obelisk was erected on the western side of North Head c.1809 to assist in navigating the entrance channels to the port. North Head was the first safe anchorage in Port Jackson.

NSW Heritage Office
Obelisk Trig at North Head

Getting to Obelisk Trig (North Head)

The Obeslisk trig is just below North Head Scenic Drive – but is very hard to see from above (despite its height). You can reach the trig station by descending an old sandstone wall from the road.

TS3597

Obelisk Trig (North Head)

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