New pedestrian bridge
Middle Head has lots of historic defensive structures, including a V-shaped dry moat known as the Outer Defensive Ditch, carved into the bedrock to protect the guns from landward attack. The new walking track will cross the ditch via a new bridge, which will also serve as a small viewing platform providing a view down the ditch and across the inner harbour. The stainless steel bridge with a fibre-reinforced polymer deck will be durable and require minimal maintenance.
Improvements at Chowder Bay Road
Chowder Bay Road serves as the sole public road access from Middle Head Road to Chowder Bay. This vital road ensures convenient access for visitors to Obelisk Beach, as well as for delivery vehicles and buses to Chowder Bay. The surface of the 1 km-long road surface continues to deteriorate due to inadequate drainage design. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will be restoring and upgrading the drainage to prevent this ongoing deterioration and renew some sections of the road surface. This work is expected to commence in September 2024.
Interpretation signs
To enrich the visitor experience, we will install new interpretation signs and other installations that detail the area's history. These signs will be installed along the walk and within some of the accessible military structures by the end of September 2024, providing educational insights into the historical significance of the area.
Timeframe
- Completed: The walking track from Georges Head to the 1801 Battery was completed and opened in December 2023.
- Upcoming: The walking track from the 1801 Battery to Outer Middle Head is expected to open upon the completion of the new bridge over the defensive ditch, expected by the end of September 2024.
- Improvements: Chowder Bay Road drainage upgrades, road repairs, a small accessible roadside viewing area, and a pathway connecting the new walking track to Chowder Bay are scheduled to be completed by the end of December 2024.
- Full project completion: The entire project is expected to be completed by December 2024.
Please note that occasional closures may be necessary over the next 6 months for the lifting of materials by helicopter and roadworks. We recommend checking current alerts for details before planning your visit to avoid any inconvenience.