DIFFICULTY RATING – EASY/CAUTION (Track is a little challenging in places)
Description
The lighthouse is located on Grotto Point in Balgowlah Heights a 10 minute walk from end of Cutler Road through Sydney Harbour National Park and is part of the Manly Scenic Walkway.
Parking
There is a free car park at the end of Cutler Road and plenty of street parking.
Time of Day
The point faces almost due south an is excellent at any time of day but sunrise and sunset offer the potential for colour in the sky.
Special considerations:
- the track is rough in areas so use caution, wear suitable walking shoes
- the walk to the light house is down hill so allow more time for the return journey (approx 20 mins)
- the cliff edges are soft and slippery in the wet – do not venture too close to them
- if you are new to the area take careful note of where you turn off the track (use chalk to mark the trees if you’re unsure)
- for sunset and sunrise shoots a headlamp or torch is a MUST
- in the summer months a liberal spray of Aeroguard, Rid or Bushman’s is recommended for the ticks and mosquitoes
Suggested equipment
No specialist equipment is required. Suits wide-angled and zoom lenses for shots of Balmoral, boats etc. A polariser maybe beneficial as there is a lovely rock platform at the bottom of the cliff.
How to get there
Park in the carpark at the end of Cutler Road in Balgowlah Heights and take the path next to the sign near the fence. You’ll come to a junction, left takes you to Manly right takes you to the Spit, take the right hand path. As you walk down the path (currently being upgraded) you’ll see a sign to some Aboriginal engravings on your left, don’t take this turn off – continue straight ahead for another 100 m or so till you come to a 3 way intersection, you want to take the less obvious LEFT path. Straight ahead takes you to Castle Rock and the Spit. The smaller left track is not sign posted and this is a good place to mark a tree with chalk. Follow this all the way to the end, some tracks lead off to the left which brings you to some nice lookouts with views to North Head stay on the main path for the light house which is at the end of the track.
Be sure to check out more shoot locations at: http://www.freephotoguies.com