St Georges Head

Wild clifftop lookout with big surf and winter whale sightings
St Georges Head, Booderee National Park
InsideBooderee National Park

Overview

St Georges Head is the wild, wave-battered tip of Bherwerre Peninsula, prized for sweeping cliff-top vistas and a real sense of remoteness. It’s a destination for hikers who want big-coast scenery without the crowds or facilities.

How to Get There and Routes

Start at Steamers Beach car park at the southern end of the park. You’ve got two good options:

  • Out-and-back to St Georges Head: about 14.8 km return with ~390 m of elevation, typically 4–4.5 hours. Skip the final steep stairs to Steamers Beach if you’re focused on the headland views.
  • Headland Circuit: a roughly 11.4 km loop linking lookouts, coves, and side spurs. The park suggests around 4 hours for the main loop; allow up to 6 hours if you add side trips to beaches or linger at viewpoints.

What You’ll See

Expect towering sea cliffs, endless Pacific views, and the thunder of surf below. The loop can add quieter coves like Kittys Beach, Blacks Harbour, and Whiting Beach for sheltered rests. Steamers Beach is striking and isolated—great to admire from above, not to swim.

Wildlife

Scan the cliffs for sea eagles. Winter reliably brings migrating whales cruising past the headlands. On land, kangaroos and varied birdlife are common across the park.

Safety and Essentials

There are unfenced cliff edges—keep well back, especially in wind. Do not swim at Steamers Beach due to strong rips/tows and known large sharks; if you want a dip, use more sheltered spots like Kittys or Whiting and assess conditions. The track is well-signed but undulating with sandy patches and short steep sections. Carry all the water and food you need; there’s no potable water on route.

Facilities (or lack thereof)

There are no amenities at St Georges Head or at the Steamers Beach car park. Nearest facilities are at Murrays Beach car park, Green Patch, and Cave Beach (day-use/camp areas).

Trip Planning

Allow most of a day if you’re doing the circuit with side trips. Start early, bring sun protection, and check park updates for entry, hours, roadworks, or any temporary closures.

Best Time to Visit

Spring and autumn mornings offer mild temperatures and quieter trails. Winter afternoons can be excellent for whale watching. Light is best on clear mornings for crisp cliff detail; late-day glow can be lovely on the return leg.

Pros

  • Huge, wild clifftop views over pounding surf
  • Reliable winter whale-watching from the headland

Cons

  • No toilets or water anywhere on the route
  • Steamers Beach nearby is unsafe for swimming (rips and sharks)

Tips

  • Choose the out-and-back for fastest views; pick the Headland Circuit for variety.
  • Carry all water—there are no taps on the trail or at the car park.
  • Skip the steep stairs to Steamers Beach unless you specifically want the beach view.
  • For a safer swim, detour to Kittys or Whiting Beach instead of Steamers.
  • Winter is prime for whale spotting—pack binoculars and a wind layer.
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