Last verified 09/26
Norah Head is a coastal village on the NSW Central Coast. It sits between Soldiers Beach and Lakes Beach, about 20 minutes north of The Entrance. The historic lighthouse is the main attraction, but there's more to enjoy here.
Whenever I visit, I like having a swim, exploring the headland and taking in the coastal scenery. If you’re after a laid-back day by the ocean, Norah Head is a great pick.
As the sun begins to set, you’ll see people strolling the paths around the lighthouse and stopping at the lookouts to admire the sweeping ocean views. It feels like everyone is on holiday.
Visiting this weekend? Check what’s on across the Central Coast for markets, festivals and family events.
On this page
Is Norah Head Worth Visiting?
About Norah Head
Norah Head sits on a rocky headland with Soldiers Beach to the south and Cabbage Tree Harbour to the north.
The two swimming spots feel very different: Soldiers Beach has open surf and a long stretch of sand, whereas Cabbage Tree Harbour has calmer water and a sheltered rockpool. You can visit them separately or string them together in one day.
Norah Head is mostly a residential village. You’ll find a handful of cafés, restaurants and shops around Bungary Road.
The setting is what makes it special. The lighthouse stands high above the ocean, and walking paths follow the edge of the headland.
Best Things to Do in Norah Head
Spend the Day at Soldiers Beach
Soldiers Beach is one of my favourite beaches on the Central Coast.
It’s a beautiful, natural surf beach with a wide stretch of sand, surrounding bushland and very little development. Even though we’ve visited many times, it still feels like we’re on holiday.
The beach is popular with surfers, and it’s patrolled during the warmer months, so it’s a good choice if you want to swim between the flags.
It’s easy to stay here for hours. There’s parking near the surf club, toilets, and food close by.
Swim at Cabbage Tree Harbour and Norah Head Rockpool
If you prefer flat water to surf, head to Cabbage Tree Harbour.
It’s on the northern side of the headland. You’ll find a small sandy beach, a boat ramp and the large Norah Head Rockpool.
We spent a lot of time at the rockpool when our kids were small. It’s one of the best rockpools for young children. The depth changes with the tide, though, and it’s not patrolled.
There are toilets near the water and a cafe and playground about 300m away.
Access to the rockpool is from Bald Street, where there’s parking near the harbour. It can sometimes be hard to find parking on weekends.
Visit Norah Head Lighthouse
Most people picture the lighthouse when they think of Norah Head. It’s easy to see why.
The white tower was built in 1903. It stands on a grassy headland with ocean views in nearly every direction.
It’s a great spot for photos, especially late in the day when the light softens.
We often come after a day at the beach. In the late afternoon, people take photos, stop at the lookouts and wander the grounds.
A path circles the lighthouse. There are benches facing the ocean, so you don’t need a tour to enjoy it.
Climb the lighthouse
Guided tours take you up 96 stairs to the balcony. The tower is 27 metres tall, and you get 360-degree views along the coast.
Your guide also explains the lighthouse’s history and how it worked.
Day tours start from 10am. The last one leaves at 1.30pm. There are no tours on Christmas Day or Anzac Day, and bad weather can cancel them.
No need to book. You can register and pay at the lighthouse by card.
Check the official Norah Head Lighthouse tour information for current prices and details.
Walk Around Norah Head Lighthouse
My favourite thing here is walking from the lighthouse down to the shoreline.
A path leads to the edge of the headland. Steps then take you down to a huge rock platform, which we like walking on.
It’s an impressive view. The lighthouse towers above the rocks, and the ocean fills the horizon.
Norah Head Lighthouse Loop Walk
If you’d like a set route, try the Norah Head Lighthouse Loop. It’s about 2.5 kilometres and takes roughly one to one and a quarter hours without stops.
The route starts near Bush Street Reserve. It follows the headland to the lighthouse, then returns along the coast. You’ll enjoy lookouts along the way.
It’s short, but it’s graded 4. Parts have steps, sand, uneven rocks and exposed shoreline.
You’ll find a route description and map on Wildwalks.
The mix of rocks, sand, bush and sea makes it a great short walk.
Enjoy the Coastal Views and Watch for Whales
You don’t have to climb the tower to get good views.
The headland has several lookouts with wide views along the coast.
From May to November, humpback whales pass by on their migration. Norah Head is a good place to watch for them.
Bring binoculars if you visit in those months. You might spot one from the headland.
Outside whale season, I still think the scenery is reason enough to visit.
Visit the Norah Head Sunset Markets
If the Norah Head Sunset Markets are on, they’re a nice way to end the day.
They’re held at Mazlin Reserve, where you’ll find food trucks, stalls and live music.
We like to bring a picnic rug, choose something to eat from the food trucks and enjoy the live music and atmosphere.
After a day of beach and walking, it’s a relaxed way to enjoy the evening and wind down.
Check the official Sunset Markets website for dates.
Explore Nearby Towns, Beaches and Walks
Staying longer? There’s plenty more nearby.
The Entrance
The Entrance is about 20 minutes south. It’s known for its waterfront, pelican feeding and family attractions.
Canton Beach
Canton Beach is quieter. You get lakeside walks beside Tuggerah Lake and good sunset views.
Wyrrabalong National Park
If you like bushwalking, try the northern section of Wyrrabalong National Park.
The Lillypilly Loop Trail is a 3.5-kilometre walk through coastal rainforest. The Red Gum Trail is a 3.4-kilometre circuit through coastal forest. Both are Grade 3 and separate from the lighthouse loop.
Where to Eat & Drink in Norah Head
Norah Head has a small mix of cafés, bakeries and restaurants. You won’t need to go far after the beach.
Where we eat depends on our day.
At Soldiers Beach, we’ll grab something casual from Surfside Snax. Or we’ll sit down at Dunes by Dish for a meal with an ocean view.
Norah Head Beach Haus works well for breakfast, coffee or lunch. It’s handy if you’re heading to the lighthouse or Cabbage Tree Harbour.
For dinner, we like Johnny Tapas or Dunes by Dish. Both suit a sit-down meal after a day outdoors.
Where to Stay in Norah Head
One of the most unusual stays is at the lighthouse itself.
Reflections Norah Head Lighthouse has three historic keeper’s cottages. Each sleeps up to nine guests. They’re in the lighthouse grounds, close to the walking paths and ocean views.
Families who want more facilities can try NRMA Norah Head Holiday Park. It has cabins, villas, caravan sites and camping sites. There’s also a pool, a splash area, a playground and a jumping pillow.
You’ll also find private holiday homes around Norah Head and nearby Noraville.
How to Spend a Day in Norah Head
If you have a full day, I’d start at the beach.
Spend the morning at Soldiers Beach. If you have little kids or prefer calm water, Cabbage Tree Harbour and the rockpool are a good alternative when conditions suit.
Stop for lunch at a nearby café or restaurant.
In the afternoon, head to the lighthouse. Walk the grounds and stop at the lookouts.
If the tide and swell allow, continue down to the rock platform. If not, enjoy the views from the upper paths.
Leave time for sunset. The headland looks its best in the late afternoon.
If the Sunset Markets are on, finish there with food and music. Otherwise, book dinner at Johnny Tapas or Dunes by Dish.
Want to climb the tower? Do it early. Tours finish in the early afternoon.
How to Get to Norah Head
By Car
Norah Head is about one hour and 45 minutes north of Sydney via the M1 Pacific Motorway.
Where you park depends on what you want to do.
For the lighthouse, follow Bush Street to the grounds. Visitor parking is available there.
For Soldiers Beach, take Soldiers Point Drive to the surf club and beach car park.
For Cabbage Tree Harbour and the rockpool, use Bald Street. Parking near the water is limited.
If you’re doing the full loop walk, the route starts at Bush Street Reserve near Young Street.
Car parks can fill up on weekends, school holidays and good sunset evenings.
By Train and Bus
The nearest major train station is Wyong.
From there, local buses run to the Norah Head area. Route 91 connects Lake Haven and Norah Head via Toukley and Noraville.
Use the Transport for NSW Trip Planner to check connections and return times.
A car is easier if you want to fit in the beaches, lighthouse and a meal in one day.
Best Time to Visit Norah Head
You can visit Norah Head all year. The best time depends on what you want to do.
Summer suits Soldiers Beach and Cabbage Tree Harbour.
Autumn and spring are great for coastal walks. You also miss the worst of the summer heat.
From May to November, whale watching gives you another reason to go.
Explore More Central Coast Guides
Beaches
From sheltered bays to open surf beaches, find the right Central Coast beach for your next visit.
Towns
Explore coastal villages, lakeside towns, and local spots across the Central Coast.
Kids and Family
Find parks, beaches, and activities that are easy and fun for kids of all ages.
Things to Do
Find the best attractions, markets and experiences on the Central Coast.
Whale Watching
Discover the best whale watching lookouts on the Central Coast.
Eat and Drink
Find the best cafés, restaurants, bakeries and bars across the Central Coast.