


McKay Reserve stairway drops to a rocky Palm Beach headland with sweeping views of Barrenjoey Headland and the lighthouse—great for coastal landscapes, sunrise/sunset color, and long-exposure seascapes. Short but steep steps from Barrenjoey Rd; no entry fee. Best at sunrise for east-facing light or at golden hour for warm tones; low tide reveals foreground rocks. Parking on Barrenjoey Rd/Palm Beach is limited—arrive early on weekends. Popular with locals and surfers, so expect passersby.



McKay Reserve stairway drops to a rocky Palm Beach headland with sweeping views of Barrenjoey Headland and the lighthouse—great for coastal landscapes, sunrise/sunset color, and long-exposure seascapes. Short but steep steps from Barrenjoey Rd; no entry fee. Best at sunrise for east-facing light or at golden hour for warm tones; low tide reveals foreground rocks. Parking on Barrenjoey Rd/Palm Beach is limited—arrive early on weekends. Popular with locals and surfers, so expect passersby.