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Fairfax walk

Sydney Harbour National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Fairfax walk.

Track grading

Grade 1

Learn more about the grading system

Features of this track

Distance

1km loop

Time

30min - 1hr

Quality of markings

Clearly sign posted

Experience required

No experience required

Gradient

Flat

Quality of path

Well-formed track: There's a section at the start of the walk that's concrete, then the rest of the walk is along an asphalt path. The track is 2m wide along its length.

Steps

No steps: There are no steps along Fairfax walk. There is a sandstone staircase up to Burragula lookout, but you can also reach the lookout platform via a flat concrete pathway.

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    Fairfax walk starts at the North Head precinct of Sydney Harbour National Park.

    To get there, take Sydney Road to Manly, then take Darley Road onto North Head Scenic Drive.

    Road quality

    • Sealed roads

    Vehicle access

    • 2WD vehicles

    Weather restrictions

    • All weather

    Parking

    There's an asphalt carpark at the start of the walk. The carpark includes 2 accessible parking spaces.

    Facilities

    There are no toilets along Fairfax walk. The nearest toilets are behind Bella Vista Cafe, opposite the North Head Sanctuary Visitor Centre, Manly (Sydney Harbour Federation Trust). The toilets are accessible and can be reached along a concrete footpath.

    Seats and resting points

    There are seats and resting points at the 2 lookouts along the walk:

    • Burragula lookout has sandstone seating with a backrest
    • Yiningma lookout has sandstone block seating without backrests or armrests

    There's also one small sandstone seat along the walk and a timber bench with a backrest at the start of the walk.

    Maps and downloads

    Safety messages

    Beach safety

    Beaches in this park are not patrolled, and can sometimes have strong rips and currents. These beach safety tips will help you and your family stay safe in the water.

    Bushwalking safety

    If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

    Mobile safety

    Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

    Accessibility

    Disability access level - easy

    Fairfax walk is flat and step-free. The walk loops around North Head along a sealed asphalt pathway, with a concrete section at the start of the track.

    There are 2 lookouts along the walk, with seats and resting points:

    • Burragula lookout has sandstone seating with a backrest
    • Yiningma lookout has sandstone block seating without backrests or armrests

    There's also one small sandstone seat along the walk and a timber bench with a backrest at the start of the walk.

    The asphalt carpark at the start of the walk has 2 accessible parking spaces.

    Prohibited

    Drones

    Flying a drone for recreational purposes is prohibited in this area. Drones may affect public enjoyment, safety and privacy, interfere with park operations, or pose a threat to wildlife. See the Drones in Parks policy.

    This area may be a declared Drone Exclusion Zone, or may be subject to Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) rules for flying near airports, aerodromes and helicopter landing sites. See CASA's Drone Flyer Rules.

    Commercial filming and photography

    Commercial filming or photography is prohibited without prior consent. You must apply for permission and contact the local office.

    Pets

    Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

    Smoking

    NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

    Fairfax walk

    Operated by

    Park info

    • in Sydney Harbour National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region

    • Sydney Harbour National Park is open sunrise to sunset but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

    • Park entry fees:

      Bradleys Head: $8 per vehicle per day. North Head: $5 per vehicle per day. Tap and pay card or phone payments accepted at pay machines. Coin payment available at Fairfax carpark machines only. Chowder Bay: Monday-Friday: $3 per hour, to a maximum of $16 per day. Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays: $4 per hour, to a maximum of $20 per day. If you hold an NPWS All Parks or Multi Parks Pass, you can park free for up to four hours per day - additional time can be purchased. Car parks operated by Sydney Harbour Federation Trust or Mosman Council are not covered by your pass. Please check signs carefully. Park’nPay: You can also pay for your visit to any area via the Park’nPay app.

      Other fees:

      Landing fees or tour fees apply to visit Sydney Harbour islands. All public visitors to Shark, Clark or Rodd Island, need to pay a $7 per person landing fee. To arrange, please contact 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS). Annual NSW Parks Passes do not cover landing fees.

      Buy annual pass