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North Head

Sydney Harbour National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about North Head.

Getting there and parking

By car:

North Head is located on North Head Scenic Drive, off Darley Road in Manly. The site is five minutes drive from Manly and 30 minutes drive from the city.

By ferry:

Catch a ferry from Circular Quay wharf to Manly wharf. From there, take the 135 bus to North Head Q Station.

Road quality

  • Sealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • All weather

Parking

There's parking in 2 asphalt carparks along North Head Scenic Drive opposite Bella Vista Cafe. Each carpark includes 2 accessible parking spaces.

It can be a busy place on the weekend, so parking might be limited.

Facilities

Toilets

There are toilets 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.

  • Flush toilets

Picnic tables

There is an accessible picnic shelter set on a concrete slab between the 2 carparks at North Head. You can reach the picnic shelter along a concrete path.

Carpark

Rubbish bin

There are rubbish and recycling bins at North Head.

Step-free access

North Head is flat and step-free, with concrete pathways from the carpark opposite Bella Vista Cafe to the lookout area. 

  • Step-free outdoor pathways

Seats and resting points

There are sandstone slab benches at North Head. They don't have backrests or armrests. There are also timber bench seats with backrests and armrests.

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.

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).

Water activities

Beaches, rivers and lakes in NSW national parks offer lots of opportunities for water activities. Please take care in the water and find out how to help your family and friends stay safe around water.

Accessibility

Disability access level - easy

The scenic area at North Head from Bella Vista Café to Fairfax walk and its lookouts is flat, step-free and accessible:

  • There are 1.5m wide concrete pathways that take you to the lookout area and onto Fairfax walk
  • The 2 asphalt carparks have 2 accessible parking spaces each
  • There are accessible toilets behind Bella Vista Cafe, opposite North Head Sanctuary Visitor Centre, Manly (Sydney Harbour Federation Trust)
  • Seats and rest points are available, including timber benches with backrests and armrests, sandstone slab benches and an accessible picnic shelter.

Access around the rest of the headland may require assistance.

Permitted

Fishing

A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.

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.

North Head

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