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Sydney Harbour National Park

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What we're doing

Park management activities

Sydney Harbour National Park has management strategies in place to protect and conserve the values of this park. Visit the detailed park and fire management documents. Here is just some of the work we’re doing to conserve these values:

    NSW National Parks Visitor Infrastructure Upgrades

    Sydney Harbour scenic walk project

    NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is undertaking a range of projects to enhance visitor facilities and create new, iconic visitor experiences in our national parks, including Sydney Harbour National Park. These projects aim to increase nature-based tourism in NSW, to boost regional visitor economies and improve community wellbeing.

    Learn more about the Sydney Harbour scenic walk project.

     

    Neilsen Park seawall rebuild project

    NPWS is replacing the concrete seawall at Nielsen Park, in the Vaucluse area of Sydney Harbour National Park, to enhance visitor access and safety.

    Learn more about the Nielsen Park seawall rebuild project.

     

    Upgrade to improve access at North Head for visitors

    NPWS is improving visitor access at North Head in Sydney Harbour National Park. Register your interest to find out more about the planned projects at North Head.

    Register your interest in the North Head upgrade.

    Preserving biodiversity

    Sydney Harbour Park is home to endangered plant and animal populations, and protecting these is key to upholding the park’s biodiversity. Population monitoring, management and other conservation activities are ongoing in this park. NPWS collaborates with volunteers and other groups and agencies to ensure its native species are properly preserved. Protecting and revitalising such populations is an ongoing goal.

    Managing weeds, pest animals and other threats

    Pests and weeds have a significant impact on the ecosystems within Sydney Harbour National Park. NPWS carries out risk assessments for new and emerging weeds as well as fox control to protect biodiversity in this park.

    Developing visitor facilities and experiences

    The upkeep of Sydney Harbour National Park’s visitor facilities is an NPWS priority. Programs relating to the management and enhancement of the park’s walking tracks, trails, picnic spots, lookouts and other offerings are ongoing. Car parking processes and facilities are frequently reviewed, and park amenities and infrastructure receive regular maintenance.

    Conserving our Aboriginal culture

    Aboriginal culture is of great value to NPWS, and the condition of Aboriginal sites is reviewed and upgraded as required in Sydney Harbour National Park. NPWS works to ensure visitors are well informed about the history and importance of such assets, and maintenance programs are ongoing throughout the park.

    Managing fire

    NSW is one of the most bushfire prone areas in the world as a result of our climate, weather systems, vegetation and the rugged terrain. NPWS is committed to maintaining natural and cultural heritage values and minimising the likelihood and impact of bushfires via a strategic program of fire research, fire planning, hazard reduction, highly trained rapid response firefighting crews and community alerts.

    Contact

    • 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
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    See more visitor info

    Get involved

    Nielsen Park bush regeneration group

    Nielsen Park bush regeneration group

    If you’re available for volunteer work on a Tuesday morning, why not join the Nielsen Park bush regeneration group? The group meets weekly to remove weeds and regenerate Australian native plants at Nielsen Park, Vaucluse, in Sydney Harbour National Park.

    More volunteering