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South Head tunnels tour

Sydney Harbour National Park

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Overview

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Discover historic tunnels carved out of the sandstone beneath South Head, Sydney Harbour National Park, on this 1.8km guided tour.

When

Tours run 10.30am to 11.15am, 11.30am to 12.15pm, and 12.30pm to 1.15 pm.

2024 dates: Thursday 11 July, Sunday 4 August, Sunday 1 and 29 September and Sunday 3 and 24 November. 

2025 dates: Sunday 16 March, 6 April, 4 May and 1 June.

 

Accessibility
No wheelchair access
Grade
Medium. Suitable for adults and teens 16 years and over, with a medium level of fitness. There is an 800m walk up to the lighthouse.
Price

Adult $25 per person. Concession $20 per person.

Meeting point
Hornby Lighthouse, South Head. Meet 15 minutes before your tour.
Bookings
Bookings required. Phone 1300 072 757 for more information or book online.
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South Head was a key location in the defence of Sydney Harbour from the 1870s until World War II. During this tour you'll explore the rarely opened tunnels carved out of the sandstone beneath South Head. These tunnels led to the magazines where gun powder was stored. We'll also explore the gun emplacements where that gun powder was used. During your tour you'll learn about the tragic sinking of the Dunbar, in which 121 people perished. We'll also find out about Hornby Lighthouse, which was constructed to prevent future shipwrecks.

It's a good idea to bring walking shoes, a torch, and clothes to suit the weather.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

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Bookings

Operated by

Image of: NSW National Parks logo
  • NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service

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
See more visitor info