Back to previous page

South Head tunnels tour

Sydney Harbour National Park

Open, check current alerts 

Current alerts in this area

Last reviewed: Fri 23 February 2024, 12.48pm

Applies from Mon 27 Nov 2023, 12.49pm. Last reviewed: Fri 23 Feb 2024, 12.48pm.

Other planned events: Hornby Light renovation works

Hornby Lighthouse at South Head is currently undergoing restoration and maintenance. Completion is scheduled for September 2024. South Head heritage trail remains open. However, views and access around the Hornby Lighthouse will be temporarily impacted during these works.

Nearby alerts

Applies from Mon 15 Apr 2024, 10.49am to Wed 17 Apr 2024, 8.00am. Last reviewed: Mon 15 Apr 2024, 10.53am

Closed areas: Middle Head precinct and tracks closed for aerial operations

Some areas in this park are closed from 8am until 5pm on Tuesday 15th April 2024 for aerial operations.

The closed areas are:

  • Middle Head Forts
  • Middle Head Precinct (including Soldiers Institute and Officers' Quarters
  • 1801 Lookout

These areas will remain open:

  • Cobblers Beach
  • Cobblers Beach track
  • Chowder Bay road
  • Obelisk Beach
  • Sydney Harbour Trust precincts at Middle Head and Georges Heights

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local park office.

Affects 1 park and 3 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 10 Apr 2024, 5.52pm to Fri 26 Apr 2024, 7.00am. Last reviewed: Wed 10 Apr 2024, 5.53pm

Other planned events: Nightworks scheduled at Fort Denison - Muddawahnyah

Nightworks are scheduled at Fort Denison - Muddawahnyah starting 5pm Sunday 14 April until approximately 7am, Friday 26 April 2024. Please note:

  • Intermittent noise from handheld tools may occur during works between 5pm and 7am each evening.
  • Passing vessels are asked to slow and minimise wash impacts to the Northern side of the Fort between the hours of 5pm and 7am.
  • No vessels are permitted to approach, berth, or moor at the Fort during this time.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, email or call the NPWS Sydney South Area office on 02 9337 5511.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 9 Apr 2024, 11.58am to Fri 10 May 2024, 6.00pm. Last reviewed: Tue 9 Apr 2024, 12.24pm

Closed areas: Cascades Trail closed for trail upgrades

Cascades Fire Trail is closed from Tuesday 10th April 2024 to Friday 10th April 2024 for trail upgrades. 

The entire trail will be closed. 

Please note the following tracks and trails will be closed from where they intersect with Cascades Fire Trail:

Upper Cambourne Fire Trail 

Lower Cambourne Fire Trail 

Middle Harbour Creek Walking Track 

Frenchs Creek Walking Track

Penalties apply for non-compliance.

For more information during business hours contact the local park office:

02 9451 3479 

For after hours, contact the National Parks Contact Centre 7am to 7pm daily on 1300 072 757

Affects 1 park and 3 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 5 Dec 2018, 7.23pm. Last reviewed: Thu 4 Apr 2024, 2.54pm

Other planned events: North Head Scenic Drive gate opening times

The North Head Scenic Drive gate opening times are:

  • AEDT From 1 October 2023 to 7 April 2024 - from 5am to 8.30pm
  • AEST From 8 April 2024 to 6 October 2024 -  from 6am to 6pm

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 15 Feb 2024, 5.04pm to Wed 15 May 2024, 5.10pm. Last reviewed: Fri 22 Mar 2024, 1.20pm

Closed areas: Artillery track closed

Artillery track is currently closed to allow for safety inspection and repairs to be undertaken. Boora Point walking track remains open.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 18 Mar 2024, 9.57am to Fri 28 Jun 2024, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Thu 4 Apr 2024, 2.05pm

Closed areas: Berowra walking track partial closure

Berowra walking track is partially closed until further notice from Apple Tree Bay to the Mt-Ku-ring-gai access track. There is a threat of rockfalls due to slope instability caused by recent weather events. NPWS is in the process of carrying out necessary repair works.

The Berowra walking track from Berowra Station to Mt Ku-ring-gai is open for use.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 02 8448 0400 or call 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS).

Applies from Tue 19 May 2020, 4.18pm. Last reviewed: Wed 13 Mar 2024, 6.07pm

Closed areas: Closed areas due to rifle range operations

The eastern section of Malabar Headland National Park will be closed on the following dates/times due to ANZAC Rifle Range operations:

  • Each Saturday, 8am to 5pm.
  • The 1st, 3rd and 5th Sunday of the month, 8am to 5pm.
  • ANZAC Rifle Range Special events: 
    • Anzac Day - Thursday 25 April 2024 (11am - 5pm)
    • Sydney Shoot - Friday 26 April 2024 (8am - 5pm)
    • NSWRA Champions Weekend - Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 June 2024 (8am - 5pm both days)
    • All Schools training and competition - Wednesday 17 to Friday 19 July 2024 (8am - 5pm)

Do not enter the eastern section of the national park (including Boora Point walking track) when:

  • Red flags are flying above the range
  • The 'rifle range in use' warning signs are displayed at the park entry (South Maroubra Beach and Fishermans Road carpark).
  • Park entry gates are closed.

The western section of the national park (Western Escarpment walking track) remains open when the rifle range is in use.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the NPWS local office on 02 9337 5511 or the ANZAC Rifle Range on 02 9661 4532.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 27 Nov 2023, 12.49pm. Last reviewed: Fri 23 Feb 2024, 12.48pm

Other planned events: Hornby Light renovation works

Hornby Lighthouse at South Head is currently undergoing restoration and maintenance. Completion is scheduled for September 2024. South Head heritage trail remains open. However, views and access around the Hornby Lighthouse will be temporarily impacted during these works.

Affects 1 park and 3 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 3 Feb 2023, 12.17pm to Fri 31 May 2024, 3.30pm. Last reviewed: Fri 2 Feb 2024, 10.14am

Closed areas: Shark Beach, the Kiosk and promenade at Nielsen Park closed

Shark Beach and the beach front at Nielsen Park are closed while the new concrete seawall, bleachers and promenade are under construction. The Kiosk, Halbert Pavilion and former surf club are closed for renovation. For more information on these projects, please visit the project webpage or email or phone the NPWS Sydney South office on 02 9337 5511. 

Affects 1 park and 7 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 1 Feb 2024, 12.10pm to Tue 4 Feb 2025, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Tue 9 Apr 2024, 11.08am

Closed areas: Sugarloaf carpark closed

Sugarloaf car park in Lane Cove National Park is no longer open to the public. We apologise for any inconvenience.

For more information, please contact the NPWS Chatswood Area office on 02 8448 0400 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 1 Feb 2024, 12.05pm to Tue 4 Feb 2025, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Tue 9 Apr 2024, 11.08am

Closed areas: Toilet closures in Lane Cove National Park

Some toilets within this park will be closed during the week, opening only on weekends, public holidays and during school holidays. The closed toilets are at:

  • Carters Creek (Area 9)
  • Scribbly Gums (Area 17)
  • Haynes Flat (Area 32)

Please note: This does not apply to bookings. Where there are bookings, toilets will be opened.

For more information, please contact the NPWS Chatswood area office on 02 8448 0400.

Affects 1 park and 16 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 9 Jul 2018, 11.06am. Last reviewed: Mon 11 Mar 2024, 10.10am

Closed areas: Fort Denison closed

Fort Denison is currently closed.

Conservation and upgrade works are currently underway. Key elements include the construction of a new accessible wharf and maintenance and upgrade to buildings and services. Fort Denison will be closed to visitors until these works have been completed.

Penalties apply for non-compliance.

Standard work hours during the construction phase will be between:

  • 7am and 6pm Monday to Friday
  • 8am and 1pm on Saturday

For more information, visit the project webpage or email us. Visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Tue 24 Jan 2023, 10.00am to Thu 1 Aug 2024, 3.29pm. Last reviewed: Wed 24 Jan 2024, 10.53am

Closed areas: Gardeners Cottage closure

Gardeners Cottage will not be available for bookings until the replacement of the concrete seawall at Shark Beach, Nielsen Park has been completed. For more information on the seawall replacement please visit the project website or call the NPWS Vaucluse office on 02 9337 5511.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 31 Mar 2021, 11.53am. Last reviewed: Mon 18 Mar 2024, 3.44pm

Closed areas: Bluefish Point closed

The Bluefish Point bushland area is closed to public access for public safety and to protect the landscape and important plant and animal communities. Access to rock pools is difficult and dangerous. Please stay on sign-posted walking tracks when visiting Sydney Harbour National Park for your safety and observe warning signs in the area.  

 

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 31 Jan 2024, 11.34pm to Thu 1 Aug 2024, 2.35am. Last reviewed: Thu 4 Jan 2024, 9.41am

Other planned events: ‘1080 pest management’

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will be conducting a baiting program using manufactured baits and fresh baits containing 1080 poison (sodium fluroacetate) for the control of foxes. The program is continuous and ongoing between 1 February 2024 and 31 July 2024 in Lane Cove National Park. Don’t touch baits. Penalties apply for non-compliance.

 

All baiting locations are identifiable by signs.

Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW national parks and reserves. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.

For more information, contact the local park office on:

Lane Cove 8448 0400 (business hours)

NPWS after-hours call centre: 1300 056 294 (after hours)

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 31 Jan 2024, 11.25pm to Thu 1 Aug 2024, 2.27am. Last reviewed: Thu 4 Jan 2024, 9.33am

Other planned events: ‘1080 pest management’

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will be conducting a baiting program using manufactured baits, fresh baits and Canid Pest Ejectors (CPEs) containing 1080 poison (sodium fluroacetate) for the control of foxes. The program is continuous and ongoing between 1 February 2024 and 31 July 2024 in Garigal National Park. Don’t touch baits or ejector devices. Penalties apply for non-compliance.

 

All baiting locations are identifiable by signs.

Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW national parks and reserves. Pets and working dogs may be affected (1080 is lethal to cats and dogs). Pets and working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting location. In the event of accidental poisoning seek immediate veterinary assistance.

Fox baiting in these reserves is aimed at reducing their impact on threatened species.

For more information, contact the local park office on:

Forestville 9451 3479 (business hours)

NPWS after-hours call centre: 1300 056 294 (after hours)

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Sat 17 Oct 2020, 10.59pm. Last reviewed: Mon 6 Nov 2023, 9.52am

Closed areas: North Head partial closure

Some parts of North Head in Sydney Harbour National Park are closed due to fire damage and geological instability. The closed areas include:

  • Bluefish Point
  • Wastewater Treatment Plant emergency access road

The following areas, and the bushland surrounding them, are also closed due to steep and unstable ground:

  • Old Man's Hat
  • Cannae Point
  • Quarantine Head

Do not enter the closed areas.

Open areas include:

  • Q Station
  • North Head Sanctuary and Bella Vista Cafe (entry via North Fort)
  • The track between Shelly Beach and Bluefish Drive
  • Bluefish Drive to the Avenue of Honour
  • Collins Flat Beach
  • Fairfax track
  • Burragula and Yiningma lookouts

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact the National Parks Contact Centre on 1300 072 757 or Sydney North area office on 02 9451 3479 between 9.30am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Affects 1 park and 4 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 24 Mar 2023, 9.31am. Last reviewed: Mon 15 Apr 2024, 12.02pm

Closed areas: Section of Casuarina track closed for track maintenance

Part of Casuarina track is closed from Thursday 23 March 2023 until further notice due to maintenance on the footbridge.

The closed area is the section of Casuarina track between the end of Boree Road and the Carrol Creek track intersection.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office.

Affects 1 park and 3 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 10 Feb 2016, 3.18pm. Last reviewed: Sat 9 Mar 2024, 4.57pm

Closed areas: Flat Rock track partial closure

The section of Flat Rock track from the Killarney Drive entrance to the Downpatrick Street entrance, is permanently closed as the old track passes through private property near Killarney Point.

Please note:

  • Walkers heading west should exit Flat Rock track at the eastern end of Killarney Drive and use Killarney Drive until you reach Downpatrick Street. Then walk down the street and re-enter Flat Rock track from the Downpatrick Street fire trail.
  • Walkers heading east should exit Flat Rock track at the Downpatrick Street fire trail and use Downpatrick Street, then Killarney Drive until you reach the end of Killarney Drive. Re-enter Flat Rock track from the Killarney Drive entrance.

For more information, please contact the NPWS Forestville area office on 02 9451 3479 between 9.30am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/guided-tours/south-head-tunnels-tour/local-alerts

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

Emergency services

For all NSW fires visit the Rural Fire Service

For the latest information on wildfires in your area please contact the NSW Rural Fire Service.

View all alerts for NSW