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North Head

Sydney Harbour National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Overview

Located near Manly, North Head offers scenic views of Sydney Harbour from stunning lookouts and Fairfax walking track. It's also a top spot for whale watching and scuba diving.

Type
Lookouts
Where
Sydney Harbour National Park in Sydney and surrounds
Accessibility
Medium
Entry fees

Park entry fees apply at North Head carparks. The ‘pay and display’ machines accept cards as well as cash.

Opening times

The gates to North Head are open from 6am to 8pm during daylight savings, and 6am to 6pm rest of the year.

What to
bring
Drinking water, hat, sunscreen
Hire this venue

North Head is available for events and function hire.

The heath-covered clifftops at North Head reveal unending ocean views and a spectacular panorama of the harbour and Sydney skyline. Situated on the northern-most edge of the harbour within sight of Hornby Lighthouse on South Head, it’s a relaxing ferry ride from Circular Quay. One of those things to do when visiting Sydney, it’s near to Manly, and a great day trip for locals and tourists alike.

If you’re feeling adventurous, North Head has some of Sydney's best boat diving sites and is especially popular for drift dives. Explore the remains of historic shipwrecks and perhaps glimpse common sea dragons and the rarer red Indian fish in the sheltered harbour waters. Remember to bring your binoculars if you want to whale watch.

If your exploration is on foot, try the easy Fairfax walk and visit the lookouts. From Burragula lookout you'll enjoy spectacular views across Sydney Harbour to South Head, and a panaroma of the Sydney skyline. Yiningma lookout features views to the north along the cliffs and towards Blue Fish Point.

The ghost tour of historic Quarantine Station is a must-do. If you’re feeling like a special treat, stay the night at Q Station, where you can enjoy a long lazy lunch on the terrace.

North Head is also a great spot to enjoy the famous Sydney fireworks on New Years Eve. Far from the hectic city crowds, North Head is a fantastic place to count down the new year in style.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Also see

  • Fairfax walk, Sydney Harbour National Park. Photo: John Yurasek © OEH

    Fairfax walk

    Fairfax Walk is paved, making it an easy stroll and ideal for walking with children. Located at North Head in Sydney Harbour National Park, it's a great walk for whale watching.

  • Aerial view of Q Station in Sydney Harbour National Park. Photo: Q Station

    Q Station

    A visit to Q Station, once North Head Quarantine Station, is a great experience. Take one of Sydney's best ghost tours, try the restaurant, or stay overnight in heritage accommodation.

  • Collins Flat Beach, Sydney Harbour National Park. Photo: John Yurasek/NSW Government

    Collins Flat Beach

    Pack a picnic and enjoy a swim at Collins Flat Beach. Just a few minutes from Manly, this secluded nook is a great spot to splash about on a hot summer day in Sydney.

  • Views from Fairfax Lookout along the Fairfax Walk at North Head in Manly at Sydney Harbour National Park. Photo: John Spencer © OEH

    Fairfax lookout, North Head

    Celebrate your next event in style and enjoy panoramic vistas across iconic Sydney Harbour at Fairfax lookout, North Head. Located near Manly, the lookout boasts seemingly never-ending water views, making it one of Sydney's most popular outdoor venues.

 

Google Street View Trekker

Using Google Street View Trekker, we've captured imagery across a range of NSW national parks and attractions. Get a bird's eye view of these incredible landscapes before setting off on your own adventure.

Google Trekker at Cape Byron State Conservation Area. Photo: J Spencer/OEH.

Conservation program:

Fort Denison heritage collection project

Fort Denison is home to a wealth of historic heritage. The Fort Denison heritage collection project invited volunteers to locate, identify, document, conserve, interpret and make accessible the heritage collections in Sydney Harbour National Park. This allowed NPWS to engage with the community and ensure our collections are protected.

Fort Denison, Sydney Harbour National Park. Photo: David Finnegan

General enquiries

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 carpark: $8 per vehicle per day. North Head carpark: $5 per vehicle per day. There are pay machines that accept cards and coins - no change given. Chowder Bay Road parking: 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. You can also pay for your visit 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

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