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Fairfax walk

Sydney Harbour National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Overview

Fairfax walk upgrades

Fairfax walk at North Head is being upgraded. This work is scheduled for completion at the end of January 2023. Access to this area is restricted with closures to the Fairfax carpark and Fairfax walk. North Head Scenic Drive and the carparks near the Bella Vista café are open. Find out more about the infrastructure improvements we're making at North Head.

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

Where
Sydney Harbour National Park in Sydney and surrounds
Accessibility
Easy
Distance
1km loop
Time suggested
30min - 1hr
Grade
Grade 2
Entry fees

Park entry fees apply at North Head carparks.

Opening times
Vehicle access to the lookouts at North Head is available from 5am to 10pm every day.
Please note

North Head can be booked for weddings and photo shoots. Contact the park office for more information.

The Fairfax walk offers superb views and an enjoyable, gentle walk. This short paved track starts at the end of North Head Scenic Drive and then loops around the top of North Head.

Its circuit connects three lookouts which provide the kinds of views you see on Sydney postcards. Look out over endless ocean or across the harbour to the CBD. 

The Fairfax walk is ideal for families with children and is partially wheelchair accessible. It’s also an exceptional walk for whale watchers during the June–July and August–October migration seasons.

If you’ve still got energy to burn after completing the Fairfax walk, you can continue on through North Head Sanctuary. From there, just wind your way back down to Manly and join the Manly Scenic Walkway or take the Bluefish track to Shelley Beach.

Take a virtual tour of Fairfax walk captured with Google Street View Trekker.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Also see:

  • North Head lookout, Sydney Harbour National Park. Photo: David Finnegan

    North Head

    North Head, Manly, offers scenic views, scuba diving, drift dives, walking and picnicking only a ferry ride from Circular Quay.

  • 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.

  • A field officer and park visitor walking along the rocks on Manly scenic walkway with a view of Middle Head in the background in Sydney Harbour National Park. Photo: Simone Cottrell © OEH

    Manly scenic walkway

    Also known as the Spit Bridge to Manly Walk, Manly Scenic Walkway is among Sydney's best walking tracks. Enjoy bush, beach and beautiful views on this excellent day walk.

 

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.

 

Download our app

The free NSW National Parks app lets you download maps and explore parks, things to do and places to stay—all without mobile reception.

Hand holding a phone with NSW National Parks app on screen. Photo: Branden Bodman/DPIE

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 and display 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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