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Fairfax walk

Sydney Harbour National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Overview

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.

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

Park entry fees apply at North Head carparks.

Opening times

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

Fairfax walk offers superb views and is an enjoyable, gentle 1km loop walk. The paved track starts at the end of North Head Scenic Drive and loops around the top of North Head.

Its circuit connects 2 lookouts which provide the kinds of views you see on Sydney postcards. Look out over endless ocean from Yiningma lookout, or across the harbour to the city skyline from Burragula lookout. 

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

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

This walk forms part of The Bondi to Manly Walk, an 80km multi-day coastal hike that connects 2 of Sydney’s most famous surf beaches.

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

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Also see:

  • Yiningma lookout, aerial view of Bluefish Point from North Head. Photo: John Spencer © DCCEEW

    North Head

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

  • 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.

  • View across Sydney Harbour and out to South Head from Burragula lookout, Sydney Harbour National Park. Photo: John Spencer © DPE

    Burragula lookout

    Burragula lookout is located at North Head in Sydney Harbour National Park. It’s a great vantage point to see a panorama of the Sydney skyline.

  • Yiningma lookout view of Bluefish Point, North Head, Sydney Harbour National Park. Photo: John Spencer © DPE

    Yiningma lookout

    Yiningma lookout is at North Head in Sydney Harbour National Park. It’s a great spot to take in the dramatic scenery along the cliff line to Blue Fish Point in the north.

 

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

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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

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