Fairfax walk
Sydney Harbour National Park
Overview
Fairfax walk upgrades
Fairfax walk at North Head is being upgraded. This work is scheduled for completion in June 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.
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.
- Accessibility
- Easy
- Distance
- 1km loop
- Time suggested
- 30min - 1hr
- Grade
- Grade 2
- Entry fees
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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.
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 partially 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.
Take a virtual tour of Fairfax walk captured with Google Street View Trekker.
Also see:
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North Head
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.
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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.
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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.

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.

General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Operated by
- Middle Head office
- Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm.
- 02 9960 6266
- npws.sydneynorth@environment.nsw.gov.au
- 2 Governors Road, Mosman NSW 2088
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.
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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
What's nearby:
Things to do (55)
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- Cafes and kiosks (2)
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- Fishing (3)
- Historic heritage (25)
- Horse riding (1)
- Other experiences (2)
- Picnics and barbecues (18)
- Sailing, boating and cruises (3)
- Sightseeing (27)
- Snorkelling and scuba (3)
- Swimming (12)
- Walking (18)
- Waterfalls (1)