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Fairfax walk

Sydney Harbour National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Current alerts in this area

Last reviewed: Sun 30 November 2025, 4.03pm

Applies from Mon 1 Dec 2025, 12.01am to Mon 1 Dec 2025, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Sun 30 Nov 2025, 4.03pm.

Fire bans: Total Fire Ban

A total fire ban has been declared by the NSW Rural Fire Service. The total fire ban applies for the entire 24-hour period. Total fire ban rules apply. This ban may be extended. Please continue to check this website. To find out where and when total fire bans are currently in effect, please visit the NSW Rural Fire Service.

Applies from Wed 5 Dec 2018, 7.23pm. Last reviewed: Tue 4 Nov 2025, 8.45am.

Other planned events: North Head Scenic Drive gate opening times

The North Head Scenic Drive gate opening times are:

  • AEDT From 6 October 2025 to 5 April 2026 - 5am to 8.30pm
  • AEST From 6 April 2026 to 5 October 2026- 6am to 6pm

Applies from Sat 17 Oct 2020, 10.59pm. Last reviewed: Fri 4 Jul 2025, 10.48am.

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
  • Old Man's Hat
  • Cannae Point
  • Quarantine Head
  • Wastewater Treatment Plant emergency access road

Do not enter the closed areas. 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.

Nearby alerts

Applies from Mon 1 Dec 2025, 12.01am to Mon 1 Dec 2025, 11.59pm. Last reviewed: Sun 30 Nov 2025, 4.03pm

Fire bans: Total Fire Ban

A total fire ban has been declared by the NSW Rural Fire Service. The total fire ban applies for the entire 24-hour period. Total fire ban rules apply. This ban may be extended. Please continue to check this website. To find out where and when total fire bans are currently in effect, please visit the NSW Rural Fire Service.

Affects 3 parks nearby. Show list

Applies from Sun 30 Nov 2025, 9.53am to Mon 1 Dec 2025, 10.59pm. Last reviewed: Sun 30 Nov 2025, 4.02pm

Closed areas: Total Fire Ban - All tracks and trails closed in Garigal National Park - Sunday 30 November and Monday 1 December 2025

All tracks and trails in Garigal National Park are closed on Sunday 30 November and Monday 1 December 2025 due to a Total Fire Ban and elevated Fire Danger rating.

Davidson Boat Ramp and Picnic Area will remain open.

 

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, call the National Parks Contact Centre on 1300 072 757.

 

Please review RFS information on Total Fire Bans, Fire Danger Ratings, and keep up to date using the Hazards Near Me app:

https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fdr-and-tobans

https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/hazards-near-me-app

Affects 1 park and 8 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 9 Jul 2018, 11.06am. Last reviewed: Mon 24 Nov 2025, 11.51am

Closed areas: Fort Denison closed

Service upgrades and extensive conservation works on the fort are ongoing throughout 2026. Fort Denison – Muddawahnyuh remains closed to visitors during this time.

Standard work hours during the construction phase will be between:

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

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, email the Sydney South office. Visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 30 Oct 2025, 12.01pm. Last reviewed: Thu 20 Nov 2025, 4.08pm

Closed areas: Swimming enclosure damaged, Nielsen Park

The swimming enclosure at Nielsen Park was damaged by large waves in August 2025. Nielsen Park remains open to visitors. However, be aware before swimming at Shark Beach, the damaged swimming enclosure nets do not provide a total barrier between sharks and swimmers.

A new steel support pile will be installed in the week commencing 8th December 2025. Once installed, the enclosure’s steel cable and netting panels will be re-attached.

For information and resources to help reduce the risk of an encounter with a shark at NSW beaches and estuaries, check out Shark Smart and the Bull Shark fact sheet

For updates, please check here or email or call the local NPWS office on 02 9337 5511.

Affects 1 park and 11 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 10 Feb 2016, 3.18pm. Last reviewed: Thu 20 Nov 2025, 10.45am

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

Applies from Mon 17 Nov 2025, 8.51am to Mon 1 Dec 2025, 8.52am. Last reviewed: Mon 17 Nov 2025, 8.59am

Closed areas: Track closure - Belvedere Lookout to Beehive Casemate

There will be a partial track closure of Gubbuh Gubbuh to Georges Head walking track between Belvedere Lookout and Beehive Casemate from Monday 17 November to Monday 1 December 2025. Please follow detour signage. For more information please contact the Sydney North Area 02 9960 6266.

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 17 Nov 2025, 7.00am to Fri 12 Dec 2025, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Fri 21 Nov 2025, 8.27am

Closed areas: Currie Road Fire Trail closed

The Currie Road Fire Trail in Garigal National Park will be closed during work hours 0700am - 1700pm until Friday 12th December 2025 inclusive for trail maintenance works.

The trail will be open on weekends.

Please obey all closure signage and follow instructions from NPWS staff and contractors.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the Sydney North area office on 02 9451 3479.

Affects 1 park and 4 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 17 Nov 2025, 7.00am to Fri 12 Dec 2025, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Fri 21 Nov 2025, 8.26am

Closed areas: Cook Street Fire Trail closed

The Cook Street Fire Trail in Garigal National Park will be closed during work hours of 0700am - 1700pm until Friday 12th December inclusive for trail maintenance works.

The trail will be open on weekends

Please obey all closure signage and follow instructions from NPWS staff and contractors.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the Sydney North area office on 02 9451 3479.

Affects 1 park and 3 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Mon 17 Nov 2025, 7.00am to Fri 5 Dec 2025, 5.00pm. Last reviewed: Fri 21 Nov 2025, 8.27am

Closed areas: Kimberley Trail closed

The Kimberley Fire Trail in Garigal National Park will be closed during work hours 0700am - 1700pm until Friday 5th December inclusive for trail maintenance works.

The trail will be open on weekends.

Please obey all closure signage and follow instructions from NPWS staff and contractors.

Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the Sydney North area office on 02 9451 3479.

Affects 1 park nearby. Show list

Applies from Fri 10 Oct 2025, 2.58pm. Last reviewed: Wed 26 Nov 2025, 9.13am

Closed areas: Manly to Spit walk upgrade works - Castle Rock

A section of the Manly to Spit walk in the Castle Rock area within Sydney Harbour National Park will be closed for essential upgrade works from 13 October 2025 to 23 December 2025. The work will involve replacement of failing sections of boardwalk and handrails to improve public safety on this popular track. A detour will be in place and signs are installed advising the route.   

Affects 1 park and 1 location nearby. Show list

Applies from Wed 5 Dec 2018, 7.23pm. Last reviewed: Tue 4 Nov 2025, 8.45am

Other planned events: North Head Scenic Drive gate opening times

The North Head Scenic Drive gate opening times are:

  • AEDT From 6 October 2025 to 5 April 2026 - 5am to 8.30pm
  • AEST From 6 April 2026 to 5 October 2026- 6am to 6pm

Affects 1 park and 2 locations nearby. Show list

Applies from Thu 31 Jul 2025, 10.34pm to Sun 1 Feb 2026, 3.32am. Last reviewed: Thu 30 Oct 2025, 10.52am

Other planned events: ‘1080 pest management operation’

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 between1 August 2025 and 31 January 2026 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

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/walking-tracks/fairfax-walk/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

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