Fairfax lookout, North Head

Sydney Harbour National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Overview

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.

Venue is suitable for
Wedding ceremonies
Capacity
Maximum people: 20
Fees

$760 for a 3 hour booking. Additional time may be requested at extra charge.

Availability
7 days a week, except 23rd and 31st December and 1st and 26th January
Bookings

To make a booking or for more information, please email the NPWS Events Team or phone (02) 9585 6570.

Other Information
This venue is also suitable for commercial and public events such as small live performances and product launches.

The heath-covered clifftops at North Head reveal unending ocean views and a spectacular panorama of Sydney Harbour and the 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 or bus trip from Manly Wharf. You can also reach North Head from Quarantine Station.

With such an impressive backdrop, it’s no wonder that North Head, near Manly, is one of Sydney’s most popular outdoor venues. Indeed, it’s the perfect spot to host a variety of events.

If you and your guests are feeling adventurous, North Head also offers 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. Or if you prefer to explore the area on foot, you can follow the easy Fairfax walk.

As a perfect end to your special day, you and your partner can indulge in a romantic overnight stay at the nearby Q Station, where you can enjoy a sleep-in and late breakfast on the terrace the next day. If you’re up for more adventure in the evening before you leave, the ghost tour of the historic Quarantine Station is a must-do.

North Head is also a great spot to enjoy the famous Sydney fireworks on New Year’s Eve and is historically a favourite spot to watch the start of the Boxing Day Sydney to Hobart Yacht race. 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 venue info

Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/venues/north-head/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 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 (//pass.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/).
See more info on the venue

Venue info

All the practical information you need to know about Fairfax lookout, North Head.

Getting there and parking

Get driving directions

Get directions

    Road quality

    • Sealed roads

    Vehicle access

    • 2WD vehicles

    Weather restrictions

    • All weather

    Carpark

    There is limited parking on Dobroyd Head Scenic Drive in marked spaces. Parking spaces can't be reserved for guests.

    Please park in designated areas only. You risk incurring a fine for parking or driving in non-designated areas.

    Public transport

    Bus services stop near this venue. Contact the Transport Information Line on 131500 for more information.

    Facilities

    This venue has limited facilities.

    Please take all rubbish that is generated as part of the event, including plant and food material, with you when you leave.

    Maps and downloads

    Safety messages

    Mobile safety

    Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

    Accessibility

    Disability access level - medium

    Assistance may be required to access this area.

    Permitted

    Food and drink

    • You may bring your own food as well as portable gas barbeques fitted with drip trays for cooking
    • Commercial catering is limited to plates or platters of cold food such as sandwiches, antipasto, canapés, salads and cakes.
    • You may bring 1 bottle of wine or champagne for every 4 guests, and 1 case (24 cans or bottles) of beer or premixed drinks (375ml maximum) for every 20 guests. 

    Plant materials

    Flower arrangements containing no seed material. A florist can arrange this for you on request.

    Structures, staging, furniture, amusements and decorations

    • Weighted free-standing decorative items such as bridal arches, red carpet and columns.
    • 15 chairs with rail-style legs
    • 3 tables no larger than 3m square

    Commercial filming and photography

    • 1 photographer, 1 photographer's assistant, 1 videographer and 1 videographer's assistant.
    • Commercial photography and video requires a small scale photography license

    Power, lighting and amplified sounds

    • 1 single speaker portable PA system or music player with an amplifier no greater than 50 watts
    • Volume must be kept at a level that does not interfere with neighbours or the public

    Prohibited

    Throwing rice or petals is not permitted.

    Drones

    Flying a drone for recreational purposes is prohibited in this area. Drones may affect public enjoyment, safety and privacy, interfere with park operations, or pose a threat to wildlife. See the Drones in Parks policy.

    This area may be a declared Drone Exclusion Zone, or may be subject to Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) rules for flying near airports, aerodromes and helicopter landing sites. See CASA's Drone Flyer Rules.

    Commercial filming and photography

    Commercial filming or photography is prohibited without prior consent. You must apply for permission and contact the local office.

    Pets

    Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

    Smoking

    NSW national parks are no smoking areas.