Plan Your Visit to North Head Sanctuary
Opening hours and entry
North Head Sanctuary is open every day during daylight hours.
The Gatehouse Visitor Centre is open daily from 10 am - 4 pm, except Christmas Day, New Year's Day and Good Friday.
Entry is free.
Download map of North Head [PDF 95kb]
Getting there
North Head Sanctuary is located at North Head in Manly.
By car:
From Manly follow Darley Road onto Scenic Drive. Turn left off Scenic Drive at the North Head Sanctuary sign. Parking is available on site.
By bus:
Sydney buses run to North Head daily. The 135 service from Manly Wharf leaves approximately every ½ hour. For further information and timetables check the Transport Infoline Websit.
By foot:
The walk from Manly wharf to the North Head Sanctuary takes approximately 45 minutes. Walking tracks link to the North Head Sanctuary from Shelley Beach and Collins Beach.
Visitor facilities
North Head Sanctuary offers amazing walks through pristine bushland.
A free self-guided tour is available from the Gatehouse Visitor Centre. Explore the walking tracks, protected heathland, diverse birdlife, military remnants and stunning views of the city, harbour and ocean.
The Discovery Room in the Gatehouse Visitor Centre has craft and interactive activities. Children can make a bandicoot mask or a flannel flower and create a discovery map of the area.
Toilet facilities are located in the Gatehouse Visitor Centre.
Visitor guide
Download the North Head Visitor Guide [PDF 1539kb]
Access
North Head Sanctuary Visitor Centre has wheelchair access and disabled toilet facilities. While most areas of the Sanctuary are wheelchair accessible, keep in mind that it is a natural environment and the surfaces are uneven. The bush walking tracks include stairs and medium inclines.
Emergency
In case of emergency dial 000 or via mobile 112 if out of range.
Security
A team of rangers patrol North Head Sanctuary during daylight hours.
If you need to contact a ranger in an emergency call: 0434 652 152 (8am - 4pm).
Out of hours contact security: 0433 631 689 (4pm - 8am)
Visitor Code
We welcome visitors to North Head Sanctuary and invite you to wander through the Sanctuary and discover its magnificent views and historic places. For the safety and enjoyment of all sanctuary users, and to help protect plants and animals, please follow the visitor code:
- no domestic animals are allowed on North Head;
- remain on the dedicated tracks at all times when walking through bushland;
- do not remove or disturb any soil, plants, wildflowers or rocks from bushland;
- follow phytopthora protocols indicated on signage;
- do not feed native wildlife;
- no lighting of fires or portable BBQs;
- do not smoke along bush tracks;
- parking is restricted to designated carparks;
- no bicycles, skateboards, scooters on footpaths and bush tracks;
- no model aeroplanes or remote controlled toys;
- do not camp overnight;
- do not erect tents, marquees, or temporary shade structures without a permit;
- keep dogs on a leash at all times;
- do not leave cat and dog waste on the ground;
- do not climb on walls, fortifications, cliffs or sculptures;
- no dumping of vegetation, soil or litter;
- take your rubbish with you; and
- respect our neighbours by not making excessive noise.
Our rangers are on duty in the park to answer any questions and ensure these guidelines are followed.
More Information
View North Head School of Artillery management plan
For further information on regulations see: Sydney Harbour Federation Trust Regulations 2001 via the AUSTLII website.
