Walking through North Head’s peaceful and pristine heathland, it can be easy to forget that you’re only 11km from the CBD. As you explore, you’ll encounter diverse wildlife and flora, military remains, and stunning views of the city and harbour.
Right in Manly’s backyard are beautiful walks, breathtaking views, bike-riding paths, military relics and a thriving hub of health and well-being professionals. A remarkable setting, North Head Sanctuary is home to delicate and diverse flora and fauna complete with hanging swamps. Its wild, island-like nature has made North Head Sanctuary a place for isolation, observation and contemplation. Rich in history and a special place for the Aboriginal people, the dramatic cliffs of North Head form a memorable entry to Sydney Harbour with superb views of the harbour from the cliff tops. The interconnectedness of so many elements make North Head such a special place.
Please note: In the event of a total fire ban (Severe, Extreme or Catastrophic), tracks and trails at North Head Sanctuary will be closed for the safety of public. Penalties apply for entering walking tracks/trails on days of total fire ban. Details of total fire bans can be obtained from the NSW Rural Fire Service Fire ban information line - 1800 679 737.
Walks & self guided tours
The 1 ½ - 2 hour Sanctuary Loop passes by former School of Artillery buildings and explores much of the heathland. Highlights include the many flowering plants, diverse birdlife, and views of the city and harbour. Follow the signs starting at each entry point of the site or call into the Visitor Centre located in the Barracks Precinct for more information.
Food & beverage
Bella Vista Cafe is located inside the Heritage Listed North Fort Building at the picturesque North Head Sanctuary overlooking the majestic views of the Sydney Harbour. Bella Vista Cafe brings together delicious flavours of home made traditional and modern Italian cuisine. The newly renovated cafe is the perfect escape from busy city life residing in the serene and majestic North Head National Park surrounded by beautiful wild life and flora. Open Monday - Friday 9am - 4pm, Saturday - Sunday 9am - 4pm.
Pop in for a visit to Australian Bronze, located in building 19 near the Parade Ground, who are now offering fresh tea and coffee along with cakes and cookies.
Open Monday - Saturday 9am - 3pm.
Milestone Weddings are located in the art deco Sergeants’ Mess in North Head and can create your country wedding in the city just five minutes from Manly.
Activities
Tennis
Serve it up on the tennis courts located behind Building 1 at North Head Sanctuary. The cost is $20 per hour with a minimum booking of one hour. Booking, including pre-payment, is essential and can be made by contacting the Harbour Trust on (02) 8969 2100 during office hours, Monday - Friday.
Tennis Court terms and conditions (PDF - 182.27 KB)
Attractions
History
If history is your thing, then North Head Sanctuary plays host to important military fortifications which were integral to Sydney’s defence in WWII and the Third Quarantine Cemetery where over 240 people were buried between 1881 – 1919.
Nature
The Nursery Group is part of the North Head Sanctuary Foundation, a group of volunteers partnering with the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust to maintain and preserve the vision of the Sanctuary at North Head. Much of the Sanctuary is Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub, an endangered ecological community, which the nursery showcases throughout the Sanctuary.
For more information visit the North Head Sanctuary Foundation Room on North Fort Road in front of the Nursery. Open every weekend from 10am – 4pm.
The bushland at North Head Sanctuary provides habitat for a wide range of native species. Keep an eye out for birds like New Holland honeyeaters, white browned scrub-wrens, rainbow lorikeets, and little wattlebirds. If you are lucky, bandicoots and possums may also make an appearance.
North Head Sanctuary is also home to the Long-nosed Bandicoot. The population at North Head is in danger of extinction and has been listed as an “endangered population”. Once it was widely distributed along the east coast of Australia, and was once common throughout Sydney. Find out more about the Long-nosed bandicoot (PDF - 370.34 KB)
Lookouts
The walking track at North Head Sanctuary—which leads to North Fort and then Fairfax Lookout in Sydney Harbour National Park - offers a number of places to view the city through untouched bushland.
Australia’s Memorial Walk
The Royal Australian Artillery Historical Company have created the Australian Memorial Walk located in North Fort at North Head Sanctuary. The walk honours those who have served and supported the defence of Australia in peace or in war. The paved pathway links five monuments erected to remember the major conflict periods in Australia’s history. If you are interested in purchasing a memorial brick to be placed along the walk, please contact the Royal Australian Artillery History Company.