From self-guided and guided tours through to community days and exciting events, you’ll find there’s something for everyone.
Want to see some of the biggest names in Australian music perform in an iconic, outdoor setting? You’re in luck: Night at the Barracks is returning to North Head Sanctuary, Manly for another season! Between 15 September to 8 October, the historic Barracks Precinct will serve as the backdrop for a series of exciting open-air concerts.
These school holidays, escape to Cockatoo Island / Wareamah on Sydney Harbour for a fun-filled adventure! Located in the heart of Sydney Harbour, Cockatoo Island offers a wide range of fun and educational activities that are perfect for all-ages. From camping under the stars to exploring the island's rich history on guided tours, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Enjoy the splendour of North Head Sanctuary in spring with a free guided wildflower walk. Led by North Head Sanctuary Foundation member Geoff Lambert, the walks are available on select dates in September and October. Bookings are essential. Please email the North Head Sanctuary Foundation (twswombat@iinet.net.au) to secure your spot.
Image credit: Harbour Trust Volunteer photographer, Ian Evans.
Available for 3 nights only (27, 28 and 31 Oct), these special tours are a fun twist on 2 of Cockatoo Island’s most popular attractions: Our Dark Past Tour (all-ages) and Ghost Tour (18+)! How so, you ask? In addition to enjoying nibbles and pre-drinks at Cockatoo Overboard ahead of each tour, you’re encouraged to dress up in your spookiest attire! Plus: The 2 people, per tour, with the best costume will each receive a bag of ghoulish lollies from their guide!
Members of the public are invited to attend an upcoming drop-in session, where they can speak directly to members of the project team, obtain answers to their questions and hear further details on the North Head Sanctuary Draft Master Plan. Join us for our drop-in session on Sunday 8 October between 10am and 1pm at Manly Corso.
On Sunday 15 October 2023, The Fred Hollows Foundation will be holding their 34km Sydney Harbour Hike. Participants will embark on the 34km hike from Bondi, along Sydney’s stunning coastline past Macquarie Lightstation in Vaucluse. Every dollar raised during the Sydney Harbour Hike will help to continue Fred Hollows' mission of ending avoidable blindness.
The 2023 Festival of Mosman will be held from Friday 20 October to Sunday 29 October and will feature a variety of events for all ages to enjoy, including our self-guided tour 'In Defence of Sydney' and guided 'Tunnels and Gunners' tour (now sold out). Discover the full festival program and enjoy a range of exciting events across Mosman.
On Friday 27 October, Stepping Stone House will be holding their annual fundraising event ‘Sleep Under the Stars’ on Cockatoo Island / Wareamah. Gather a team and sleep outside in the heart of Sydney Harbour. Can’t make the event in-person? Join their live event online and sleep remotely in your own backyard, garage or safe space. All money raised during the event will go towards providing safe shelter and care to young people experiencing homelessness.
Eager to end 2023 on a high? Book accommodation at Cockatoo Island for New Year’s Eve and spend the biggest night of the year in the heart of Sydney Harbour! As either a camper or guest in one of our charming houses or apartments, you’ll spend the biggest night of the year close to the action… but far from the crowds! Not only will you get to stay in award-winning accommodation, you’ll also get to bask in the city's world famous NYE fireworks.
The Bondi to Manly Walk is an opportunity for Sydneysiders and visitors alike to experience the splendour of the World’s Greatest Harbour as part of a one-of-a-kind pilgrimage. Spanning 80km of harbour foreshore between 2 of Sydney’s most iconic surf beaches, the massive walk includes pit stops at heritage sites protected by the Harbour Trust.
Running select Saturdays each month, this 60-minute tour is an opportunity to explore a historic destination that was off-limits to the public for 150+ years! Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll explore the lower and upper levels of Sub Base Platypus, including the Torpedo Factory Precinct.
Explore Australia’s rich naval history with a guided scenic cruise from our friends at the Naval Historical Society of Australia. From picturesque vantage points around the Harbour, you'll hear fascinating and lesser-known stories about naval activities during times of war and peace, bringing this rich history to life. Plus, you’ll have the chance to see some of our heritage places along the way!
The Defence of Sydney Tour is an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the men and women who served at North Fort. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you will marvel at heritage gun emplacements, once capable of firing 26.4km, and descend into the 200-metre-long military tunnel complex. Finally, our guide will demystify an underground bunker once shrouded in secrecy: The Plotting Room.
Featuring heritage gun emplacements and other military relics, Georges Heights in Mosman was once vital to the defence of Sydney. During our 90-minute Tunnels and Gunners Tour, a knowledgeable volunteer guide will lead you through 2 sets of demilitarised forts, including tunnels normally off limits to the public.
Established in 1881, the Third Quarantine Cemetery is included on Australia’s National Heritage List as a significant example of the nation’s evolving quarantine practices. During this volunteer-run tour, a knowledgeable guide will share stories of those who succumbed to small pox and other epidemics. You will also experience the natural beauty of this final resting place, including unspoiled harbour views.
Travel back in time – or dare to step into the supernatural realm – with one of our guided history or paranormal tours at Cockatoo Island. We offer 5 all-ages tours, including tours suitable for visitors with low mobility plus a night tour that blends mystery with history. Up for a fright? Try our adults-only Ghost Tour.
Serve up a storm on our tennis court at Georges Heights, located along Suakin Drive near Georges Head Lookout. Court hire is $22 per hour with a minimum booking of one hour. Online booking is essential.
Located at 1110 Middle Head Road, the Harbour Trust's grass court will make you feel like the king or queen of swing! Court hire is $22 per hour with a minimum booking of one hour. Online booking is essential.
Complete your weekly grocery shop and enjoy the great outdoors at the organic food market. Operating every Wednesday from 8am to 2pm, the market is a country-style bazaar near Georges Heights Oval.
Want to take a tour at your own pace? Our 90-minute Cockatoo Island Audio Tour is available for $6 from our Visitor Centre. Meanwhile, our Talking Object Tour is free and available across 6 of our destinations. Look out for our ‘Hello’ signs to engage in a lively and informative text message conversation with some of our most beloved objects.
Check out the below calendar to see what's on across our network of protected sites.
| Day | Events and activities |
| Special events |
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| Every day |
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| Monday to Thursday |
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| Saturday |
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| Sunday |
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