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View our top 6 pre-show activities
Between Friday 15 September and Sunday 8 October 2023, music enthusiasts will get to enjoy live performance by some of the biggest names in Australian music under the stars, at North Head Sanctuary's iconic Parade Ground. This year’s line-up boasts the legendary Hoodoo Gurus alongside other household names including Missy Higgins, Kate Ceberano (with the Metropolitan Orchestra) and Tina Arena (exclusive Sydney performance). Other exciting acts include Tom Burlinson Big Band, the Rolling Stones Revue (feat. Adalita, Tex Perkins and Tim Rogers), Bjorn Again, James Morrison's Motown Experience and History of House – a collaboration between DJ Groove Terminator and Soweto Gospel Choir.
Want the ultimate day out? Before you attend Night at the Barracks, spend the afternoon exploring scenic North Head Sanctuary. Scroll to discover some of the key attractions to check out ahead of your show.
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Before your show, here are some ways you can connect with nature at North Head Sanctuary and deepen your understanding of Sydney's military history.
Engage with nature, including a chorus of frogs, at the Hanging Swamp – a scenic landmark, with a walking trail, on the eastern side of North Head Sanctuary [view on map]. Classified as a Threatened Ecological Community, this stunning freshwater wetland features different species of native sedge and rush alongside a variety of shrubs and ferns, including Coral Fern, Bracken, Heath Myrtle, Crimson Bottlebrush, Scrub She-oak and Banksia.
Located near the visitor centre at North Fort, Bella Vista Café marries traditional and modern Italian cuisine with sweeping views of Sydney Harbour. In addition to serving takeaway coffee, beverages and snacks, Bella Vista offer a popular dine-in experience. Visit their website to view their trading hours and to reserve a table.
Cost: From $8 | Duration: 1 hour 45mins | When: Sundays
Walk in the footsteps of those who served at North Fort, a former army base that once protected Sydney Harbour. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you will descend into the 200-metre-long military tunnel complex and discover heritage gun emplacements and the secret underground bunker: The Plotting Room.
As you explore North Head Sanctuary, you’ll discover lookouts that offer incredible vantage points encompassing the Pacific Ocean, Sydney Harbour and the city skyline. The staircase near the Battery Observation Post – a remnant military complex, crucial to the defence of Sydney during the Second World War– offers breathtaking views of the ocean (pictured). Other lookout highlights include:
Key objects and landmarks have been awoken at North Head Sanctuary… and they’re eager to have a conversation with you! Look out for the green "Hello" signs, and have your mobile device ready, to engage in a lively and informative text message conversation.
Australia's Memorial Walk is an opportunity for reflection in an idyllic location with views of Sydney Harbour. Enjoy a walk along the paved pathway featuring monuments to the major conflict periods in Australia’s history. Open seven days a week, the Memorial Walk is maintained by the Royal Australian Artillery Historical Company (RAAHC), relying on grants, tax deductible donations and volunteer support.
Learn more about North Head Sanctuary and our other extraordinary places on Sydney Harbour.
