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Defence of Sydney Tour at North Head Sanctuary in Manly.

Defence of Sydney Tour

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Cost
  • $11 per adult
  • $8 per child
  • $8 per concession
  • $8 per senior
Further information
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Hours
  • Times: 10:30am, 11:30am, 1pm and 2pm every Sunday 
  • Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Group tours also available (Mon-Fri)
Further information
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Transport
  • Car
  • Bus
Plan your trip
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Meeting point

North Head Sanctuary Visitor Centre (located in the North Fort precinct), North Head Scenic Drive, Manly, NSW 2095

Google Maps
Established in 1936, North Fort is a remnant military complex at North Head Sanctuary in Manly.

Strategically placed at the northern entrance to Sydney Harbour, the fort was part of a defence system that spanned 300km of coastline during the Second World War.

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. As you explore this facility, concealed within bushland, you’ll hear how our specialist volunteers faithfully restored it.

Tickets

Book tickets for one of our regularly scheduled tours or arrange a private tour for your group.

Join our regularly scheduled tours

Tickets are $11 per adult, $8 per child (12 & under), $8 per concession and $8 per senior. 

Request a group tour (Mon-Fri)

Subject to guide availability, we accept private group bookings. To request a private group tour, complete our enquiry form. 

Grab tickets
Embark on our next Defence of Sydney Tour to discover the military heritage of North Fort including the underground Plotting Room and tunnel network.
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Plan Ahead

Planning to book a tour? For a hassle-free experience, refer to the information below ahead of your trip.

Getting here arrow

For information about getting to the North Fort, including by public transport, see: Visit North Head Sanctuary. This webpage also contains information on visitor parking and public facilities.

Content warning arrow

Although this is an all-ages tour, people under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Further, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are advised that the tour contains stories (and may contain images and/or visuals) of deceased people.

Site conditions arrow

This tour includes steep stairs and underground tunnels and some uneven surfaces, and it is not suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. A moderate level of fitness and mobility is required. You must comply with all directions of the Guides, Rangers and Security.

Although this is an all-ages tour, children must be able to walk and negotiate stairs independently due to the requirement to traverse steep and narrow staircases. Further, our safety requirements prevent ticketholders from carrying children in carriers or baby capsules on this tour. 

What to bring arrow

Suitable walking shoes, a sunhat and wet weather gear (if needed). Please provide your own torch for the tunnels (phone torch is adequate).  Please note: This tour has high touch points including hand rails and includes entry into confined spaces. As such, we recommend providing own hand sanitiser and wearing a face mask.

Weather conditions arrow

This tour will proceed regardless of weather conditions except in the event of extreme weather. If the Rural Fire Service declares an extreme or catastrophic fire danger rating for the Greater Sydney Region (area 4), tours will be cancelled. Participants will be notified via email if the tour is cancelled and a full refund of the ticket price will be made. 

Booked tickets and want to change your booking? arrow

To exchange your ticket(s) or request a refund, please contact our ticket solutions provider, Ticketbooth, via their support webpage: support.ticketbooth.com.au/contact/

Defence Of Sydney Tour North Head Sanctuary Manly 650X550

Helpful links

Want to learn more about North Head Sanctuary, including North Fort and the Third Quarantine Cemetery? You may find these links useful.