Updated: Historic wall repaired at North Head Sanctuary

Historic wall at North Head Sanctuary in Manly.

The Harbour Trust is carefully restoring a stone wall at North Head Sanctuary, Manly that partially collapsed due to an extreme weather event in March 2022. Unprecedented rain during this event led to a rapid build-up of water at the base of the wall, undermining its foundations.

[Note: This story was originally published on 22 September 2023 and was updated on 24 November 2023 to reflect the progress of the works referenced.]

Military heritage


Built circa 1933, the wall runs north to south and is associated with the historic North Fort Precinct. The collapsed section, now subject to restoration work, is located immediately opposite the visitor centre.

Strategically located at northern entrance to Sydney Harbour, North Fort played an important role in the defence of Sydney Harbour during the Second World War.

Restoration projects like this reflect the Harbour Trust’s commitment to preserve, amplify and celebrate the military heritage of its sites on Sydney Harbour.

Restoration work

The restoration work is being carried out by a heritage engineer specialising in stonework as well as a heritage stonemason. These personnel will rebuild the collapsed section by hand, in sympathy to the original building methods. Improved drainage will also be constructed to ensure the wall can withstand future extreme weather events. 

[Update (24/11/2023): Restoration work on the collapsed section of the wall, located opposite the visitor centre, was completed in late October.]

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Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and Owners of the lands, waters and sky of Sydney Harbour, including the extraordinary places we manage and protect. Today, the homelands of the Borogegal, Birrabirragal, Cammeraygal, Gadigal, Gayamagal, Wallumedegal and Wangal peoples host destinations under our stewardship. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging.

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