Whether you’re visiting North Head Sanctuary for a peaceful stroll, a day of discovery or simply to soak in the panoramic views, our half day and full day itineraries will help you make the most of your visit.
Join our North Head Discovery Tour to discover North Head’s Barracks Precinct, explore a Second World War era structure usually off limits to general visitors and to dip your toes into the area's military history.
After your tour, make your way to the Hanging Swamp – a threatened freshwater wetland home to native plants and animals. Listen for the chorus of singing frogs!
Head to Australia’s Memorial Walk and stroll along the paved path, taking in monuments that feature the major conflict periods in Australia’s history.
Make your way to the Third Quarantine Cemetery, established in 1881 for smallpox victims. Discover its rich history and enjoy the beauty of this final resting place, complete with harbour views.
Head to the Harbour Lookout for sweeping Pacific Ocean views. Next, continue onto the Northern Lookout for even more breathtaking sights!
Upon arriving to North Head Sanctuary, head to our visitor centre. Open daily from 10am to 3pm, our friendly visitor service volunteers will be there to greet you and answer your questions.
Join our Defence of Sydney Tour to walk in the footsteps of those who served at North Fort, discover heritage gun emplacements and explore the underground Plotting Room.
Time for lunch? Enjoy a meal or takeaway coffee at Bella Vista Cafe, just steps from the visitor centre.
Make your way to the Third Quarantine Cemetery, established in 1881 for smallpox victims. Discover its rich history and enjoy the beauty of this final resting place, complete with harbour views.
Head to the Harbour Lookout for sweeping Pacific Ocean views. Next, continue onto the Northern Lookout for even more breathtaking sights!
As you explore North Head Sanctuary, look out for our colourful talking object and echidna signs! Historic objects and landmarks are ready to share their incredible stories and a local echidna can even answer your burning visitor questions!
Make your way to the Observation Post, a historic military landmark that was recently restored with the help of specialist volunteers.
Continue along the path to the Hanging Swamp – a threatened freshwater wetland home to native plants and animals. Listen for the chorus of singing frogs!
Head to Australia’s Memorial Walk and stroll along the paved path, taking in monuments that feature the major conflict periods in Australia’s history.
The Sanctuary Loop at North Head Sanctuary is a 3km circuit that takes just 1.5 hours to complete.
Location: North Head Sanctuary, Manly | Distance: 3km (plus 2km add-on) | Difficulty: Easy
Only 3km from Manly Beach and accessible by the 161 bus from Manly, this trail offers stunning coastal views. Along the way, you’ll discover 4 epic lookouts of Sydney Harbour, spot local wildlife and explore historic sites like the Third Quarantine Cemetery and Australia’s Memorial Walk.
Optional: Add an extra 2km to your journey by completing the Fairfax Walk, which offers even more incredible views!
Planning to visit? For a hassle-free experience, refer to the information below ahead of your trip.
For information about getting here, including parking and by public transport, see: Visit North Head Sanctuary.
Our Visitor Centre relies on the generosity and availability of our volunteers. While we endeavour to open from 10am to 4pm daily, we cannot guarantee the centre will always be open.
The Harbour Trust maintains public toilets, including accessible toilets, at North Head Sanctuary, and these facilities are included on the Department of Health’s National Public Toilet Map. The toilets available at this destination are listed below:
Our Visitor Centre has wheelchair access and our nearby car park provides accessible parking. For accessible toilets, see the 'Public toilets' information below. Please keep in mind that North Head Sanctuary is a natural environment with uneven surfaces and that some walking tracks include stairs and medium inclines.
Learn more about North Head Sanctuary and our other extraordinary places on Sydney Harbour.
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