Sunday 6 September
Main event runs 10am to 2pm
Select activities run 7am to 10am
Main event hub: North Fort Precinct, North Head Sanctuary, Manly
Tour meeting point: North Head Sanctuary Visitor Centre, North Fort Precinct
Running 10am to 2pm, North Head Sanctuary Discovery Day is a chance to engage in FREE activities while enjoying the area's vibrant plant and animal community, scenic outlooks and historical landmarks!
There’ll be guided tours, pickleball, arts and craft, yoga and opportunities to explore historic spaces normally off limits to the public! PLUS: Food and refreshments, including a sausage sizzle!
Need help on the day? On arriving at the North Fort Precinct, head to the North Head Sanctuary Visitor Centre (Google Maps). Pre-registration is required for tours and yoga. Some 'early bird' activities will run from 7am to 10am.
Times: 8am to 8:45am | Cost: FREE | Location: Sanctuary Lawn, North Fort Precinct
Experience yoga in a unique way – against the backdrop of a bush-framed harbour, with grass underfoot and a soundtrack by North Head’s diverse birdlife. Flow mOcean Yoga will be running an outdoor session that's suitable for all levels. BYO yoga mat/towel.
Limited spots available. Online pre-registration required.
Times: 10am to 10:15am | Cost: FREE | Location: North Fort Precinct
Join Uncle Lloyd Walker (La Perouse Aboriginal Community Elder, Gujaga Foundation knowledge holder) for a powerful Welcome to Country. In addition to celebrating the unbroken connection First Nations peoples have to North Head, he will encourage unity, respect and deep cultural understanding.
Times: 10am to 2pm | Cost: FREE | Location: Various
North Head Sanctuary is the site of a historic artillery battery known as North Fort. It once featured a massive pair of guns and, during the Second World War, defended Sydney’s coastline. For one day only, we’re giving visitors access to historic spaces normally off limits outside of paid tours. These include North Fort’s underground tunnels and Engine Room, a mysterious bunker known as the Plotting Room and the recently restored Battery Observation Post.
Times: 10am to 2pm | Cost: FREE | Location: B20, North Fort Rd (near Parade Ground, southern end)
Keen for a crash course on nature at North Head? Head to Bandicoot Heaven – an education centre operated by the North Head Sanctuary Foundation (NHSF) – to learn about local plants and animals. NHSF volunteers work with the Harbour Trust to protect, maintain and promote awareness of the area’s delicate ecosystem.
Times: 10am to 2pm | Cost: FREE | Location: Sanctuary Lawn, North Fort Precinct
Need to entertain your kids AND take a breather? Head to scenic Sanctuary lawn for our dual Fun Zone/Chill Zone. As you take in the iconic harbour view and recharge your batteries, your little ones will have fun getting their faces painted and completing colouring-in sheets.
Times: 10am to 2pm | Cost: FREE | Location: Building 239, North Fort Precinct
Great news: Love Pickle Club is opening premium pickleball courts at North Head Sanctuary! To celebrate, they’re giving visitors the chance to try the world’s fastest growing sport with their pickleball pop-up venue! Combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, it’s fun, social and easy to pick up. Drop by for a hit!
Times: 10am to 2pm | Cost: FREE | Location: North Fort Precinct
The Royal Australian Artillery Historical Company (RAAHC) is a not-for-profit organisation at North Head Sanctuary. It operates the Sir Roden Cutler VC Artillery Research Centre – a historical library managed by volunteers with in-depth knowledge of Australian artillery. RAAHC volunteers also maintain Australia’s Memorial Walk. Come and speak to a member of their team about North Head's defence history!
Times: 10am to 2pm | Cost: FREE | Location: North Fort Precinct
There’s a whole story beneath your feet at North Head Sanctuary. To unearth it, visit this stand and speak to the team behind the National Rock Garden – a geoscience initiative based out of Canberra. They’ll reveal how Sydney Harbour was formed, why North Head’s dramatic ridges and cliffs exist and how ancient landscapes shaped Sydney Harbour as we now know it.
Times: 10am to 2pm | Cost: FREE | Location: North Fort Precinct
One person’s trash is another person’s treasure! Just ask the team at Pittwater Eco Adventures. Visit their educational stall to learn now simple actions can help protect our beaches for future generations. Plus: Discover get-hands on with plastic waste and learn how it can be recycled into something amazing!
Times: 7am to 7:50am, 8am to 8:50am | Cost: FREE | Meeting point: Visitor Centre, North Fort Precinct
North Head Sanctuary is home to 150+ bird species! For this reason, it’s a fantastic place to nurture a passion for birdwatching. Join Aussie Bird Tours for a special, 50-minute tour through coastal bushland that not only provide a haven for its feathered residents but also attracts migratory species.
Limited spots available. Online pre-registration required.
Times: 10:30am to 12pm | Cost: FREE | Meeting point: Visitor Centre, North Fort Precinct
Join Koori Kinnections for an immersive, First Nations-led walking tour and weaving session. This 90-minute experience is a unique opportunity to explore North Head Sanctuary while deepening your knowledge of Australia’s diverse First Nations cultures.
Limited spots available. Online pre-registration required.
Times: 1:00pm to 1:45pm | Cost: FREE | Meeting point: Visitor Centre, North Fort Precinct
Who knows North Head Sanctuary like the back of their hand? The people who walk its tracks daily: Harbour Trust rangers! Join one of our passionate rangers for an insider’s tour of the headland. You’ll discover hidden gems, hear local secrets and gain an appreciation for the work our rangers do daily to protect this special place and ensure visitors have a safe and enjoyable day out.
Limited spots available. Online pre-registration required.
Times: 11am to 11:50am | Cost: FREE | Meeting point: Visitor Centre, North Fort Precinct
Anderson Environment & Planning (AEP) manages wildlife conservation at North Head Sanctuary on behalf of the Harbour Trust. Join ecologist and conservation manager, Toni Blackwell, for a guided tour of North Head Sanctuary and learn about the amazing animals that live in the headland. Plus: Hear how AEP fauna surveys help endangered species thrive and survive!
Limited spots available. Online pre-registration required.
Times: 12:30pm to 1:30pm | Cost: FREE | Meeting point: Visitor Centre, North Fort Precinct
Celebrate spring with a guided wildflower walk. Accompanied by environmentalist Judy Lambert, the founding president of the North Head Sanctuary Foundation, encounter a stunning display of native blooms, including sunshine wattle and rosy sundew. Plus, learn about the area’s Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub (ESBS) – a critically endangered ecological community in NSW and nationally.
Limited spots available. Online pre-registration required.
Times: 12pm to 12:45pm, 1pm to 1:45pm | Cost: FREE | Meeting point: Visitor Centre, North Fort Precinct
Visit North Head Sanctuary’s scenic Third Quarantine Cemetery and hear from heritage architect Libby Bennett – also the Harbour Trust’s Director of Projects – about this nationally significant heritage landmark. You’ll hear stories of resilience, loss and survival while taking in a breathtaking view of Sydney Harbour. Plus, you’ll hear about a recent project to reinstate the graves of First World War casualties.
Limited spots available. Online pre-registration required.
Times: All day | Cost: Free: Starting point: Visitor Centre, North Fort Precinct
The Sanctuary Loop is a circuit trail of North Head Sanctuary, which visitors can complete in under 1 hour. Highlights include exceptional coastal views from Third Quarantine Cemetery as well as lookouts along the Fairfax Walk; endangered flora and fauna; diverse birdlife; decommissioned gun emplacements at North Fort; and Australia's Memorial Walk, honouring those who defended Australia during times of peace and war.
Times: 8am to 2pm | Location: North Fort Precinct (Near Bella Vista Cafe)
Need an energy kick? Bella Vista Cafe have your covered! Drop by their coffee cart, near the entry to the North Fort Precinct, for a hot brew plus a range of snacks including sandwiches, muffins and ice pops. After a foodie experience that pairs traditional and modern Italian cuisine with sweeping harbour views? Drop into the main cafe.
Times: 10am to 2pm| Cost: Varies | Location: North Fort Precinct (near Visitor Centre)
Got the munchies? Local coworking space provider, WOTSO, are ready to tackle your hunger head on! They’ll be serving up sausage sandwiches ($5), together with cold drinks ($2.50), at the North Fort Precinct! Plus: Vegetarian sausages will be available. Best of all? All funds raised will go to directly the Kids’ Cancer Project.
Ferry
Catch the Manly Ferry from Circular Quay. Refer to ‘Bus’ or ‘Walking’ (below) for guidance on reaching North Head Sanctuary from Manly Wharf.
Car and bike
From Manly, head to Darley Road and ascend the hill. At the top, bear right onto North Head Scenic Drive and head through the sandstone archway. Continue along this road and keep left at the Q Station roundabout to reach the North Fort Precinct. A bike rack is located outside the visitor centre. Note: On-site parking will be limited.
Walking
The walk from Manly Wharf to North Head Sanctuary takes 40 minutes. From Manly Wharf, head to Darley Road and ascend the hill. At the top, bear right onto North Head Scenic Drive and head through the sandstone archway. Next, turn left onto North Fort Road. Continue along this road to reach the North Fort Precinct.
Alternatively, it takes 60 minutes to reach North Head Sanctuary from Shelly and Collins Flat Beaches.
Bus
The 161 bus service operates to North Head Sanctuary from Manly Wharf every 30 minutes. For further public transport information, including timetables, visit the Transport NSW website.
Yes. However, parking will be very limited due to anticipated high demand on the day. On arrival at North Head Sanctuary, look for carpark signage and follow the directions of any traffic controllers. We strongly encourage you to walk, cycle or catch a bus.
Our visitor centre, located near the entry to the North Fort Precinct, will be the key source of visitor information on North Head Sanctuary Discovery Day. Pop into the centre and speak with one of our friendly visitor services volunteers for directions, recommended walking routes and information about Discovery Day activities. View on Google Maps.
Good question! Sign up for our North Head Sanctuary eNewsletter to receive news and updates about Discovery Day as they become available, including additional tour times.
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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