Tour a historic army base or cemetery in Manly

Located in Manly at the northern entrance to Sydney Harbour, North Head Sanctuary features a remnant military complex and a historic cemetery set within coastal bushland.

Our 3 volunteer-led, all-ages tours are an opportunity to explore military infrastructure dating back to the Second World War and gain insights into the nation’s early quarantine practices. Each tour is also available for private group bookings (details below).

North Head Discovery Tour

Cost: From $8 | Duration: 40 mins | When: Select dates

Get a taste for North Head Sanctuary in Manly – and explore a Second World War era structure off limits to general visitors – on this bite-sized tour, ideal for new visitors including families!

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Defence of Sydney Tour

Cost: From $11 | Duration: 1 hour 45mins | When: 10:30am & 11:30am every Sunday

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.

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Third Quarantine Cemetery Tour

Cost: From $11 | Duration: 60 mins | Hours: 11am to 12pm, select Sundays

The Third Quarantine Cemetery was established in 1881 for victims of a smallpox epidemic. During this tour, a knowledgeable guide will share stories of those who succumbed to small pox, the plague and other epidemics. You will also experience the natural beauty of this final resting place, including unspoiled views of Sydney Harbour.

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Request a private tour for your group

Want to arrange a private tour of North Head Sanctuary for your group? Use our enquiry form. Note: Minimum purchase of 10 tickets.

Enquiry form

Helpful links

Interested in learning more about our heritage destinations? Here are some useful links.

Our places

Visit North Head Sanctuary

Learn

The history of North Head Sanctuary

Historical people

Annie Egan: A life sacrificed to duty

Online exhibition

The Secret Military History of Manly's North Fort Plotting Room

Learn

Historical people

Consultation

Have your say

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Guided tours of North Head Sanctuary

Located in Manly at the northern entrance to Sydney Harbour, North Head Sanctuary features a remnant military complex and a historic cemetery set within coastal bushland.

North Head Discovery Tour

Defence of Sydney Tour

Third Quarantine Cemetery Tour

Request a private tour for your group

Helpful links

Interested in learning more about our heritage destinations? Here are some useful links.

Visit North Head Sanctuary

The history of North Head Sanctuary

Annie Egan: A life sacrificed to duty

The Secret Military History of Manly's North Fort Plotting Room

Historical people

Have your say

What's on calendar

What are you searching for?

Guided tours of North Head Sanctuary

Located in Manly at the northern entrance to Sydney Harbour, North Head Sanctuary features a remnant military complex and a historic cemetery set within coastal bushland.

North Head Discovery Tour

Defence of Sydney Tour

Third Quarantine Cemetery Tour

Request a private tour for your group

Helpful links

Interested in learning more about our heritage destinations? Here are some useful links.

Visit North Head Sanctuary

The history of North Head Sanctuary

Annie Egan: A life sacrificed to duty

The Secret Military History of Manly's North Fort Plotting Room

Historical people

Have your say

What's on calendar