Sydney Harbour National Park: North Head Sanctuary - New South Wales, Australia
Day two of my Sydney Harbour National Park explorations began with a trip to Manly Wharf. I left from Museum Station, took the train to Circular Quay, and transferred onto the ferry. Even though it was a short ride, the ferry crossing alone felt worth the trip—you get front-row views of Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, and the glittering skyline behind them. It’s one of those classic Sydney moments that somehow feels special every time.
Once I arrived at Manly Wharf, I started the gradual uphill walk toward North Head Sanctuary. It didn’t take long, I reached The Barracks Precinct, a historic military area once used by the Army School of Artillery from 1946 to 1998. Before that, it served as accommodation and support facilities for defence personnel. Although I didn’t go inside, walking around the outer grounds already gave a sense of the site’s history and scale.
From there, the trail took me past several defence observation posts as I made my way toward North Fort. The entire area is well maintained, combining bushland, coastal cliffs, and preserved military structures. Every so often, the trees opened up to reveal sweeping views back toward Sydney—one of the best parts of this walk.
At North Fort, I wandered through the grounds, exploring the external structures such as the administration block, old accommodation quarters, gymnasium, and the entrance to the underground plotting room. Guided tours can take visitors through the tunnels, but I opted to stay above ground this time. A short distance away is the Memorial Walk, a 250-metre pathway dedicated to honouring Australia’s military history. I spent longer than expected reading the plaques and taking in the stories beneath my feet.
Next, I continued toward the Fairfax Track, which leads to multiple coastal lookouts. This area is known as one of the best whale-spotting locations near Sydney during winter. When I reached Burragula Lookout, I heard a few excited shouts—people nearby had spotted whales in the distance. With high hopes, I scanned the ocean as hard as I could, even zooming in with my camera, but I couldn’t spot anything. A bit disappointed, I decided to stay for about 15 minutes just in case they resurfaced, soaking in the dramatic cliffs and vast ocean while I waited.
Eventually, I made my way back toward Manly Wharf, enjoying the afternoon strolling along the trail. It was a perfect blend of history, nature, and coastal scenery—a calmer but deeply rewarding day in Sydney Harbour National Park.
History & Background
North Head forms one of the two headlands marking the entrance to Sydney Harbour, and it has held cultural, strategic, and ecological importance for centuries. For thousands of years, the area was inhabited by the Gayamagal people, whose deep connection to the cliffs and bushland shaped the region’s early history. Together with South Head and Middle Head, North Head forms a network of culturally and strategically significant headlands that have shaped the story and defence of Sydney Harbour.
Following European arrival, North Head became one of Sydney’s key defence sites. The development of The Barracks Precinct and North Fort transformed the headland into a major military installation throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, especially during World War II. Heavy artillery batteries were strategically positioned to protect the harbour entrance, many of which remain standing today.
In modern times, the site has transitioned into a protected sanctuary managed for both heritage and conservation. It is home to endangered species, native bushland restoration programs, military history museums, dramatic coastal lookouts, and key walking trails. Together, the preserved natural environment and military structures create a layered experience unique to North Head.
Getting There
From Sydney CBD, reaching North Head Sanctuary is straightforward and scenic. Start by taking a train to Circular Quay Station, where frequent ferries depart for Manly. The ferry ride takes about 20–25 minutes and offers spectacular views of Sydney Harbour, making it one of the most enjoyable transport options in the city.
Once you arrive at Manly Wharf, the trailhead is easily accessible on foot. The walk to North Head begins right from the wharf, gradually winding uphill through residential areas and into the sanctuary. If you prefer to shorten the walking distance, local buses also run from Manly Wharf toward North Head, though schedules can vary. For those driving, paid parking is available near the North Head visitor area, but availability may be limited on weekends. Public transport remains the most convenient choice for a relaxed start to the day.
Route Overview
Distance: 11.13 km out & back (Manly Wharf)
Total elevation gain: 166 m
Duration: 2 hr 17 min (with breaks 2 hr 51 min)
Difficulty: Easy
Cost Breakdown
Train: Museum Station → Circular Quay Station — AU$3.03
Ferry: Circular Quay → Manly Wharf — AU$6.62
Food: AU$15.57
