NORTH HEAD SANCTUARY

Easily accessible from Manly, North Head Sanctuary is part of Sydney Harbour National Park. While its western area is occupied by the Q Station and the center by the buildings of the Former North Head Army Barracks which was in service until 1998, the eastern and southern areas are particularly wild and offer stunning views from the top of the cliffs, especially from Fairfax Lookout.

Former North Head Army Barracks. A site renovated since 2007, open to the public, and where most of the buildings are now occupied by private companies.

The Q Station, former quarantine station for passengers of ships arriving in Sydney, transformed into a hotel residence. Enjoy taking one of the year-round guided tours, including an unforgettable Ghost Tour and History Tour.

The Third Quarantine Cemetery, a bit removed from the current facility, where 241 people were buried between 1881 and 1925. Most died during epidemics. The other cemeteries were destroyed because of the risk of pollution they created.

Australian Memorial Walk Opened in 2012, this memorial walk is a tribute to Australian servicemen from all wars. The path of engraved paving stones includes 6 memorials of the different battles in which the Australian army took part, including the famous battle of Gallipoli.

North Head Scenic Drive. This beautiful scenic drive connects Fairfax Lookout to Manly along the southeast side of North Head. The view of Sydney Harbour is magnificent, day and night, especially at sunset.

Fairfax Lookout. Accessible from North Head Scenic Drive by following Fairfax Track (1 km) which allows to admire the bay and Sydney from the top of the cliffs. Fairfax Lookout is also a whale watching site.

A marked path allows you to go around all these sites in 1h30-2h from Manly. This walk gives the opportunity to discover the fauna and nature of North Head but also the remains of the fortifications put in place between 1935 and 1938 to defend the entrance of Sydney harbour from any external attack.

Various facilities. Near the information center (on Scenic Drive), there is an Italian café-restaurant and a café in the Australian Bronze North Head sculpture studio, within the former barracks.

Guided tours are also available in the North Fort Tour.