Guided Tours of North Head Sanctuary

Guided tours of North Head Sanctuary
Third Quarantine Cemetery Tour
Defence of Sydney Tour
North Head Sanctuary Observation Post
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About

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.

Their 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.

Available Tours

Defence of Sydney Tour

Defence of Sydney Tour

Established in 1936, North Fort is a remnant military complex at North Head Sanctuary in Manly. Strategically placed at the northern entrance to Sydney Harbour, the fort was part of a defence system that spanned 300 kilometres of coastline during the Second World War. The Defence of Sydney Tour is an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the men and women who served at North Fort. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you will walk along Australia's Memorial Walk and marvel at heritage gun emplacements, once capable of firing 26.4 kilometres. Finally, your guide will demystify an underground bunker once shrouded in secrecy: The Plotting Room. As you explore this facility, concealed within bushland, you'll hear how specialist volunteers faithfully restored it.

North Head Sanctuary Observation Post

North Head Discovery Tour

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! Accompanied by a knowledgeable volunteer tour guide, you'll discover North Head's Barracks Precinct, including its iconic parade ground, and get a chance to dip your toes into its fascinating military story. From there, you'll be introduced to the area's delicate but vibrant landscape and be lead inside the Observation Post – a historic military landmark that was recently restored with the help of specialist volunteers.

Reviews & Ratings

Pratul Maddipudi

Pratul Maddipudi

Google review

Really beautiful view of the Pacific on one side, the cliffs extending out into the distance. The other side viewpoint is a great view of Sydney and Sydney Harbor as well. And that is just the lookout again. Definitely budget more time for the visitor center and old fortifications for the complete experience, though some of it was closed when I visited

Where you'll be

North Head Sanctuary

Manly NSW 2095