Sydney Harbour National Park

Overview

Sydney Harbour National Park protects islands and foreshore around Sydney Harbour. Explore Sydney's history on a school excursion or guided tour to enjoy coastal walks, picnics and swimming.

Read more about Sydney Harbour National Park

Sydney Harbour National Park protects a number of islands and foreshore areas around one of the world's most famous harbours. The park is home to superb swimming spots, bushwalking tracks and picnic areas, which offer a huge range of activities that will have you coming back again and again.

See native wildlife living in rare pockets of bushland once common around Sydney, or take a fascinating walk to explore the park's cultural history. You'll see everything from convict-built buildings and military fortifications to Aboriginal sites and a heritage lighthouse. And with the harbour's staggering coastline creating an endless natural lookout, the park's jaw-dropping views simply have to be seen to be believed. If you're at one of the park's lookouts during winter, be sure to keep a lookout for whales on their annual migration north.

Current alerts in this area

There are no current alerts in this area.

Local alerts

For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/sydney-harbour-national-park/local-alerts

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Contact

in the Sydney and surrounds region
Sydney Harbour National Park is open sunrise to sunset but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
Park entry fees:
Bradleys Head: $8 per vehicle per day. North Head: $5 per vehicle per day. Tap and pay card or phone payments accepted at pay machines. Coin payment available at Fairfax carpark machines only. Chowder Bay: Monday-Friday: $3 per hour, to a maximum of $16 per day. Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays: $4 per hour, to a maximum of $20 per day. If you hold an NPWS All Parks or Multi Parks Pass, you can park free for up to four hours per day - additional time can be purchased. Car parks operated by Sydney Harbour Federation Trust or Mosman Council are not covered by your pass. Please check signs carefully. Park’nPay: You can also pay for your visit to any area via the Park’nPay app.
Other fees:
Landing fees or tour fees apply to visit Sydney Harbour islands. All public visitors to Shark, Clark or Rodd Island, need to pay a $7 per person landing fee. To arrange, please contact 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS). Annual NSW Parks Passes do not cover landing fees.
Buy annual pass (//pass.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/).
- Nielsen Park office
  02 9337 5511
  Contact hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
- Greycliffe House, Nielsen Park, 6 Steele Point Road, Vaucluse NSW 2030
- Email: npws.sydneysouth@environment.nsw.gov.au
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- Middle Head office
  02 9960 6266
  Contact hours: Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm.
- 2 Governors Road, Mosman NSW 2088
- Email: npws.sydneynorth@environment.nsw.gov.au
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See more visitor info

Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Sydney Harbour National Park.

Getting there and parking

Parking Show more

Bottle and Glass Point See on map
Bradleys Head – Booraghee Amphitheatre See on map
Chowder Bay – Gooree See on map
Cobblers Beach See on map
Collins Flat Beach See on map
Grotto Point Aboriginal engraving site See on map
Middle Head Officers Quarters See on map
North Head See on map

By bike

Check out the Bicycle Info website for more information about visiting Sydney Harbour National Park by bike.

By public transport

Use the Transport NSW website to plan your trip into Sydney Harbour National Park.

Facilities

Toilets Show more

Picnic tables Show more

Barbecue facilities

Cafe/kiosk

Drinking water Show more

Showers

Electric power

Maps and downloads

Fees and passes

Park entry fees:

Bradleys Head: $8 per vehicle per day. North Head: $5 per vehicle per day. Tap and pay card or phone payments accepted at pay machines. Coin payment available at Fairfax carpark machines only. Chowder Bay: Monday-Friday: $3 per hour, to a maximum of $16 per day. Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays: $4 per hour, to a maximum of $20 per day. If you hold an NPWS All Parks or Multi Parks Pass, you can park free for up to four hours per day - additional time can be purchased. Car parks operated by Sydney Harbour Federation Trust or Mosman Council are not covered by your pass. Please check signs carefully. Park’nPay: You can also pay for your visit to any area via the Park’nPay app.

Other fees:

Landing fees or tour fees apply to visit Sydney Harbour islands. All public visitors to Shark, Clark or Rodd Island, need to pay a $7 per person landing fee. To arrange, please contact 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS). Annual NSW Parks Passes do not cover landing fees.

All Parks Pass - For all parks in NSW (including Kosciuszko NP) $190 (1 year) / $335 (2 years)
Multi Parks Pass - For all parks in NSW (except Kosciuszko) $65 (1 year) / $115 (2 years)

Annual passes and entry fees (https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/passes-and-fees)

Safety messages

However you discover NSW national parks and reserves, we want you to have a safe and enjoyable experience. Our park and reserve systems contrast greatly so you need to be aware of the risks and take responsibility for your own safety and the safety of those in your care.

Beach safety

Beaches in this park are not patrolled and can have strong rip currents. These beach safety tips will help you and your family stay safe in the water.

Fishing safety

Fishing from a boat, the beach, the rocks or by the river is a popular activity for many national park visitors. If you’re planning a day out fishing, check out these fishing and rock fishing safety tips.

Mobile safety

Dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. Download the Emergency Plus app before you visit, it helps emergency services locate you using your smartphone's GPS. Please note there is limited mobile phone reception in this park and you’ll need mobile reception to call Triple Zero (000).

Prohibited

Camp fires and solid fuel burners

Open fires and any form of solid fuel are not allowed.

Drones

Flying a drone for recreational purposes is prohibited in this area. Drones may affect public enjoyment, safety and privacy, interfere with park operations, or pose a threat to wildlife. See the Drones in Parks policy.

This area may be a declared Drone Exclusion Zone, or may be subject to Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) rules for flying near airports, aerodromes and helicopter landing sites. See CASA's Drone Flyer Rules.

Commercial filming and photography

Commercial filming or photography is prohibited without prior consent. You must apply for permission and contact the local office.

Pets

Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

Smoking

NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

Nearby towns

Sydney City Centre (10 km)

No trip to Sydney is complete without spending some time in the city’s beautiful parks. Whether it’s in central areas like Hyde Park or the Royal Botanic Gardens or further out in Centennial Parklands, there’s plenty of green space to go out and enjoy.

www.sydney.com

Hornsby (29 km)

A suburb in Sydney's upper north shore, Hornsby is conveniently located for easy access to Lane Cove National Park, Berowra Valley Regional Park, and the heritage-listed Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park - Australia's second-oldest national park. Explore walking and cycling tracks and Aboriginal sites, as well as marinas, cafes and picnic areas.

www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au

Parramatta (34 km)

Parramatta offers a fascinating insight into early colonial life in Australia. Don't miss a visit to Old Government House, now one of 11 Australian Convict Sites on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

www.sydney.com

Learn more

Sydney Harbour National Park is a special place. Here are just some of the reasons why:

Native birds and animals

Water dragon (Physignathus lesueurii), Sydney Harbour National Park. Photo: John Spencer

You'll probably spot at least one of the park's 150 bird species on your visit, like a white-bellied sea eagle or a New Holland honeyeater. If you're near Manly, you may be lucky enough to glimpse an endangered little penguin as it is the state's only known mainland colony. If you happen to see unusual webbed footprints on a beach or shoreline, they may well belong to a native water rat looking for seafood in shallow water close to the shoreline.

Aboriginal cultural cruise in Sydney Harbour Join the friendly and knowledgeable guides of Tribal Warrior for a fascinating boat and island tour as you learn about the Aboriginal culture of Sydney Harbour.
Bradleys Head guided walking tour in Sydney Join your friendly guide from EcoWalks Tours for a fascinating harbour-side excursion at Bradleys Head in Sydney. You'll experience local history, enjoy stunning views and see native wildlife.
Fairfax walk Fairfax Walk is paved, making it an easy stroll and ideal for walking with children. Located at North Head in Sydney Harbour National Park, it's a great walk for whale watching.
Guided walks in Sydney's national parks Connect with nature in one of Sydney’s most beautiful national parks on a guided bushwalk with Trip Slow. You’ll learn about local wildlife and the history of the area.
Living world WildTracker: Bradleys Head On a WildTracker excursion, Stage 3 (Years 5-6) students investigate and analyse the natural environment of Bradleys Head. Students identify and group species and discuss adaptations that help these species survive and thrive here.
Living world WildTracker: Nielsen Park On a WildTracker excursion, Stage 3 (Years 5-6) students will explore and analyse the natural environment of Nielsen Park. We'll identify and group species and discuss the adaptations that help these species survive and thrive here.
The earth's environment at Bradleys Head The earth's environment is a fun, Stage 1 (Years 1-2) geography excursion at Bradleys Head. Students will identify the physical features of this beautiful place. They'll discuss how people interact with the place in both past and present contexts.
WildThings at Bradleys Head Book your WildThings school excursion for Stage 1 (Years 1-2) students in Sydney Harbour National Park. Together we'll explore the living world and identify the features that help native plants and animals thrive here.

Diverse landscapes

Arabanoo lookout at Dobroyd Head, Sydney Harbour National Park. Photo: David Finnegan

You'll find everything from sandstone cliffs and rocky foreshores to quiet beaches and bushland in Sydney Harbour National Park. Cliff instability and rockfalls have shaped Sydney's dramatic coastline over thousands of years. Visit the lookouts at North Head and enjoy the perfect vantage point for whale watching. With panoramic views you'll be able to absorb the sheer size of Sydney Harbour. Explore the bushland at Nielsen Park, South Head, Bradleys Head or along the Manly scenic walkway and find yourself beneath gigantic Sydney red gums and Port Jackson figs.

Aboriginal cultural cruise in Sydney Harbour Join the friendly and knowledgeable guides of Tribal Warrior for a fascinating boat and island tour as you learn about the Aboriginal culture of Sydney Harbour.
Bottle and Glass Point Bottle and Glass Point is an ideal picnic spot in Nielsen Park in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. Enjoy lovely harbour views and relax in Sydney Harbour National Park.
Bradleys Head guided walking tour in Sydney Join your friendly guide from EcoWalks Tours for a fascinating harbour-side excursion at Bradleys Head in Sydney. You'll experience local history, enjoy stunning views and see native wildlife.
Guided kayak tours at Manly Beach Join the friendly local guides of Manly Kayak Centre for an unforgettable paddle and scenic walk. From ocean to hilltop, it’s a great way to enjoy the highlights of Sydney’s beautiful North Harbour, near Manly Beach.
Guided walks in Sydney's national parks Connect with nature in one of Sydney’s most beautiful national parks on a guided bushwalk with Trip Slow. You’ll learn about local wildlife and the history of the area.
Manly hiking tour Join Fit City Tours for a guided hike in Sydney Harbour National Park. Setting out from Manly, you’ll walk for 10km along a rugged coastal track with iconic harbour views.
Manly scenic walkway Also known as the Spit Bridge to Manly Walk, Manly Scenic Walkway is among Sydney's best walking tracks. Enjoy bush, beach and beautiful views on this excellent day walk.
Spectacular Sydney Harbour National Park tour Explore Sydney’s most magical places from a local’s perspective on your own private outing with Personalised Sydney Tours. Enjoy an unforgettable day with your friendly guide as you visit iconic landmarks and discover hidden coastal gems.
Sydney Harbour school holiday program Are you looking for a fun and engaging outdoor activity to keep your kids entertained during the school holidays? Sign up for Saltwater School’s holiday program at Chowder Bay in Sydney Harbour National Park.

An island paradise

Bradleys Head, Sydney Harbour National Park. Photo: David Finnegan

The park protects five historic harbour islands. Discover the rich convict and maritime heritage of Me-Mel or Goat Island, along with stunning views from all angles. Why not picnic at Rodd or Shark Island? Set aside for public enjoyment as early as 1879, both offer picnic areas, beaches and paths for you to explore. The park’s exceptional landscapes are the perfect setting for fishing, swimming, and soaking up the views. Head to Clark Island for an Aboriginal cultural experience or enjoy the city lights when you stay at Middle Head Officers Quarters. Sydney Harbour National Park is beloved by landscape photographers, so why not bring your camera and take a few shots?

Arabanoo lookout at Dobroyd Head Arabanoo lookout at Dobroyd Head is named in honour of Arabanoo, the first Aboriginal man to live among European settlers. It's a great spot for whale watching, offering views over North and South Head and the Pacific Ocean.
Bradleys Head – Booraghee Amphitheatre Bradleys Head – Booraghee ('boo-ruh-gee) Amphitheatre is an exceptionally popular place within Sydney Harbour National Park. A fabulous lookout, it's also a great picnic area and fishing spot.
Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk Take the Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk for beautiful views of Sydney Harbour. This easy walk takes you from Taronga Zoo to the beach and cafes at Chowder Bay.
Fairfax walk Fairfax Walk is paved, making it an easy stroll and ideal for walking with children. Located at North Head in Sydney Harbour National Park, it's a great walk for whale watching.
Luxury 3-day Sydney Harbour hiking tour Experience the best of Sydney Harbour National Park on this luxury multi-day hike with Harbour Trax. From scenic walks to gourmet dining and boutique accommodation, it’s the ultimate Sydney adventure.
Manly Beach sunset cycling tour Pedal along the iconic Manly Beach and enjoy views of Sydney Harbour at sunset on a guided cycling adventure with Bonza Bike Tours.
Sydney seaplane flight and Shark Island picnic Discover a whole new side to Sydney Harbour on a scenic flight with Sydney Seaplanes. You’ll fly through to Bondi before enjoying a decadent picnic on Shark Island.

Aboriginal culture and heritage

Arabanoo lookout, Sydney Harbour National Park. Photo: John Spencer

Before Australia became a British colony, the area around Sydney Harbour was occupied by the Eora and Daruk Aboriginal Nations. Upon the arrival of settlers and convicts, land was cleared to make way for the developing colony, and Aboriginal people were forced further and further away from their traditional camping and hunting grounds. As the colony spread, more evidence of Aboriginal life and culture was destroyed. Today, despite the great spread of the city, you can find many Aboriginal sites like rock engravings and middens - examples of an ancient and enduring cultural heritage and a record of the Eora Peoples' culture.

Burragula and Yiningma lookouts were designed to reflect Aboriginal connection to Country. They’re a great spot to share stories while relaxing on the beautiful sandstone seating in the shape of a bara or fishhook.

Arabanoo lookout at Dobroyd Head Arabanoo lookout at Dobroyd Head is named in honour of Arabanoo, the first Aboriginal man to live among European settlers. It's a great spot for whale watching, offering views over North and South Head and the Pacific Ocean.
Grotto Point Aboriginal engraving site Sydney Harbour National Park’s rock engravings immerse you in Sydney’s Aboriginal heritage. Head to Grotto Point at Dobroyd Head for historic rock art and scenic views.
Living world WildTracker: Bradleys Head On a WildTracker excursion, Stage 3 (Years 5-6) students investigate and analyse the natural environment of Bradleys Head. Students identify and group species and discuss adaptations that help these species survive and thrive here.
Living world WildTracker: Nielsen Park On a WildTracker excursion, Stage 3 (Years 5-6) students will explore and analyse the natural environment of Nielsen Park. We'll identify and group species and discuss the adaptations that help these species survive and thrive here.
WildThings at Bradleys Head Book your WildThings school excursion for Stage 1 (Years 1-2) students in Sydney Harbour National Park. Together we'll explore the living world and identify the features that help native plants and animals thrive here.

A world of history

Fort Denison, Sydney Harbour National Park. Photo: David Finnegan

Although British authorities first planned to set up their penal colony in Botany Bay, the First Fleet of convicts only stayed in Botany Bay for a few days and then set sail around the coast to Sydney Harbour, where the colony was established. Since then, Sydney Harbour has continued to play an important part in the development of the nation and a number of places in the park have strong links to Sydney's history. You'll find buildings constructed using convict labour, maritime and military fortifications, and the Quarantine Station which once housed new boat arrivals to Sydney, protecting Sydneysiders from infectious disease.

Bradleys Head guided walking tour in Sydney Join your friendly guide from EcoWalks Tours for a fascinating harbour-side excursion at Bradleys Head in Sydney. You'll experience local history, enjoy stunning views and see native wildlife.
Bushland secrets at Bradleys Head self-guided tour Take a self-guided tour around Bradleys Head and discover the hidden secrets of this special place. Stroll through bushland along an elevated boardwalk and learn about the history of the area as you drink in the magnificent views of Sydney Harbour.
Convict kids on Goat Island 'Guilty of petty theft – your punishment is penal transportation to Australia for the term of your natural life.' Discover what life was like for the first convicts of Australia in this unique Stage 2 (Years 3-4) History excursion on historic Goat Island.
Fort Denison – Muddawahnyuh Fort Denison – Muddawahnyuh (mud-uh-'wahn-yuh) is a heritage fort on a Sydney Harbour island. Once called Pinchgut Island, the former military facility is a popular New Years Eve vantage point.
Goat Island convicts, castles and champagne tour Discover Sydney’s colourful convict past on a unique tour with Sydney Harbour Tall Ships. Visit historic sites on Goat Island and take in beautiful views as you cruise around Sydney Harbour.
Greycliffe House and Nielsen Park heritage tour Enter the world of the mid 1800s when you visit Greycliffe House. It's been a part of Sydney's history since its first residents moved in. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the grounds after the tour.
Guided walks in Sydney's national parks Connect with nature in one of Sydney’s most beautiful national parks on a guided bushwalk with Trip Slow. You’ll learn about local wildlife and the history of the area.
Military relics at Bradleys Head Discover Sydney's military history at the Bradleys Head Fortifications Complex. Bradleys Head is next to Tarongo Zoo in Mosman NSW.
South Head Heritage trail The short, easy South Head Heritage trail takes in scenic beaches and Sydney Harbour views, historic gun emplacements, and great whale watching from the distinctive red and white striped Hornby Lighthouse.
Spectacular Sydney Harbour National Park tour Explore Sydney’s most magical places from a local’s perspective on your own private outing with Personalised Sydney Tours. Enjoy an unforgettable day with your friendly guide as you visit iconic landmarks and discover hidden coastal gems.
Strickland Estate Step back in time as you walk up the lush lawn to Carrara House on Strickland Estate in Vaucluse. This 19th-century estate is a heritage treasure and boasts one of the best picnic spots with a harbour view anywhere in Sydney.
Strickland House heritage tour Wind back the clock and explore the varied history of Strickland House on a guided tour. With stunning harbour views, it was home to leading figures of Sydney's establishment in the 19th century.
Sydney Harbour kayak adventures to Goat Island Explore Sydney Harbour by sea kayak on this guided tour with Paddle Pirates. You'll experience marine life and discover the fascinating history of Goat Island, in Sydney Harbour National Park.
Sydney top 10 hidden harbour beaches tours Live like a local and experience stunning harbour beaches and beautiful nature in and around Sydney Harbour National Park on these relaxed tours for very small groups.

Plants and animals protected in this park

Animals

Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)

The humpback whale has the longest migratory path of any mammal, travelling over 5000km from its summer feeding grounds in Antarctica to its breeding grounds in the subtropics. Its playful antics, such as body-rolling, breaching and pectoral slapping, are a spectacular sight for whale watchers in NSW national parks.

Plants

Grass tree (Xanthorrea spp.)

An iconic part of the Australian landscape, the grass tree is widespread across eastern NSW. These Australian native plants have a thick fire-blackened trunk and long spiked leaves. They are found in heath and open forests across eastern NSW. The grass tree grows 1-5m in height and produces striking white-flowered spikes which grow up to 1m long.
Blueberry ash (Elaeocarpus reticulatus)

The blueberry ash is a rainforest shrub which produces blue olive-shaped berries and spectacular bell-shaped flowers, which often appear on the plant together. It is a tall slender shrub or small tree found in rainforest, tall eucalypt forest and coastal bushland in eastern NSW, south-east Queensland and Victoria.
Flannel flower (Actinotus helianthi)

The delicate flannel flower is so named because of the soft woolly feel of the plant. Growing in the NSW south coast region, extending to Narrabri in the Central West and up to south-east Queensland, its white or pink flowers bloom all year long, with an extra burst of colour in the spring.
Smooth-barked apple (Angophora costata)

Smooth-barked apple gums, also known as Sydney red gum or rusty gum trees, are Australian native plants found along the NSW coast, and in the Sydney basin and parts of Queensland. Growing to heights of 15-30m, the russet-coloured angophoras shed their bark in spring to reveal spectacular new salmon-coloured bark.

Environments in this park

Education resources (1)

Who cares about national parks?, Stage 2 (Years 3-4), Geography

School excursions (8)

What we're doing

Sydney Harbour National Park has management strategies in place to protect and conserve the values of this park. View the detailed park and fire management documents. Here is just some of the work we’re doing to conserve these values:

Preserving biodiversity

Sydney Harbour Park is home to endangered plant and animal populations, and protecting these is key to upholding the park’s biodiversity. Population monitoring, management and other conservation activities are ongoing in this park. NPWS collaborates with volunteers and other groups and agencies to ensure its native species are properly preserved. Protecting and revitalising such populations is an ongoing goal.

Managing weeds, pest animals and other threats

Pests and weeds have a significant impact on the ecosystems within Sydney Harbour National Park. NPWS carries out risk assessments for new and emerging weeds as well as fox control to protect biodiversity in this park.

Developing visitor facilities and experiences

The upkeep of Sydney Harbour National Park’s visitor facilities is an NPWS priority. Programs relating to the management and enhancement of the park’s walking tracks, trails, picnic spots, lookouts and other offerings are ongoing. Car parking processes and facilities are frequently reviewed, and park amenities and infrastructure receive regular maintenance.

Conserving our Aboriginal culture

Aboriginal culture is of great value to NPWS, and the condition of Aboriginal sites is reviewed and upgraded as required in Sydney Harbour National Park. NPWS works to ensure visitors are well informed about the history and importance of such assets, and maintenance programs are ongoing throughout the park.

Managing fire

NSW is one of the most bushfire prone areas in the world as a result of our climate, weather systems, vegetation and the rugged terrain. NPWS is committed to maintaining natural and cultural heritage values and minimising the likelihood and impact of bushfires via a strategic program of fire research, fire planning, hazard reduction, highly trained rapid response firefighting crews and community alerts.