This walk provides some of the best views in Sydney. This pleasant stroll and wheelchair-accessible walk starts from the car park at the end of the North Head Scenic Drive, and follows the asphalt footpath as it loops around the tip of North Head. Enjoy views of the entrance to Sydney Harbour, the coastal cliff line and a historic gun emplacement. The stunning lookouts provide great views all year round and a popular vantage point for whale watchers. The whales pass by twice annually, heading north in June and July, and again when they return to the Antarctic in August and October.
(open in app)
Cross sectional view of the Fairfax Walk bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Fairfax Walk bushwalking track
Overview of this walks Grading - Based on the AS 2156.1 - 2001
These details are new. This new feature still requires more testing and refining. Please use the 'Walker Feedback' for report specific issues. Please e-mail Matt if you have any general comments. Hope you find it helpful.
Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.
Length
760m
Time
30 mins
.
Grade 1/6
Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible
AS 2156.1
Gradient
Flat, no steps (1/6)
Quality of track
Smooth and hardened path (1/6)
Signs
Clearly signposted (1/6)
Experience Required
No experience required (1/6)
Weather
Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
Infrastructure
Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)
*This summary of grading information is new and still in testing
Some more detail of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining the grading looking at sections of the walk. Gradient
This whole walk, 760m is flat with no steps.
Quality of track
This whole walk, 760m follows a smooth and hardened path.
Signs
This whole walk, 760m is clearly signposted.
Experience Required
This whole walk, 760m requires no previous bushwalking experience.
Weather
This whole walk, 760m is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).
Infrastructure
This whole walk, 760m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).
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The car park is round at the far eastern end of North Head Scenic Drive, Manly. There are about 50 parking bays[1] including an area for large buses [2], and 2 mobility bays[3][fac=8243]. NPWS parking fees apply unless you have a NPWS pass and there are ticket machines available[4].
(0 km)
North Head Scenic Drive car park
to
Start of Fairfax track Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 14 m
Time =
Climb = 0 m
Descent = 0 m
From the North Head Scenic Drive car park, this walk follows the 'Fairfax walking track' sign[5] across the pedestrian crossing and up the small ramp[6][fac=8244]. The walk leads past the 'Welcome to North Head' information sign[7], then between the timber bollards[8] to the intersection marked with the metal 'Fairfax walking track' sign[9].
(0.01 km)
Start of Fairfax walk
to
South Pacific (Eastern) Lookout Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 136 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 2 m
Descent = -8 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads gently uphill along the wide path, initially keeping the car park (through the heath) to the left. The path almost immediately leads past a seat[fac=8245] (on the left) and leads gently uphill for about 30m to go over a rise then starts heading gently downhill, where the path bends right[10]. About 90m past this bend the path leads to a 3-way intersection above South Pacific (Eastern) Lookout.
(0.15 km)
South Pacific (Eastern) Lookout int.
to
South Pacific (Eastern) Lookout Optional sidetrip: Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 12 m
Time =
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -1 m
Turn left: CURRENTLY CLOSED. From the intersection, this walk heads directly towards the ocean views along the asphalt path[11]. The path then comes to the top of some steps, where there are great views[12]. Continue down the stairs to come to the formal fenced lookout[13] and wonderful cliff views. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn left to continue along this walk.)
South Pacific (Eastern) Lookout
Alt = 73 m
From this lookout, you can enjoy great views north along the coastal cliff line and as far as the horizon across the South Pacific Ocean. With a fenced cliff edge and a nice seat, this is a great spot to sit and soak up the views. In 2017 part of this lookout was closed and fenced off due to cliff instability, you can still enjoy the view from behind the fence
(0.15 km)
South Pacific (Eastern) Lookout int.
to
Old Gun Emplacement Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 116 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -3 m
Continue straight: From the intersection near the lookout, this walk follows the main path gently downhill[14] keeping the ocean to the left. The path provides some nice ocean views over the heath[15] for about 120m until coming to a small concrete building[16] (on the left).
Old Gun Emplacement
Alt = 70 m
This small concrete building[17][18] was used as a gunning placement and bunker for those who would keep watch over Sydney Harbour during World War Two. It was built in the 1920s (prior to the war), one of several new fortifications built at the time, the first since federation[19]. Access to the building is via an 82cm wide entry, up two (5cm and 15cm) steps and into a 2.4x2.1m room.
(0.27 km)
Old Gun Emplacement
to
North Head (Southern) Lookout int. Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 55 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -18 m
Continue straight: From the concrete building, this walk follows the main footpath gently downhill, keeping the ocean to the left[20]. The path winds through the heath for about 60m to come to a 3-way intersection near the North Head (Southern) Lookout (on the left)[21].
(0.32 km)
North Head (Southern) Lookout int.
to
North Head (Southern) Lookout Optional sidetrip: Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 20 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -9 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads gently downhill[22] along the 10m path towards the ocean to the fenced lookout[23]. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn left to continue along this walk.)
North Head (Southern) Lookout
Alt = 30 m
This lookout is on the southern edge of North Head and provides a great view that spans from Sydney city in the distance[24] (to the south), around the South Pacific Ocean[25] (to the east). You will notice a large white pole with a green light[26], which helps ships navigate and avoid the headland as they sail into Sydney Harbour. The lookout has a 1.18m high fence/railing around the edge.
In 2017 part of this lookout was closed and fenced off due to cliff instability, you can still enjoy the view from behind the fence[27].
(0.32 km)
North Head (Southern) Lookout int.
to
Fairfax Lookout intersection Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 172 m
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 20 m
Descent = -18 m
Turn right: From the intersection near North Head (Southern) Lookout, this walk follows the main footpath[28] gently downhill keeping the fence and ocean to the left. The path leads beside a section of nearly bald cliff top opening up wide ocean views[29] for nearly 150m to come to a 3-way intersection[30] (with the steps on track on the left). Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the footpath distinctly uphill[31], initially keeping the ocean (and step track) to the left. The path leads up the slope for 30m to come to a large 3-way intersection marked with a 'Fairfax Lookout' plaque[32] (on the left).
(0.49 km)
Int of Fairfax lookout and loop track
to
Fairfax Lookout Optional sidetrip: Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 49 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 2 m
Descent = -20 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the wide footpath gently downhill[33] towards the upper Fairfax lookout area to find an intersection just before the seat[34][fac=8246]. Veer right: From the upper Fairfax Lookout, this walk heads gently down the ramped footpath[35] (between two metal handrails) for about 30m to come to the lower Fairfax Lookout platform[36] (with a seat on the right[fac=8247]). (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then veer left to continue along this walk.)
Fairfax Lookout
Alt = 39 m
Fairfax Lookout is a great vantage point to enjoy the entrance to Sydney Harbour[37], the majestic cliff line[38] and the city skyline in the distance. It is a great reminder of how much bushland there is in the great city. This is a good vantage point for whale watching when the Humpback and Southern Right whales migrate along the coast. The whales usually head north in June-July to a warmer climate for breeding and return to the food-rich Antarctic waters in August-October, where they remain for the summer.
There is a seat[fac=8246][fac=8247] at the upper and lower viewing areas. The lookout has a 1.2m high metal fence along the edge. A small section of the lower lookout was closed[39] in 2017 due to cliff instability.
(0.49 km)
Int of Fairfax lookout and loop track
to
North Head Scenic Drive car park Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 269 m
Time = 6 mins
Climb = 22 m
Descent = 0 m
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads gently uphill along the footpath keeping the timber fence to the left[40]. The path winds gently uphill for just shy of 120m to come to an intersection with a dirt trail[41] (on the left). Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads gently uphill following the asphalt footpath[42] as it winds through the heath. After 130m the path leads past a timber seat[fac=8248] (on the right)[43] and then comes to an intersection near the car park and road (on the left) Turn left : From the intersection, this walk heads towards the car park, between the timber bollards. The walk leads past the 'Welcome to North Head' information sign[44] and down the small ramp[45][fac=8244] to the pedestrian crossing at the North Head Scenic Drive car park.
Catch the bus from North Head Scenic Drive car park
Fire Danger This walk passes Greater Sydney Region fire area which currently has a LOW MODERATE rating and No fire ban in place. (Tomorrow the Fire Danger Rating is LOW MODERATE, No fire ban.) (Downloaded 7 years ago) Please Note: Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.
Sydney Harbour National ParkLink to official closures and fire bans page One of Sydney's most diverse parks, Sydney Harbour National Park is formed from 11 pockets of harbour islands and shoreline. Highlights include coastal walks and swimming, breath-taking viewpoints, tours of colonial buildings and Aboriginal cave art. Region: Sydney & Surrounds Park feesCampingFacilities Current Park Closure information for Sydney Harbour National Park Closure information last downloaded Sunday 27th of September 2015 07:00 AM Closed areas: Park closure sunset to sunrise for pest management Pest management activities are taking place between sunset and sunrise at the following selected sites within Sydney Harbour National Park. Please abide by all park signage. Closed areas are:
Closed areas: Shark Island upcoming closures Shark Island in Sydney Harbour will be closed to public access due to essential wharf repairs on the following dates:
16 to 17 September 2015
24 to 27 September 2015.
Other incidents: Sydney Harbour National Park accommodation Constables, Green Point and Steele Point Cottages are no longer available for accomodation bookings. New options are being considered for the conservation, management and use of these buildings.
Closed areas: Collins Flat Beach unavailable for venue hire Collins Flat Beach is currently unavailable for venue hire due to the impact of high visitation on the critical habitat found at this location. Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, please contact NPWS Mosman office on (02) 9960 6266 or visit the NSW National Parks safety page for park safety guidelines.
Hiking near Sydney 
Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible
500 meters
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
Parking fees apply in the area.
not too much longer now :)