When you visit North Head Sanctuary in Manly, keep an eye out for our green "Hello" signs. As you chat with key objects, you'll learn about their place in Australia’s history as well as their significance for First Nations Peoples as well as defence personnel, past and present.
Our extraordinary destinations are now also home to talking animals! Best of all? They'll answer any and all of your visitor questions! Look out for our talking echidna at North Head Sanctuary, scan the QR code, type in a question – for example, ‘what is there to do here?’ or ‘where can I eat?’ – and receive an answer!
[Plus: Stick around to the end of any talking object or animal conversation to find out how you can win a Cockatoo Island camping voucher worth up to $109 (T&Cs apply).]
Eager to start a conversation? Anyone can speak to our talking objects and animals – all you need is a mobile phone!
To chat to a talking object or animal, simply follow these steps:
North Head Sanctuary features 10 different talking objects and 2 animals. Use this interactive map to discover where they are!
Planning to visit? Refer to the information below ahead of your trip.
For your own safety, and to protect the park’s flora and fauna, please remain on the dedicated walking or bike tracks when exploring the bushland and observe the following rules, enforceable by our rangers:
Conditions of entry: Do not feed wildlife or bring dogs and other pets; only use bikes on designated bike tracks; do not litter or dump rubbish; do not camp overnight; do not erect gazebos or marquees (without a permit); do not operate remote-controlled vehicles (including drones); do not smoke, light fires or use portable barbeques; remain on dedicated bush tracks; do not play amplified music (without a permit) or create excessive noise; do not undertake commercial activities (without a permit); do not hold private functions (without a permit); do not disturb plants, soil and rocks; do not climb walls, fortifications, sculptures or cliffs; do not ride or use skateboards, roller-skates, in line skates or similar equipment on Harbour Trust land. For further information, see: Sydney Harbour Federation Trust (SHFT) Regulations 2021
Animals: No animals, except for assistance animals (as defined by the Disability Discrimination Act 1992), are permitted to access Harbour Trust land at North Head which includes North Head Sanctuary.
Total fire bans: In the event of a total fire ban, tracks and trails will be closed for the public’s safety (penalties apply). For more information, dial 1800 679 737 for the NSW Rural Fire Service’s bush fire information line.
North Head Sanctuary is patrolled by rangers from 8am to 4pm and by security personnel from 4pm and 8am. In the event of an emergency, dial 000 or 112 if mobile reception is poor. To contact a ranger during an emergency, call 0434 652 152 (8am to 4pm). Alternatively, to contact a security officer, call 0433 631 689 (4pm to 8am).
Our visitor centre and carpark offer wheelchair access as well as accessible parking and toilets. Please keep in mind that North Head Sanctuary is a natural environment with uneven surfaces and that some walking tracks include stairs and medium inclines. There is a bike rack outside the visitor centre.
Parking is available in marked spaces at North Head Sanctuary. Check signage for any fees or time limits. Subject to sign-posted time limits, parking is free of charge for motorcycles and drivers with Mobility Scheme Permits. Parking permits issued by Northern Beaches Council and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service are not valid in Harbour Trust parking areas.
By car: From Manly, follow Darley Road onto North Head Scenic Drive and pass through the stone archway and Q Station roundabout. Continue for approx. 2km and turn left at North Fort to arrive at our visitor centre and carpark.
By bus: The 161 bus service runs from Manly Wharf to North Head. For public transport information, including timetables, visit the Transport NSW website.
Want to learn more about North Head Sanctuary or speak to objects and animals at our other destinations? Here are some useful links.
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