National park · Australia
Sydney Harbour National Park
Entry is free at every land section — Bradleys Head, Dobroyd Head, Nielsen Park, North Head — so pick one headland per half-day and walk it; pay only for harbour-island landings ($7) and Middle Head parking ($8).
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
39 km²15 sq mi
approximate
Established
1975
Best months
Mar–May, Sep–Nov
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
At a glance
- Country
- Australia
- Area
- 39 km²15 sq mi
- The park is made up of separate parcels around the harbour rather than one contiguous area; total area varies by source (check).
- Established
- 1975
- Best months
- Mar–May, Sep–Nov
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Sydney
> - Sydney Harbour National Park is not one block of bush: it is a scatter of headlands, beaches and islands around the harbour, gazetted in 1975 and added to over the following decade. Bradleys Head, Georges and Middle Heads, Dobroyd Head, Nielsen Park at Shark Bay, the North Head quarantine station and South Head's Gap bluff all sit inside it, plus Clark, Rodd, Shark, Goat and Fort Denison islands. Most land sections cost nothing to enter; the islands charge a landing fee and need booking. Ferries from Circular Quay reach several sections in under 30 minutes, which makes this the easiest national park in Australia to visit without a car.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- Special national site · 1975Gazetted by New South Wales; Nielsen Park added 1978, Manly quarantine station 1984.
Size and age
39 km²15 sq mi · national park since 1975
The park is made up of separate parcels around the harbour rather than one contiguous area; total area varies by source (check).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Sydney.
Why go
- Ferry-and-walk access from Circular Quay: no car needed for Bradleys Head, Nielsen Park or North Head.
- Harbour views from the headlands that most visitors only see from a ferry deck.
- Aboriginal engraving sites at Grotto Point and a documented Aboriginal presence across the headlands.
- Military and maritime heritage: convict-built batteries, lighthouses and the former quarantine station.
- Sheltered beaches and picnic grounds at Nielsen Park and Castle Rock Beach.
When to go
- JanCaution
- FebCaution
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunGo
- JulGo
- AugGo
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovBest
- DecCaution
- JanHot; 35°C days possible; start earlyHot; 95°F days possible; start early
- FebHot and humid; afternoon storms
- MarWarm, calmer; whale season starting
- AprMild; bring a layer after Easter
- MayClear, cool; whale watching begins
- JunCool 15–20°C; best headland visibilityCool 59–68°F; best headland visibility
- JulCoolest nights near 10°C; dry walkingCoolest nights near 50°F; dry walking
- AugWarming; whales still passing
- SepMild and clear; fewer crowds than summer
- OctWarm, dry; good walking
- NovWarm; whale season ends
- DecCrowds and heat; NYE sites fill by noon
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humpback whales off the headsMay–Nov · Most reliable from North Head and South Head lookouts. | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no |
| Long-nosed bandicootsAll year · Mainly at North Head; can be seen between 20:00 and 23:00. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Grass trees, blueberry ash, flannel flowersAug–Nov · Spring flowering on the headland tracks. | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
How to get there
From Circular Quay (Bradleys Head)
Taronga Zoo ferry, then walk from the zoo wharf along the road to the headland.
30–40 min
Open the page →
From Circular Quay (North Head)
Manly ferry, then bus 161 from Manly wharf up to Q Station.
45–60 min
Open the page →
From Circular Quay (Nielsen Park and South Head)
Watsons Bay ferry, then walk south along Marine Parade.
40–50 min
Open the page →
From Manly (Dobroyd Head)
Bus 162 to Curban Street, then walk south to Dobroyd Scenic Drive.
20–30 min
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Bradleys Head, Mosman | Fortifications, lighthouse, memorial mast and picnic amphitheatre with skyline views. | Free; open daily, some relics 6:00–20:00.Free; open daily, some relics 6:00 AM–8:00 PM. |
| Georges and Middle Heads | Military relics and lookouts on the Middle Head Road spine. | Free; paid car park at Middle Head. |
| Dobroyd Head, Balgowlah Heights | Clifftop lookouts, Grotto Point engravings and lighthouse, small harbour beaches. | Free; walking tracks only. |
| Nielsen Park and South Head | Sheltered Shark Bay beach, picnic grounds and the Gap bluff. | Free; parking is scarce in summer. |
| North Head, Manly | Former quarantine station, sanctuary visitor centre and bandicoot habitat. | Free; bus or car up Darley Road. |
| Harbour islands | Clark, Rodd, Shark, Goat and Fort Denison. | Landing fee and booking; Goat Island guided only. |
Sketch map
- 1Bradleys Head · Viewpoint≈-33.853, 151.247Map ↗
- 2Georges Heights · Headquarters≈-33.827, 151.256Map ↗
- 3Dobroyd Head · Viewpoint≈-33.808, 151.269Map ↗
- 4Nielsen Park, Shark Bay · Beach≈-33.852, 151.269Map ↗
- 5North Head (Q Station) · Headquarters≈-33.816, 151.286Map ↗
- 6South Head (the Gap) · Viewpoint≈-33.839, 151.279Map ↗
- 7Clark Island · Ranger station≈-33.863, 151.241Map ↗
- 8Rodd Island · Ranger station≈-33.868, 151.149approximateMap ↗
- 9Shark Island · Ranger station≈-33.858, 151.258Map ↗
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry to land sections (Bradleys Head, Dobroyd Head, Nielsen Park, North Head) | Free | person | Free; no park entry ticket for the mainland headlands. |
| Island landing fee (Clark, Rodd, Shark islands) | AUD 7 | person | Paid to NSW National Parks; book and pay in advance for Rodd and Clark (check). |
| Middle Head car park | AUD 8 | vehicle | Flat parking fee at the end of Middle Head Road. |
| Shark Island ferry (Captain Cook Cruises) | AUD 20 | adult | Round trip; landing fee is separate (check). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Island landing (Clark, Rodd, Shark) permit or guide
Goat Island permit or guide
Fort Denison permit or guide
Park rules
- Island mooring
- Boats cannot moor at Clark or Rodd islands; land by tender or water taxi only.
- Island capacity
- Rodd Island is capped at 100 people, with single groups limited to 50.
- Goat Island
- Closed to the public outside guided tours.
- Fires and litter
- No fires; carry out all rubbish.
- Drones
- Check NSW National Parks rules before flying anywhere in the park (check).
Where to stay
In the park
Q Station, North Head
Accommodation in the former quarantine station buildings, inside the park.
Near the park
Manly
Hotels, hostels and apartments a short bus ride from North Head.
Near the park
Sydney city and Circular Quay
Best base for ferry access to several sections in one day.
Safety
Swimming at unpatrolled beaches high
Cliff edges at the heads medium
Summer heat medium
Bushfire medium
Accessibility
- Bradleys Head, Nielsen Park and the North Head visitor areas have vehicle access and short, level walks.
- The Spit to Manly walk and the Grotto Point track include steps and rough sandstone; not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Take the ferry rather than driving to the headlands; parking is limited and fills early.
- Stay on marked tracks around the engraving sites; sandstone is easily damaged.
- Do not feed or approach bandicoots, and keep food sealed at picnic areas.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Sydney Harbour National Park?
Nothing at the land sections: Bradleys Head, Georges and Middle Heads, Dobroyd Head, Nielsen Park and North Head are free to enter. You pay only for the harbour islands — a $7 per person landing fee at Clark, Rodd and Shark islands, booked in advance — and $8 for the Middle Head car park.
What are the best hikes in Sydney Harbour National Park?
The Spit to Manly walk through Dobroyd Head (about 10 km, 3–4 hours) is the longest and best. Shorter options are Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay (1.5–2 hours, mostly flat) and the North Head to Manly path (1.5–2 hours, with flora information boards).
When is the best time to visit Sydney Harbour National Park?
March to May and September to November: mild, clear and quieter than summer. June to August is cool but dry and good for headland views and whale watching. January and February are hot, and parking at Nielsen Park and the headlands fills early.
Do I need a car to visit the park?
No. Ferries from Circular Quay reach Bradleys Head, North Head and Watsons Bay for Nielsen Park, with a short bus or walk at the other end. Dobroyd Head is the awkward one: ferry to Manly, then bus 162.
Can I visit the harbour islands?
Clark and Rodd islands need a booked landing and a $7 fee, with Rodd capped at 100 people. Shark Island has a private ferry twice daily. Goat Island is closed except on guided tours, and the Fort Denison ferry status should be checked before planning a visit as services have been suspended for maintenance in recent years (check).
Where can I see wildlife?
Whales pass the heads from May to November, most reliably seen from North Head and South Head lookouts. Long-nosed bandicoots live mainly at North Head and can be seen between 20:00 and 23:00.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go