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A short trail to several lookouts providing stunning views of the Pacific and Sydney Harbor.


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Map Key

0.6

Miles

1.0

KM

Loop

254' 77 m

High

79' 24 m

Low

192' 58 m

Up

170' 52 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

32%

Max Grade (18°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views · Wildlife

Family Friendly This is a short, level trail with stunning views of the Pacific. In late June, a whale census takes place as the whales migrate for the season.

Vehicle access to the lookouts at North Head is available from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. If you follow the Manly Scenic Walkway, you can access these areas outside these times. NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

Description

The Fairfax Walk provides several opportunities to see stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Sydney Harbour from the cliffs of North Head. There is a parking area at the end of North Head Scenic Drive, and from there you can go either direction to explore the area. The trail is paved, so walking and running are easy as you make your way through the surrounding brush and trees. Birds can be heard singing in the trees as you make your way along the path.

Off to the left about .1 miles, there is a short path to the first lookout, North Head Artillery Lookout, where sweeping and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean spread out before you. During whale season, migrating whales can be seen as they journey to and from breeding grounds. The trail continues a little further before you arrive at another lookout at the entryway to the harbour at roughly .25 miles. You can see over to South Head and get views into Sydney Harbour.

As part of Sydney Harbour National Park, you may run into rangers along the path that provide more information in regards to the flora and fauna of the area. At roughly .45 miles, the final lookout, Fairfax Lookout, is off to the left and you can enjoy more views as you move to the harbour side of North Head. The city of Sydney sits off in the distance, and you can watch the ferries coming in and out of Manly.

On weekends, the harbour fills with sailboats and other vessels as people get out to enjoy mother nature. After enjoying the views, follow the trail back to where you parked and continue exploring all that the area has to offer.

Due to the trails being paved, this trail is very wheelchair friendly and allows everyone to enjoy fantastic views without too much work.

Contacts

Shared By:

David Hitchcock

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 1 vote

#2

in Manly

#19963

Overall
  4.0 from 1 vote
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Trail Rankings

#2

in Manly

#80

in Australia

#19,963

Overall
2 Views Last Month
78 Since Jun 26, 2017
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Current Trail Conditions

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