Sydney Harbour

Sydney Harbour National Park is an iconic and extraordinary park protecting natural bushland, historic sites, and wildlife within the metropolitan area of Sydney. Covering approximately 472 hectares across multiple separate units of land bordering Sydney Harbour, the park preserves pockets of Hawkesbury Sandstone heath and bushland, important Aboriginal cultural sites, and significant colonial heritage on headlands and islands of one of the world's most beautiful harbours. The park includes areas on the North Head, South Head, Middle Head, and several harbour islands, all within 20 kilometres of the Sydney CBD.

Sydney Harbour National Park supports diverse wildlife within the metropolitan landscape. The Hawkesbury Sandstone heath communities of North Head support the endangered long-nosed bandicoot in significant numbers. Little penguins nest in burrows on Manly Beach area. Peregrine falcons nest on harbour cliffs. Diverse heath birds including honeyeaters, parrots, and wrens inhabit the bushland. The park's harbour shoreline provides habitat for diverse seabirds and wading birds. Grey-headed flying foxes roost in the Ashton Park section.

Hawkesbury Sandstone heath with banksia scrub, scribbly gum, and diverse wildflowers is the dominant vegetation community. North Head preserves one of the finest examples of eastern Sydney sandstone heathland remaining, featuring spectacular spring wildflower displays. The heath communities include several species restricted to the Sydney sandstone heathland. The foreshore vegetation includes mangroves, salt marsh, and coastal scrub communities.

The park is underlain by Triassic Hawkesbury Sandstone forming the characteristic ridges and headlands of the Sydney Harbour. The harbour itself is a drowned river valley flooded by post-glacial sea level rise approximately 10,000 years ago. The sandstone geology creates the distinctive rocky foreshore and heath ecosystems.

Warm temperate coastal climate of Sydney, moderated by the harbour and ocean. Annual rainfall approximately 1,200 millimetres. Warm summers, mild winters. The park is accessible year round.

The Cadigal, Cameragal, and other Eora peoples are the traditional custodians of the harbour. Aboriginal rock engravings and middens are preserved throughout the park. Significant European heritage includes Quarantine Station at North Head, historic fortifications at Middle Head and South Head, and colonial gun emplacements on key headlands.

Sydney Harbour National Park was gazetted in 1975, protecting the natural bushland and heritage sites within the metropolitan area. The park's establishment preserved the most significant remnant bushland on the harbour headlands.

The Spit to Manly Walk is an iconic harbour walking track through diverse bushland and harbour scenery. North Head provides outstanding views and springtime wildflower displays. Quarantine Station heritage tours operate regularly. The Sydney Harbour islands accessible by ferry provide picnicking and swimming. Aboriginal cultural tours are available.

Facilities vary by section. North Head is accessible by bus from Manly. The park is accessible by public transport from Sydney CBD. Ferries serve harbour islands. Visitor centres at Manly and North Head provide information. Entry to most areas is free; some heritage sites have entry fees.

Protecting the endangered long-nosed bandicoot from predation by cats and dogs is a critical management challenge. Invasive weed management in the heath communities is extensive. Managing very high visitor numbers while protecting the heath and wildlife requires careful planning. The park's urban setting requires intensive management.