$3.89M Upgrade for North Head Lookouts and Visitor Areas

North Head, one of Sydney’s most popular lookouts, is set to receive a $3.89M upgrade to provide safer pedestrian access and an improved visitor experience.

Environment Minister Matt Kean said this investment is recognition of the natural and cultural significance of Sydney Harbour National Park’s North Head.

“Over 500,000 local, domestic and international visitors visit North Head each year to experience its scenic lookouts with 180-degree views across Sydney Harbour, cliff-top walks and incredible diversity of native flora and fauna,” said Mr Kean.

“Together with North Head Sanctuary, it protects over 260 hectares of significant ecological communities, Aboriginal sites, historic buildings and public green space.”

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will be procuring the services of an appropriately qualified architectural team to prepare concept designs.

The design will focus on components that had common support from stakeholders and will look to deliver the greatest level of improvement within the allocated budget.

Member for Manly James Griffin welcomed the upgrade and said the investment in North Head will deliver benefits for the local community.

“By providing safer pedestrian access to North Head and improving parking and traffic arrangements, these upgrades will deliver positive changes for Manly and its many visitors.

The funding is part of the NSW Government’s $149.6 million Improving Access to National Parks program, which is involves capital works upgrading and extending walking trails, improvements to visitor infrastructure and introducing online and digital tools for virtual tours.

The three-year project will also address geo-technical risk and improve safety, interpretation and storytelling at Fairfax lookouts.

The plans will be placed on public exhibition for community feedback in the next few months.