Established in 1936, North Fort is a remnant military complex at North Head Sanctuary in Manly. Strategically placed at the northern entrance to Sydney Harbour, the fort was part of a defence system that spanned 300km of coastline during the Second World War.

The Defence of Sydney Tour is an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the men and women who served at North Fort. Accompanied by a knowledgeable Harbour Trust guide, you will marvel at heritage gun emplacements, once capable of firing 26.4km, and descend into the 200-metre-long military tunnel complex. Finally, your guide will demystify an underground bunker once shrouded in secrecy: The Plotting Room. As you explore this facility, concealed within bushland, you’ll hear how Harbour Trust specialist volunteers faithfully restored it.

• Price: Tickets are just $11 per adult and $8 per child (16 years and under), concession and senior. Book tickets here.
• Date: Scheduled tours run every Sunday at 10:30am, 11:30am, 1pm and 2pm for 1 hour 45 minutes.
• Group tours: Private group tours are available Monday to Friday. Request a group tour here.
• Meeting point: North Head Sanctuary Visitor Centre (located in the North Fort precinct), North Head Scenic Drive, Manly, NSW 2095.
• Conditions: This tour includes steep stairs and underground tunnels and some uneven surfaces, and it is not suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. A moderate level of fitness and mobility is required. Although this is an all-ages tour, children must be able to walk and negotiate stairs independently due to the requirement to traverse steep and narrow staircases.

Further, our safety requirements prevent ticketholders from carrying children in carriers or baby capsules on this tour.

North Head Sanctuary is one of the extraordinary places protected by the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust (Harbour Trust). Plan your trip to North Head Sanctuary here.

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