Defence of Sydney Tour

The Harbour Trust presents the Defence of Sydney Tour – a journey into the military history of North Fort.

This volunteer-run tour is an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the men and women who served at North Fort, a former army base at North Head Sanctuary, Manly that once protected Sydney Harbour.

Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you will marvel at heritage gun emplacements and descend into the 200-metre-long military tunnel complex. Finally, our guide will demystify an underground bunker once shrouded in secrecy: The Plotting Room.

Quick overview

• Cost: $11 per adult, $8 per child (12 & under) and $8 per senior/concession holder.


• Days/Times: Every Sunday at 10:30am, 11.30am, 1pm & 2pm. Duration of tour is 1 hour and 45 mins.


• Meeting point: North Head Sanctuary Visitor Centre (located in the North Fort precinct), North Head Scenic Drive, Manly, NSW 2095.

Important Info

• Content warning: Although this is an all-ages tour, people under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Further, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are advised that the tour contains stories (and may contain images and/or visuals) of deceased people.


• Site 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. You must comply with all directions of the Guides, Rangers and Security.


• What to bring: Suitable walking shoes, a sunhat and wet weather gear (if needed).


• Weather conditions: This tour will proceed regardless of weather conditions except in the event of extreme weather. If the Rural Fire Service declares an extreme or catastrophic fire danger rating for the Greater Sydney Region (area 4), tours will be cancelled. Participants will be notified via email if the tour is cancelled and a full refund of the ticket price will be made.


• COVID-19 safety: The health and safety of visitors remains paramount. As such, we continue to follow COVID-19 directions and advice from the State Government. Visitors are required to comply with NSW Government guidelines and must follow rules around social distancing and basic hygiene. If you are unwell or have flu like symptoms please rebook for another day. Please note: This tour has high touch points including hand rails and includes entry into confined spaces. As such, we recommend providing own hand sanitiser and wearing a face mask.

Plan ahead

For information about getting to North Fort, including by public transport, see: North Head Sanctuary – Visitor Overview. This webpage also contains information on visitor parking and public facilities.

See also: Harbour Trust Visitor Destinations (overview) and Harbour Trust Tours Program.