3rd Quarantine Cemetery Tour

Established in 1881 for victims of a smallpox epidemic, the Third Quarantine Cemetery at North Head Sanctuary, Manly, is included on Australia’s National Heritage List as a significant example of the nation’s evolving quarantine practices.

During this 60-minute tour, a knowledgeable guide will share stories of those who succumbed to the ravages of small pox, the plague and other epidemics. Attendees will also experience the natural beauty of this final resting place, including unspoiled views of Sydney Harbour.

Quick overview

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


• Days/Times: Last Sunday of the month (excluding December). Tour starts at 11am. Duration of tour is 1 hour.


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

Important Information

• 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. 


• To ensure the safety of participants and Harbour Trust staff, at the discretion of the Harbour Trust, any participant(s) who appears intoxicated, disruptive or displays consistently unsafe behaviour, will not be permitted to take part in the tour, and / or may be asked to leave the tour at any time. Refunds will not be provided.


• Cancellation / rescheduling: The Harbour Trust reserves the right to cancel, reschedule or alter tour dates and routes at its discretion. In instances where tours are cancelled or rescheduled, the Harbour Trust will endeavour to contact all pre-booked ticket holders, within a reasonable amount of time prior to the scheduled tour date and time. If the tour is cancelled by the Harbour Trust at its discretion, the Customer may contact the Harbour Trust and reschedule or seek a refund.

Content and mobility

• First Nations peoples: Our First Nations community are advised that this tour contains stories (and may contain images and/or visuals) of deceased persons.


• Site conditions: A moderate level of fitness and mobility is required on this tour. The tour includes uneven surfaces and bush tracks and is not suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters or prams . You must comply with all directions of the Guides, Rangers and Security.


• Safety: All visitors must comply with the safety directives issued by guides, rangers and security staff.


• Age restriction: People under 18 must be accompanied by an adult

What to bring

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  Suitable walking shoes, a sunhat and wet weather gear (if needed). Long pants recommended.

  
  

  
  
  
  

Getting here

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

See also: Our places and Guided Tours.