| Address | Sydney Harbour,
Sydney
New South Wales, 2000, Australia | | Enquiries : | Send an enquiry to Sydney Harbour National Park | | Telephone Enquiries : | 02-9247 5033 |
Sydney Harbour National Park protects a series of foreshore lands and islands in and around one of the worlds most beautiful harbours including: North Head, Manly to the Spit, Middle Head, Bradleys Head, the Harbour Islands, Neilsen Park, and South Head.
Many of these once played a leading role in the protection of Sydney's residents from the threat of invasion from foreign fleets and infectious disease. When their value as defence sites faded in the decades after the second world war, conservation of the harbour foreshores was the driving force behind the formation of the innovative national park.
Today this heritage is appreciated by many visitors to the national park who come to explore its cultural and natural riches.
In addition to its varied European cultural heritage, the park also protects a range of aboriginal sites. These include rock engravings, axe grinding grooves and shell midden sites. On a sandstone outcrop at Grotto Point, Dobroyd Head, fine examples of aboriginal rock engravings depict a giant kangaroo, a whale and several small fish. A visit to this tranquil setting encourages one to reflect on the pre-European history of sydney and appreciate the natural beauty of the harbour.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services, offer a multitude of tours and experiences to suit all age ranges in a variety of locations. They include the following tours:
** Quarantine Station Ghost walks and Heritage tours **
Located at manly the historic quarantine station was founded in 1832 to help protect Sydney's residents against epidemic diseases. Experience the lonely isolation of the burial grounds, the haunting shower blocks, autoclaves and old hospital wards.
** Fort Denison heritage tours **
This Sydney icon is a must visit. It includes a self guided museum, guided tour of the martello tower and cafe, which makes for an enjoyable outing.
** Middle Head Forts and tiger cages tour **
Fear of invasion led to the construction of military forts around Sydney and the middle head fort is ideal for exploring underground tunnels, sandstone gun pits and the "tiger cages"
** Bare Island Forts tour **
In 1885, the fort was built to protect Botany Bay against feared invasion. Explore the fort and learn about the varied history of this area.
General entry to the Sydney Harbour National Park is free. Charges apply for some areas. For further information on tours and walks in park please contact our Information Officers on (02) 9247 5033.
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| Activity | Birdwatching, Bushwalking, Self-Guided, Swimming. | | Entity Facility | BBQ Facilities, Car park, Picnic Area, Public Telephone, Public Toilet, Shaded Area, Toilet facilities for the Disabled, Viewing Platform. | | Experience | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Beach, Cultural, Flora/Fauna, Historic/Heritage, Marine, Nature based, Wildlife. |
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