Sydney Harbour National Park.
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Overview

Sydney Harbour National Park is a national park scattered across Sydney Harbour, Australia. First gazetted in 1975, it's one of many national parks within metropolitan Sydney, renowned for its sheltered beaches, tranquil picnic spots, rich Aboriginal, colonial and military heritage, aquatic reserves and most importantly; harbour islands. Where history, meets the harbour.

Landforms

Sydney Harbour National Park is located on 12 different landforms. The name in brackets is the indigenous name, which you might come across:

Understand

History Residential development has impacted a significant amount of the harbour foreshores over many years. Much of what remained was preserved partly due to the presence of military bases, and partly because of the work of conservationists. Early conservationists were responsible for stopping mining at Ashton Park in the 19th century. Other places were saved because of people such as Niels Neilsen, who became the New South Wales Minister for Lands and a strong advocate of a public reserve around Sydney Harbour. Nielsen was ahead of his time when he used the phrase "national park" in regard to the harbour foreshores, but Sydney eventually caught up with him.

Unfortunately, it wasn't possible to revert all the damage done in past decades, however, there was still much that could be preserved. In the 1960s were a particularly active time in this regard. In 1965 the Government of New South Wales began buying land around the foreshores, and the National Trust suggested a national park in 1968. In the following year, the NSW Government announced a plan whereby it would buy Commonwealth land around the harbour. The Sydney Harbour National Park was finally gazetted in 1975, with Nielsen Park at Shark Bay being added in 1978. Extra land was transferred from Commonwealth to State Government control, and added to the national park in 1979; the historically important quarantine station at Manly; Q station was added in 1984.

Landscape Most of the park is a coastal landscape with some hills, no higher than in altitude. At times, there may be moments where you might feel like "is this Sydney?" due to the large amount of greenery.

When it comes to the shore, there are some near perpendicular cliffs, and some in artistic shapes and forms; providing a perfect place to relax and read a book by the ocean.

Flora and fauna Sydney Harbour National Park is one of the last homes of the endangered bandicoots. Most of these can only be found at North Head but they are occasionally spotted at other places too. Bandicoot spotting is at best around 8PM to 11PM at a stay in Q-station. Whale watching is popular during May-November, and it's pretty common to spot one if you're at the heads. Some unique types of plants that you might see is the Grass Tree, the blueberry ash, a flannel flower or a smooth barked apple. Additionally, along the North Head to Manly path, there are some information boards where you can have a look at each types of flora you see on the way. QR reader needed.

Climate Most of the park's climate is very similar to the climate in Sydney. However, since the park is in multiple locations, the climate may vary, depending on where you are.

As a general rule, it's best to bring some warm clothes after Easter, and go summer camping after the Labour Day long weekend in early May. At max, during the warmer months, it can go up to 35˚C during the day, and 20˚C at night. During the colder months, it's usually around 20˚C during the day but sometimes after August, it can go up to 25˚C. At night, it's usually around 15˚C but can go to 10˚C in July.

Visitor information centres Due to the sheer scale, there would ideally be one for each and every bit. However, at this stage, the only section with a visitor information centre in North Head, and unusually, it has two, not one.

North Head Sanctuary Visitor Centre. More about the North Head in general.

Q Station Visitor Centre. Visitor Centre about North Head along with cafe.

Get in

Mainland Ferries connect various most parts of the mainland sections from Circular Quay. Some sections may be a few hundred metres walk from the park, but what's the purpose of coming to a national park without walking? If you use public transport, the routes to the various sections are as follows: Bradleys Head – from Circular Quay wharf 4, use the Taronga ferry line to Taronga Zoo. From Taronga, walk on the road away from the cul-de-sac and then you're there at Bradleys Head. Dobroyd Head – from Manly, use 162 to Curban Street, and then walk south towards Dobroyd Scenic Drive. This area has no ferry connection, so from Circular Quay, take the line to Manly, and use bus route 162. Georges and Middle Heads – the bus service also provides services to the Balmoral Naval Hospital from the Mosman Town Centre, from there, it's a simple three-minute walk. To reach Mosman by ferry, use the line from Circular Quay. North Head – from Circular Quay, take the Circular Quay to Manly ferry. From Manly wharf, the bus route runs up to Q-Station, which is within the park. Services operate usually every 10-30 minutes. South Head and Nielsen Park – take the Circular Quay to Watsons Bay ferry. From Watsons Bay, it's a 20-minute walk to the furthest part of South Head. Head south along Marine Parade for Nielsen Park.

If you're driving to the various sections that do have road access, be wary that finding parking can be a problem at times, especially in the South Head/Nielsen Park section. The various headlands on the Lower North Shore and in Manly have a decent amount of parking available, though these can fill up very quickly. Dobroyd Head – follow the signs to Balgowah, north of the Spit Bridge. Georges Head – from the Spit Junction, head south on Military Road, not towards A8. Then, at the roundabout, turn left onto Middle Head Road. Keep following Middle Head, until you hit the end of the road. For Bradleys Head, follow the same route except at the roundabout, take the third exit onto Prince Albert St and continue until the end of the road. Middle Head – from Mosman, go to the very end of Middle Head Road. There will be a carpark, and you should be good parking your car there. Nielsen Park is half an hour away east from the CBD and can be reached by following the signs towards Vaucluse. From Bondi, simply head north on Military Road (unrelated to the Military Road in Mosman). Head north on Old South Head Road and follow signage. Follow the same road to access South Head, but continue north until the end of the road. North Head – accessing this section is easy once you arrive at Manly. From Manly, take Darley Road up passing St Pauls Catholic College, and passing the old Manly hospital, and you'd have arrived. Once there, turn right, and go underneath the small arch.

Clark Island Situated near to Double Bay, and not serviced by scheduled ferries. Additionally, you also can't moor a boat here. Fort Denison/Muddawahnyuh The ferry service to Fort Denison is suspended until early 2022 as the island is closed for maintenance.

Goat Island Goat Island is the nearest island on the western side of the bridge. Goat Island was open to the public for significant periods in the past. However, this island has now closed to the public, however, ferries still occasionally run. The best way to explore the rich history of Goat Island is on a guided tour with NPWS or a well reputed tour guide and contact Sydney Harbour Tall Ships for a schedule. The Aboriginal cruise ship also takes you for a tour there.

Rodd Island Situated in Iron Cove, just off Rodd Point. Not served by ferries. Access by water taxi or drop off. Must be booked and paid for in advance, and the island capacity is limited to 100, and single groups are limited to 50. You cannot moor a boat on the island.

Shark Island Shark Island is served by a Captain Cook Cruises private ferry two times a day, with different timetables operating on weekdays and weekends/public holidays.

Fees and permits

Since this is not one connected park, it will vary across places, however, most of Sydney Harbour National Park is free to access, but in most cases, parking fees apply. So below is just a list of notes: No entry fees on the mainland Entry fees do apply on some islands. On the mainland, parking fees do apply Parking fees are usually restricted to that location. e.g, a parking ticket bought at North Head won't be valid on Bradleys Head, but can be valid in another part of North Head, until the time it expired. This means that you could leave and revisit, but it must be before it expires. If you have an NPWS pass, then you can park for free for four hours a day Country Pass parks and single park passes aren't valid here.

Additionally, pets are prohibited in most parts, but Nielsen Park and Green Point Reserve is an exception.

Get around

By car In some landforms such as North Head, taking the car is the best solution to getting around. For all other bits of the park, you for the most part cannot take your car in. Most places, however, will have a designated carpark.

By walking Since this is not one connected park, you will need some other form of transport apart from walking to get from one section to another. However, below, shows how you can get from one place to another, and how to get around each section.

However, apart from North Head, the best form of transport within a section is by walking, as most of the time, there are no roads, or the roads are too narrow.

See

The national park protects the landforms of Bradleys Head, Clark Island, Dobroyd Head, Fort Denison, Georges Head, Goat Island, Middle Head, Nielsen Park, Rodd Island, Shark Island, Sydney Heads including the Quarantine Station at North Head and The Gap bluff at South Head. The national park also protects the waterway between North Head and Dobroyd Head, defined as the North Sydney Harbour Aquatic Reserve. However, Goat Island is not closed and is no longer accessible to visitors. Most of these places that are protected were home to some forts that were put in World War II as defence forts.

Ashton Park. Small reserve and a hidden gem that gives you the rural coastal city feeling. Be aware that this is one of the most chaotic NYE spots, so if you're here to watch the NYE fireworks, then arrive at about noon.

Booraghee Amphitheatre. Picnic area for couples on their honeymoon. Just beside it, it's become a popular spot for rockfishing. Additionally, photographers and Sydney Harbour lovers flock to this spot, just so they can get the perfect shot of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and Fort Denison. Oh, and the inside of the Amphitheatre has been used for weddings and other events.

Bradleys Head Fortification Complex. A heritage-listed former mast and defensive battery and military fortification and now war memorial and recreational area. The 1840 fort was cut into the sandstone bedrock outcrop on the tip of the headland and included a barbette gun pit at the eastern end and the small circular bastion at the eastern end of the fort is from 1854.

Bradleys Head Lighthouse. An active heritage-listed lighthouse which was introduced in 1905 as a navigation marker and warning light to ships entering and leaving the harbour. A fog siren was added in 1906, modified in 1936 and the concrete structure was introduced in 1949 and was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 18 April 2000.

HMAS Sydney I Memorial Mast. Memorial that can be seen from the Lighthouse, blended with the background. It sometimes may be considered as part of Bradleys Head Fortification complex, but is its own place in its own right.

Rifle Wall. A convict built battery built after four American ships landed in Australia undetected. Today, the mast of HMAS Sydney towers over the parapet is a striking monument to the World War I warship.Defence ditches were added in the late 19th century after British troops left Sydney and remnants of earlier fortifications are other features of this unique harbourside location.

Make sure to bring some coins with you.

Clark Island Pier. The only way you could access the island. A pretty historic pier, and has historically been the only way to access the island.

Clark Island Reserve. The former location of Lieutenant Clark's failed garden; the food was often nicked by convicts.

Peak of Clark Island. You'd be thinking, what is there to see on the peak of such a tiny failed island. Look west and you could see an elevated view of the Barbour bridge and the Opera House, with your view uninterrupted by ferries and yachts. You might see cruise ships, but they won't block your view either.

Arabanoo Lookout. The lookout here is named and in memory of Arabanoo, the first Aboriginal person to live with European settlers. The spot is now popular for whale and boat watching and is an important site to Indigenous Australians.

Castle Rock Beach. A quiet place to relax, and is stop 7 on the Spit to Manly walk. There are some rocky edges towards the sides of the beaches, so if you are swimming, stay within the centre, incase a wave comes pushing you towards the rocks, something which is not uncommon.

Cutler Road Lookout. A good place to view the harbour, day or night and also view the cliffs of Dobroyd Head.

Fairlight Lookout. A lookout which looks 1/2 rural and 1/2 urban. The lookout is also not fenced, and you'll know it's Fairlight lookout when going down, and just as the path turns right, you've arrived at Fairlight lookout.

Forty Baskets Beach. A 100-metre secluded beach with harbour views, and lots of small rock pools. About forty. Unfortunately the rock pools don't make the beach a suitable spot for swimming.

Grotto Point Aboriginal engraving site. Rock arts include humans, marine, boomerangs and land animals and can be seen up close.

Grotto Point Lighthouse. Lighthouse with stunning harbour views and popular NYE spot. It was first lit on September 1, 1911 and is one of four such lighthouses designed by architect Maurice Festu in a style now sometimes referred to as a "Disney Castle".

Reef Beach. A beach that looks somewhat like a reef. Don't swim here though, since the waves come crashing, and there are so many rocks here, a lot more than your regular beach. But that doesn't mean that it's not enjoyable – there's still the shallow tropical waters, and of course, Sunbathing; a Sydney classic.

Old Tania Park Lookout. Another lookout that has a different perspective 24/7.

Washaway Beach. Famous short getaway beach, for those who do not want to be surrounded by houses.

A popular island on the harbour. You can't miss seeing it, as it's right in front of the Opera House.

The island was used as a convict prison during the early days of Sydney's settlement. The island was then known as Pinchgut Island. In 1857 the entire area became a large fort, built to defend Sydney against Russian attack.

If you want to take a tour of the island and visit the tower, you need to purchase a ticket which includes the ferry transport 24 hours in advance from the Sydney Visitors Centre at Cadmans Cottage in The Rocks. That includes the ferry trip to the island.

There is a rather upmarket cafe on the island. Lunch is also available.

Fort Denison. Once a defence facility, then under attack from US friendly fire in World War II, now a popular tourist spot in the iconic Sydney Harbour. If you want to take a tour of the island and visit the tower, you need to purchase a ticket which includes the ferry transport 24 hours in advance from the Sydney Visitors Centre at Cadmans Cottage in The Rocks. That includes the ferry trip to the island.

3-inch anti-aircraft gun. A commonly used gun during World Wars I and II. Now just a tourist spot.

Georges Head Battery. The site consists of the original battery and barracks, designed by Colonial Architect James Barnet, located at the end of Suakin Drive, Georges Heights, two later batteries located adjacent to the corner of Middle Head Rd and Best Ave, Georges Heights, and the Beehive (or Lower) Casemate adjacent to the Armoured (or Upper) Casemate in Chowder Bay Rd. The Georges Head Battery is one of three forts in the area that were built for the purpose of defending the outer harbour.

Gunners Barracks. Former Officers barracks, which is now a restaurant, with a harbourside view.

Goat Island Goat Island was the home to the first water police station and harbour fire brigade. Following this, the island served as a shipyard. In more recent years it has been a location for filming.

Old Goat Island Fire Brigade. Sydney's first water fire brigade, which is now a historic building.

Old Goat Island Shipyard. An old shipyard, now renovated into a historic site.

Abandoned Lookout. A lookout that is literally ... abandoned. Getting here will require you to go slightly off path, but it doesn't require any pioneering skills. It does require you to go under some narrow trees, but mostly this occurs after storms.

Cobblers Beach. A quiet small, skinny beach that has been more popular for nude swimming and sunbathing in the 21st century.

Inner Head Middle Battery. The oldest fortification in Middle Head, which marked the beginning of defence moving away from the core of Sydney Harbour and more towards the headlands closer to the Tasman Sea.

Middle Head Community Garden. Community garden to encourage healthy eating.

Obelisk Beach. Tiny, small hidden cove bordered by rocks, trees & vegetation, popular for nude swimming & nude sunbathing, although unlike Little Congwong beach in La Perouse where almost everyone is nude, there are chances here that there are people who aren't nude.

Outer Middle Head Forts. The outer fort out of the three Middle Head forts in Middle Head.

Soldiers' Institute. Former Soldiers' Institute during World War II.

Tiger Cages. There are about eight lined-up model canons.

Aboriginal rock engravings can be seen at , displaying a fish and at , which has some charcoal drawings of fish.

Bottle and Glass Point. A small spit on Nielsen Park with nice ocean waves, walking trails and picnic spots. It's also one of the most popular spots in Sydney for rockfishing. Also, remember to wear a lifejacket, as many have been caught for not wearing one here.

Greycliffe House. A historic building by the harbour. While now it may be used as an event centre, tourists come here, often to see the outside.

Hermit Beach. A smaller beach than most might expect.

Queens Beach. Another beach, where you could take photos just like the postcards.

Shark Beach. Known for a couple of shark attacks nearby? Nope, that's Shark Island. The name Shark Beach comes from the name of Shark Bay, known for a lot of sharks. However, Shark Beach is safe from sharks, however, it's best to not go too far out, swim or kayak. During the summer months, a net is put around the beach, so sharks do not come in the swimming area.

Steel Point Battery. Only a three-gun battery remains. The passageways, tunnels, magazine store and barrack room are now partially buried. The stone lintel cover of the entry to the rear emplacement was smashed and the tunnel filled with debris, allowing water to seep in causing damage to the interior. The stonework of the lower emplacements and connecting passages are in good condition and there is still one gun emplacement located above ground.

Strictland House. It was a women’s convalescent home in the early 20th century and later an aged care. Now, people watch an unforgettable sunset by the sea here.

Whale Rock. A rock that looks very much like a whale ;).

The Barracks Precinct. A historic Australian Army site, with well preserved barracks and artillery with views of Sydney Harbour. Additionally, tours of underground tunnels are available on weekends.

Barrel Display. A 9.2-in gun barrel display. Nothing too special about it, but it is worth a quick look.

Collins Beach. Small beach, which has a small waterfall off a rock when rainy. The water here is unusually shallow as well, and looks more a tropical paradise rather than metropolitan Sydney. Not too hard to get to, but parking can become a problem.

Former Guest House. A free display of all the antiques and items that were used during quarantine, including an old stove.

Gun Position. Features a historic World War II site that was put in place to prevent a Japanese invasion. However, it was never used and now it is a tourist spot.

Harbour Lookout. A harbour facing lookout, facing the Sydney skyline, including the harbour bridge, the Sydney Opera House, and the Sydney Eye. You might see some of the harbour islands although they may be obstructed by the trees.

North Head Quarantine Station Hospital. A former hospital used to treat the infected when the quarantine station was in use. The hospital displays some of the early 19- and 20th-century medical tools.

Northern Lookout. A lookout overlooking the ocean, but also overlooking the flora and fauna nearby.

North Fort. Another one of Sydney Harbour's many small forts, built to prevent a WWII attack from the Japanese. You'll also have some impressive harbour views from the hill.

Quarantine Beach. This is a swimming spot in Sydney Harbour. It is a fairly average beach, but has an interesting westerly outlook which allows you see the sun setting over the bay, which is very unusual in Sydney, where looking over the water usually means you are facing east.

Quarantine Station Wharf. You'd think that this is just your ordinary wharf, but there's some historic artwork here, depicting the styles of the early 20th century.

Shelly Hedland Upper Lookout. A small lookout, giving you a good view of both Shelly and Manly beaches. Not wheelchair accessible.

Store Beach. A difficult to access beach, but do-able from Collins Beach. It was where ships used to unload provisions for the Quarantine Station but now it can only be accessed by a private boat or by foot.

Third Quarantine Cemetery. A cemetery for the third class passengers from the quarantined ships quarantining at the North Head Quarantine Station.

Fairfax Track The following are the lookouts along the way along Fairfax Track. These can only be accessed via the Fairfax Track, which is a 700-m loop. While the Fairfax Track may be a nice track to see, make sure if you're travelling with young children, make sure they do not pick things off the ground. There are unexploded ordinance on the ground, and it is a federal offense to even move them.

Fairfax Lookout. Has views of the Pacific, South Head and most importantly, Sydney Harbour.

North Head Artillery Lookout. While close to Fairfax Lookout, this lookout provides completely different views. This one shows views of the former barracks, and ocean, as this is an east-facing lookout.

This is the westernmost island of Sydney Harbour National Park. While there's not much to see, ferry watching. has become more increasingly popular in the past decade.

However, Rodd Island is not served by ferries. Access is only by water taxi or drop off. Additionally, you cannot moor a boat on the island.

Shark Island While getting here is hard and there is not much to see in this island, going next to the wharf will give you a view of the entire CBD, featuring 80% of the highlights of Sydney. There's also the (Shark Island Light) which is mostly underwater now. However, the not-underwater sections still give you a good view of the eastern suburbs - often some of the world's most expensive houses, just after some in New York City. There's also a popular shed here as well, most renowned for giving you a view of the harbour.

However, Shark Island is also not served by ferries. Access is only by water taxi or drop off.

Aboriginal Rock engravings. An Aboriginal rock carving of a fish.

Don Ritchie grove. A park and reserve with a couple of cool sculptures and a memorial in memory of Don Ritchie.

Gap Bluff Centre. A centre about the Gap Bluff run by the NSWNPWS.

Gap Bluff Lookout. A lookout to see the unique and picturesque Gap Bluff Cliffs.

Hornby Battery. Another one of those batteries.

The Hornby Keepers Cottage. Where the lighthouse keepers used to stay.

Hornby Lighthouse. A former lighthouse that was used for oncoming entering ships entering Sydney Harbour at night.

Lady Bay Beach. Another north westerly and easterly facing beaches, which are unusual to see in Sydney. Popular for seeing ships - mainly cruises at sunset. Both sides are popular for nude swimming and nude sunbathing.

Signal Hill Battery. Signal Hill Battery was one of a set of three coastal defence fortifications and were the last link in Sydney's outer defence perimeter, which was intended to defend Sydney from bombardment by an enemy vessel standing off the coast.

South Head Signal Station. Signal station on South Head.

South Head tunnels tour. A 1.8-km guided tour, which shows a world beneath full of sandstone.

Do

There's plenty of things to do in Sydney Harbour National Park, for most interests, whether it's hiking, swimming, or learning about Aboriginal culture.

Bradleys Head Fishing Spot. It has been a popular spot for fishing, even in the 20th century. While there are no signs saying the location, face east, and there you are. But most of the time, there's always people there.

Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay walk. A short but nice coastal harbour walk, from Bradleys Head to Chowder Bay. It's the only walk to connect two sections of the park together. It's 4 km one way, and is an NPWS Grade 3 track. Free.

Clark Island While there may not be anything to see in Clark Island, hiking to the top provides magnificent and resplendent views of the harbour. There are multiple trails and walking paths in Clark Island, and you have the choice of whether to go the easy slow not-so-steep path or the steep path.

Lighthouse Track. The track used to get to Grotto Point Lighthouse. The difficulty is slightly harder than the other tracks, but is still very easy.

Washaway Beach Track. A side track off Lighthouse track to get to Washaway Beach.

Dobroyd Head track. Small walking trail generally suitable for all ages.

Green Point Walking trail. A 100-m loop trail.

Hermitage Foreshore Walk. Coastal 500-m walk, usually with a picturesque view at any time of the day.

Mount Trefle Track. Short walking track from Shark Beach to Vaucluse town centre.

Cycling. Bike hire is available just outside the Q-station reception. Also, it is a self-served one, meaning that if an error occurs, usually the Q-station staff will be able to help.

Ghost tours @ Q station. A tour, experiencing one of Sydney's most haunted areas. Believer or not, still a worthy tour, known by almost any worthy Sydneysider. Unlike most ghost tours, this one has no age limit.

Fairfax Track. A short 700-m loop trail, which gives picturesque views of the Harbour, the ocean and the former battery. Suitable for most ages, however, if you're going with young children, make sure they do not pick up things on the ground. These may be UXO's and it is a federal civil offense to even move them, and the penalties are hefty.

North Head to Manly Trail. A bike path, but there's more people who walk this track.

Shark Island Walk the outer loop of the island, and have a picnic on the barbie. Oh, and you may occasionally see a shark while on the barbie. Won't attack you though.

South Head Heritage Trail. A 470-m loop track which gives you a lot to see, including Lighthouses and Cottages that were used by the former lightkeepers and some old batteries, used in World War II.

Gap Bluff Walking Trail. A small short-loop trail which is used to see the Gap Bluff Cliffs. There is a small bit where it goes very close to the cliffs, and the ocean.

Aboriginal cultural cruise in Sydney Harbour. A tour about how significant the harbour was to Indigenous Australians, and getting to know a bit about the local language that was spoken here.

Sydney Princess Cruises.. A whale watching tour in Sydney Harbour. May-November only.

Buy

There aren't many souvenir shops here, however, souvenirs can be bought at Q-station's reception at Q-station. You could also get a souvenir at some places like Strickland House or Grotto Lighthouse, the real beauty of the park lies within its history with the harbour, not buildings.

Eat

Bradleys Heads, Clontarf, Georges Head and Middle Head, Mosman

These are all the restaurants and cafés within the boundaries of the park, or the only way out is through the park.

Drift Café. A large cafe with different types of Aussie food specialised in French cuisine.

Gunners Barracks. Former Officers barracks, which is now a restaurant, with a harbourside view.

L'Héritage. An authentic French restaurant, although it now has a wide variety of Australian cuisine too.

Middle Head Cafe. Not a particularly fancy or stylish cafe, but it is definitely a cafe for those who don't like the crowded cafes. But foodwise, there's no saying no here.

Ripples Chowder Bay. Modern Aussie cuisine with harbour view and water views.

Fort Denison/Muddawahnyuh This restaurant/cafe is closed until the entire Fort Denison reopens in early 2022.

Fort Denison Cafe and Restaurant. Historic old style restaurant with modern Aussie cuisine.

Bella Vista Cafe. Cafe with harbour view.

Boilerhouse Kitchen and Bar. A popular spot if you're a meatlover.

Views Restaurant. Mainly to have brekkie.

Slightly outside the park These are places to eat, and are just within 1-km proximity of the park. Most visitors often go to the Manly town centre, as there's a lot more variety in Manly, and getting there is easier rather than taking the bus to the Q-station restaurants. See Sydney/Manly for more.

The Nielsen. Seaside restaurant with different varieties of seafood.

Camp Cove Kiosk. Small cafe, perfect on both a hot summers day as well as a cold winters day.

Drink

Most of these places do not provide alcohol or wine. In some places, they are even prohibited, and you could be checked at any time.

Sleep

Middle Head Officers' Quarters. Has carpark, drinking water, showers, toilets, electric power. This cottage can sometimes be called its own world at times, due to the amount of greenery here.

Steele Point Cottage. Small historic harbour side cottage in one of Sydney's most expensive suburbs; Vaucluse.

Q-station. A former Quarantine Station used to quarantine people from ships if they had any illness. Now a motel. Additionally, usually you'd get to go straight to your motel, however at Q-station, a bus will take you to your room, free of charge.

Constables Cottage. A small cottage on South Head.

Camping While camping is usually the only form of accommodation in most national park, there are no campgrounds in Sydney Harbour National Park as most of the area is unsuitable for camping. Additionally, camping is prohibited in some areas to protect bandicoots.

Backcountry While there are great views here, backcountry stays aren't a thing here, for a couple of reasons. The first one is the fact that most of this national park had only existed to protect the remains of the small reserves, but keep in mind you're still in the middle of Sydney, not in an exurb like Royal National Park.

Respect

The maximum limit inside the park is . Avoid speeding, as the low limit is meant to protect the endangered bandicoots. Don't damage Aboriginal rock engravings - it's disrespectful and disgraceful. Watch out for endangered bandicoots at night. Do not flash lights at them. Otherwise, don't even think about it.