You’ve likely done Manly with the kids – whether it was to swim, ride the ferry or grab something yummy at The Corso.

But guess what… there’s a whole other spectacular side to Manly just waiting to be explored on the headland!

Running Sunday 6 September, North Head Sanctuary Discovery Day is chance for families to do Manly differently!

Apart from all the FREE activities on the day, you’ll enjoy exploring North Head Sanctuary’s family-friendly walking tracks. There’s plenty to ‘wow’ the kids – be it a bush-framed ocean view, the WW2 military fort or the local wildlife…if you’re lucky, you might spot an echidna!

Free activities include pickleball, arts & craft fun, guided tours and the chance to explore historic spaces normally off limits. Of course, no Australian community event would be complete without a sausage sizzle. Local business WOTSO will be serving up snags, including vegetarian ones, and all funds raised will go directly to the Kids’ Cancer Project. North Head Sanctuary Discovery Day is presented by the Harbour Trust.

Top 5 Activities

Here are the top picks for North Head Sanctuary Discovery Day:

1. Pickleball Pop-up Court (10am to 2pm)

Love Pickle Club is opening premium pickleball courts at North Head Sanctuary! To celebrate, they’re giving Discovery Day attendees the chance to try the world’s fastest growing sport with their pickleball pop-up venue! Combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, it’s fun, social and easy for you and your kids to pick up. Drop by for a hit!

2. Walk on the Wildside Tour (11am to 11:50am)

Are you and the kids nature lovers? Then join ecologist Toni Blackwell for a guided tour of North Head Sanctuary and learn about all the amazing animals that live in the headland. Plus: Hear how fauna surveys help the area’s vulnerable species –its long-nosed bandicoots, eastern pygmy possums, brown antechinuses and bush rats – thrive and survive!

Note: Limited spots available for tour, so pre-registration is required.
UPDATE: This tour has now booked out… but don’t worry, there’s another great way for kids to learn about North Head Sanctuary’s nature on Discovery Day. On arrival, head to Bandicoot Heaven – a volunteer-run education centre that focuses on local plants and animals.

3. Historic North Fort – Open access (10am to 2pm)

North Head Sanctuary is the site of a historic military fort that defended Sydney’s coastline during the Second World War. For one day only, visitors can explore North Fort for free. These include underground tunnels, a mysterious bunker known as the Plotting Room and the recently restored Battery Observation Post.

4. Fun Zone/Chill Zone (10am to 2pm)

If you need to recharge your batteries – or if the kids have energy to burn – head to the aptly named Fun Zone/Chill Zone! As you soak in the harbour view, your kids can get their faces painted and complete colouring-in sheets!

5. Gentle Yoga in Nature (8am to 8:45am)

Need some ‘me’ (i.e. kid-free) time? Why not experience yoga in a unique way… against the backdrop of a bush-framed harbour, with grass underfoot and a soundtrack by North Head’s diverse birdlife. This outdoor session is suitable for all levels. BYO yoga mat/towel.

Note: Limited spots available for yoga, so pre-registration is required.

For the full program, visit harbourtrust.gov.au/north-head-sanctuary-discovery-day

Plan your Day

• Getting to North Head Sanctuary from Manly is easy: Walk, cycle or hop on the 161 bus at service at Manly Wharf – it runs every 30 minutes. Note: On-site parking will be limited.
  
• Tips for a great day out: On arrival at Discovery Day, head to the North Head Sanctuary Visitor Centre. A friendly visitor services volunteers for directions, walking routes and Discovery Day recommendations. View on Google Maps