South Head master plan

To create a revitalised vision for visitor experience and interpretation of this unique national park.

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is preparing a master plan for the South Head, Gap Bluff and Green Point precincts of Sydney Harbour National Park (Watsons Bay).

South Head is a rich cultural landscape that forms an essential part of the story of Sydney. A story that encompasses Aboriginal culture and place; a story that encompasses the ideas of journey and arrival for Europeans; and a story of protection and defence.

The master plan will guide enhancement and operation across the site, focusing on identifying uses for existing buildings, upgrade of visitor facilities, walking tracks, interpretation, wayfinding and public safety. All with the view to enhance visitor experience and the natural, cultural and historic heritage of these unique national park precincts.

Map showing the location and extent of the master plan (in red outline).

From mid 2021 focus has been on initial investigations, community consultation (including a survey and 2 workshops) and analysis of the information.

Exhibition of draft master plan concepts is scheduled for early 2022, with the final master plan completion expected around mid-2022.

The master plan will create a revitalised vision for visitor experience and interpretation of the site that draws on the historic, cultural and natural values of this unique national park. The master plan will be underpinned by the guiding principles identified in the Sydney Harbour National Park Plan of Management (2012), which include:

  • conserve natural and cultural heritage
  • manage sustainably
  • improve accessibility
  • welcome all visitors
  • improve transport linkages
  • conserve for the future
  • partnerships and collaborations

Community engagement will occur at key stages of the project.

During October 2021 an initial online survey (closed 29 October 2021) and 2 community workshops captured the views and ideas of visitors, community and stakeholders. The information gathered will be compiled and published here when available.

The next opportunity for comment will be during the exhibition of the draft master plan concepts in early 2022.

A Stakeholder Reference Group, representing the interests of a broad range of stakeholder groups, organisations and land managers, has also been established to act as a key consultative body for the project.

Information and updates

Visitors and the community will be kept informed of the progress of this project through regular updates on this webpage and via emails. To subscribe for email updates, please submit your details below.

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