What the project involves
North Head, located in Sydney Harbour National Park, features some of Sydney's newest and most spectacular lookouts, Burragula and Yiningma, as well as the popular heritage-listed Quarantine Station.
This project aims to:
- improve bus stops and pedestrian access
- improve public transport and pedestrian access to Quarantine Station
- repair drainage and road infrastructure
- investigate the most appropriate pedestrian access to North Head and links to destinations.
Project design
Community consultation on the concept plans has now closed. Feedback received during consultation has been considered as the detailed design has been completed.
Additional design work has included:
- measures to address drainage and flooding impacts near the Q Station entrance
- incorporation of lighting for the new pedestrian crossings
- additional survey and design work for the new bus stop at North Fort Road.
These matters have now been incorporated into the final design documentation being prepared for tender.
The concept plans remain available on the project webpage. Final design drawings will also be made available on the webpage for information once completed. Questions can be submitted to the project team through the online enquiry form below.
Project stages and timeframes
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Investigation and concept development stage
Complete
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Community consultation
Early 2026
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Construction
Scheduled construction will start in late 2026, pending approvals
NPWS is aiming for on-ground works to commence in late 2026, subject to necessary statutory approvals. Works are anticipated to be staged over a 6-month period.
We will provide updates on this webpage as the project progresses.
Project details
NPWS is planning to carry out the following works to improve visitor pedestrian safety, public transport connections, whole-of-headland links and stormwater management along North Head Scenic Drive:
- construction of a footpath on Scenic Drive, connecting to the existing footpath networks; the works will improve all-abilities access throughout the headland
- relocation of the northbound Q Station bus stop away from the roundabout and to a new bus bay in a safer location nearby with upgrade of the southbound stop
- upgrade of existing in-lane bus stops to bus bay near the North Fort Road and Scenic Drive intersection
- construction of raised pedestrian crossings to provide better linkages into the North Head Sanctuary precincts and walking tracks
- construction of kerb and gutter along footpath to improve stormwater drainage and treatment.
NPWS has identified several safety concerns, with visitors using the gravel shoulders of North Head Scenic Drive as a walking path out to the lookouts, creating the potential risk for a pedestrian–vehicle collision.
The works will also address the unsafe configuration of bus stops at the Q Station entrance to improve visitor safety and traffic safety and visibility through the intersection.
The proposed drainage works will alleviate ongoing maintenance of potholes and water pooling on the Scenic Drive, improving safety for cyclists and drivers.
North Head Scenic Drive will remain open to traffic during the works. A Traffic Management Plan will be in place to manage access during the works. Temporary signage will be in place to direct pedestrians to the lookouts via North Fort Road.
The aim of the works is to address the existing safety concerns for users along the Scenic Drive and bus stops.
A path along the Scenic Drive allows for an accessible route for all abilities to access the Q Station and North Head lookouts. As part of the works, we are also improving and creating additional connections into the existing walking trail network.
The proposed footpath is for pedestrians only. At this stage there are no plans to create a bike lane. The works will upgrade the existing speed humps to improve the cycling experience along the Scenic Drive.
We will carefully manage the project to ensure there are no impacts on threatened vegetation or wildlife species. This includes the eastern suburbs banksia scrub threatened ecological community, bandicoots and other small mammals. We have conducted rigorous environmental assessment of the proposed works with input from relevant specialists, in accordance with NSW planning legislation.
Native vegetation
By utilising the existing gravel road shoulder as much as possible, the proposed footpath design minimises impacts to existing vegetation. NPWS has engaged an ecologist to undertake investigations and inform the plans. Monitoring will also be conducted during the construction process.
Bandicoot habitat
A project ecologist will undertake targeted surveys ahead of construction and will monitor and advise to avoid impacting bandicoot nests. Improved drainage along Scenic Drive will control and filter run-off, preventing erosion of their habitat.
NPWS has undertaken early engagement consultation with the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Trust, Q Station lease, Manly Health and Wellbeing Precinct Team and the local Member of Parliament and electorate office. Their feedback and queries have helped inform and shape the concept design as it appears now.
Questions and feedback about the project were accepted until 27 February 2026.
Closure of community consultation
Public consultation on the North Head Safety and Access project has now closed, and feedback is being reviewed and incorporated into the design. We thank everyone who submitted feedback on the proposed works. While the consultation period has closed, NPWS welcomes your questions and comments at any time during the project.
The concept plans for the works are still available for download from the project webpage. Queries can be sent to the project team via the submission form at the bottom of this page.
Construction staging and timing
Our previous project update indicated that construction was expected to start in July 2026. The start date has since been revised to allow the additional detailed design to be completed and the required contractor procurement process to be undertaken.
NPWS now anticipates that construction will start in late September or early October 2026, subject to completion of the procurement process and appointment of a contractor.
Construction is expected to take approximately 6 months. We will provide a further update confirming the appointed contractor, construction start date and detailed staging arrangements once these matters are finalised.
NPWS recognises that the revised timing means some works will occur during a busy period for visitation and events at North Head. We will work closely with the contractor, site operators and event organisers to actively manage access, traffic and visitor impacts throughout construction.
Impacts to visitors
North Head and the surrounding headland are popular destinations for residents and visitors. We will implement measures to reduce disruption and maintain access wherever it is safe and practicable to do so.
As most construction will occur along the road shoulder, temporary pedestrian diversions will be required at different stages of the project. Pedestrians may be redirected:
- along North Fort Road to access the North Head lookouts
- along St Barbara’s Avenue to access Q Station.
These temporary diversions will provide a safe working area for contractors while allowing North Head Scenic Drive to remain open. Directional and safety signage will be installed to assist visitors.
North Head Scenic Drive will remain open to bicycles, cars and buses during construction. Traffic management measures will be in place, and temporary changes to traffic movements may be required while particular sections of work are completed.
Construction traffic and access arrangements will be managed through a Construction Traffic Management Plan. The contractor will also be required to maintain access to Q Station and provide temporary bus stop arrangements where existing stops are affected.
Standard construction hours will be from 7 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday.
Work outside these hours will require prior approval from NPWS. Construction staging will be coordinated, where practicable, to reduce impacts during major events and periods of high visitation.
How to find out more
We will keep stakeholders and visitors informed of the infrastructure project as it develops. This project webpage is the best place to find up-to-date information.
These newsletters will also be sent as updates become available. Anyone can sign up to receive these by using the feedback form below.
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