North Head lookouts have been partially closed due to unstable cliffs

PARTIAL closures have been established at lookouts at North Head following geotechnical investigation of the cliffs in the wake of the massive rock fall in August.

NPWS regional manager Peter Hay North Head

PARTIAL closures have been established at lookouts at North Head following geotechnical investigation of the cliffs in the wake of the massive rock fall in August.

National Parks and Wildlife Service regional manager Peter Hay said the preliminary findings of the investigation at North Head in the wake of the cliff fall confirmed a degree of cliff undercutting.

The rock fall at North Head in August. Photo Blake Horton/Manly Ocean Adventures

“When a cliff is undercut its stability is compromised and there is an increased likelihood of rock falls,” he said.

“As safety is a priority for NPWS, we have acted on the engineer’s advice and closed public access to some sections of the Fairfax lookouts, effective immediately.

“In August this year without warning a large section of the cliff at North Head collapsed.

The rock fall at North Head in August. Photo John Grainger

“NPWS took immediate action to temporarily close the two most western Fairfax lookouts and engaged a geotechnical engineer to further investigate the integrity of the surrounding cliffs.

“NPWS is not closing the Fairfax walk, just some parts of the lookouts will be closed until these areas are deemed safe.

“We urge all visitors to this area to thoroughly abide by any warning signs and remain behind any temporary barriers erected at North Head.

“The temporary fencing will remain in place while NPWS works with engineers to determine the best ways to permanently make all North Head lookouts safer for visitors.”