North Head, Manly: Spectacular new lookouts at busy Sydney tourist hotspot

One of Sydney’s most popular scenic destinations, visited by 500,000 tourists a year, is set to receive spectacular — and safer — new lookouts. See the pictures here

The first images of proposed new spectacular scenic lookouts on Sydney’s North Head have been released for public feedback.

Authorities are moving the current lookout locations — as part of a $3.9 million upgrade and safety boost — after sections of the cliff face recently fell into the sea.

And the new sites, with panoramic views of the entrance to Sydney Harbour and north along the northern beaches, will also be better protected from potential bushfire damage.

An artist's impression of the proposed "Burragula" southern lookout on North Head at Manly. A great spot for watching Sydney sunsets. Picture: Department of Planning, Industry and Environment

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is spending the money to improve visitor access at North Head, which is part of Sydney Harbour National Park.

These two new lookouts — the northern lookout to be named “Yiningma” (a cliff edge) and Burragula (the time of sunset), the southern lookouts, in a local indigenous language, will replace the original Fairfax Walk lookouts, closed due to the risk of the cliff face giving way.

The current lookout at the south-eastern tip of North Head. Picture: Manly Daily

NPWS said North Head, or Car-rang gel (place of the giant pelican), attracted more than 500,000 local, domestic and international visitors each year and is listed on the National Heritage List.

An artist's impression of the proposed "Yiningma" northern lookout on North Head at Manly — great for whale watching. Picture: Department of Planning, Industry and Environment

“In October, we engaged a geotechnical engineer to assess the cliff edge and its stability along the Fairfax Walk. Based on engineering advice, the lookouts were closed while further investigations were done,” a NPWS spokesman said.

“The lookouts will remain closed, and work on the new lookouts is scheduled to start in 2022.”

NPWS said the new viewing platforms have been designed to provide a “safer and more enjoyable viewing experience all year round”.

An artist's impression of the proposed "Yiningma" northern lookout, which also looks back on the cliff faces at North Head. Picture: Department of Planning, Industry and Environment

The Yiningma Lookout to will provides a vantage point to look back at the cliff face as well as views to the horizon that are good for whale watching.

Burragula Lookout allows for panoramic views of Sydney Harbour and will be popular for watching events like the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race or sunsets.

An artist's impression of the proposed "Yiningma" northern lookout. Picture: Department of Planning, Industry and Environment

An artist's impression of the proposed "Burragula" southern lookout. Picture: Department of Planning, Industry and Environment

Authorities said “connecting with Country” was central to the design of the lookouts to make sure they acknowledge and connect with the “history, stories and place that is called Car-rang gel”.

At each of the platforms, seats will be carved out of solid stone and arranged to form a gathering place where ceremony, teaching and meetings may occur.

Work on the wider North Head Scenic Area upgrade, including reconfiguration of the car parks and landscaping, started last month and was expected to take about three months to complete.

An artist's impression of the proposed "Burragula" southern lookout. Picture: Department of Planning, Industry and Environment

T^here will also be more picnic spaces with views across the Harbour; pedestrian crossings and an improved pedestrian path; a new bus stop to the east of the Bella Vista Cafe and; improvements to the entry of the Fairfax Walking Track.

Manly MP James Griffin welcomed the upgrade and said the investment in North Head

would deliver benefits for the local community.

Part of the westernmost lookout near the tip of North Head has been closed for some time. Picture: Manly Daily

“By providing safer pedestrian access to North Head and improving parking and traffic

arrangements, these upgrades will deliver positive changes for Manly and its many visitors,” he said.

For more information click here.