Fairfax Walk and Burragula Lookout on North Head

The Fairfax Walk on Manly’s North Head is a family-friendly trail featuring two stunning lookouts with sweeping views of Sydney Harbour, the city skyline, South Head, and the ocean.

The highlight of the walk is the Burragula Lookout, one of Sydney’s most impressive vantage points. It’s also a favourite spot for whale watching during the two annual migration seasons.

The Fairfax Walk is easily accessible by car. Once you’re in Manly, follow Darley Road to North Head, and continue along North Head Scenic Drive until you reach the end.

A spacious parking area marks the start of the walk, with ticket machines available for paying the National Park parking fees. From the car park, head to the Fairfax Track signpost, which signals the beginning of this scenic loop trail.

The Fairfax Walk is also part of the North Head Walk, a 9.5 km circuit trail that starts and finishes at Manly Beach.

If you’re up for a more challenging hike, we highly recommend doing the North Head Walk. It’s one of Sydney’s best hikes and includes the Fairfax Walk.

Map

The below map shows the walk, the parking area, and the two main lookouts.

P: Parking
1: Burragula Lookout
2: Yiningma Lookout

The Fairfax Walk is named after John Fairfax, an English-born businessman who founded a media company in 1841 that later became Fairfax Media.

In 1981, the reconstruction of the original Fairfax Lookout was funded by “John Fairfax & Sons”, the company’s original name. This was done to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the first publication of the Sydney Herald in 1831 and to honour the legacy of John Fairfax.

In 2023, the Fairfax Walk was redeveloped, introducing two new lookouts to replace the original: Burragulla Lookout and Yiningma Lookout.

The Fairfax loop walk is approximately 1 km long and fully paved, making it an easy and accessible trail.

Along the way, walkers are treated to breathtaking 360-degree views of Sydney Harbour and the South Pacific Ocean.

Burragula Lookout

Walking the trail in an anti-clockwise direction, the first lookout you’ll reach is Burragulla Lookout, which offers sweeping views of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline.

The lookout features a spacious platform, providing plenty of room for visitors to explore and enjoy the views from multiple angles.

At the centre of the platform, there’s a thoughtfully designed gathering area with seating carved from solid stone, adding a unique touch to the experience.

Yiningma Lookout

Following the walking path, you’ll soon arrive at the Yiningma Lookout.

While slightly smaller than Burragulla Lookout, this vantage point offers equally stunning views of the ocean and the dramatic headland cliffs.

Both lookouts are favourites among whale watchers.

Visitors often come during the two migration periods, first between June and July when the whales head north, and again from August to October when they return to Antarctica.

Keen to spend more time in Manly? Read our guide with things to do in Manly for a comprehensive list of fun activities and attractions.