North Fort

The remote location of North Fort means its landscape has changed little since early colonial paintings of the spot. Wind-blown sand dunes cover the headland, with hillside ‘hanging’ swamps among the coastal shrub. Today it is home to the Royal Australian Artillery National Museum, once part of the School of Artillery, constructed between 1935 and 1938 in the shadow of war and the need to defend Sydney Harbour from naval attack. You can still tour the fortifications, underground tunnels and a memorial walkway – the latter undergoes continual upgrades as more and more inscribed paving stones honouring nationals who have served in the defence of Australia are added. Ferry Manly then bus 135. Open 9am-4pm Wed-Sun. Admission $11; $5-$8 reductions; $25 family. Credit MC, V.