Northern beaches residents and visitors are being offered a chance to explore first hand one of Sydney's last natural harbour-side rainforests.

To help celebrate its 'Fisher Bay Bushland Restoration Project', Northern Beaches Council is hosting a series of fascinating free events, including 'Walk & Talk' guided tours, 'native plant swaps' and 'give-aways', a 'Bat Night' and even 'Breakfast With The Birds', all happening in one of Sydney's most beautiful remnant harbour-side rain forest areas.

Northern Beaches Council is restoring a section of endangered coastal littoral rainforest on the Manly Scenic Walkway in Clontarf, overlooking Sydney's Middle Harbour.

Comprising approximately six hectares of harbour foreshore bushland, the area is listed as an Endangered Ecological Community.

The Fisher Bay Bushland Restoration Project aims to remove invasive species, revegetate the area with local provenance plants, install interpretive signs and other educational material to inform visitors and locals about the bushland area's heritage value and the work being done to protect it.

The project site also has great cultural significance, being an important location for the Gayamaygal people, the traditional owners of the land.

A key component of the project has been engaging with local residents to undertake bushland friendly activities within their own properties to enhance connectivity, create buffer zones and establish a more contiguous habitat throughout the area.

To help celebrate the rich cultural and natural heritage of Fisher Bay, Council is hosting a number of free 'Walk and Talk' events, give-aways and other excellent activities.

Botanical Walk & Talk

  • Date: 22 Oct. Time: 9.30am
    Discover the variety of native plants that make up this unique Littoral Rainforest Vegetation Community. Learn what makes Fisher Bay so special and about the threats rainforest faces.
    Free. Bookings essential at whatsonfisherbay.eventbrite.com.au

Aboriginal Heritage Walk & Talks

  • Date: 19 Nov. Time: 9.30am
  • Date: 23 Nov. Time: 6.00pm (Twilight walk)
    Explore this stunning part of Manly Scenic Walkway from the viewpoint of the traditional owners of the land. Walk will be conducted by Karen Smith, Education Officer at the Aboriginal Heritage Office since 2011.
    Free. Bookings essential at whatsonfisherbay.eventbrite.com.au

Weeds for Seeds Plant Swap / Giveaway

  • Date: 22 Oct Time: 12-2pm
    Grab a few native seedlings on us and chat to a bush regen expert about gardening at home. Discover your best bets for attracting native wildlife to your backyard!
    Free. No bookings necessary.

Bat Night

  • Date: 3 Nov. Time: 7pm
    Discover the secret and mysterious lives of Australia's tiniest nocturnal mammals, the micro-bats. Learn what you can do to protect them and their unique habitat.
    Free. Bookings essential at whatsonfisherbay.eventbrite.com.au