The headland, owned and managed by the Port Authority, was closed off to the public earlier this year after the authority terminated a lease with Newcastle Now, which had been supervising access to the site since 2013, following a funding row between the business improvement association and the City of Newcastle.

The Port Authority said it failed to renew the lease due Newcastle Now's inability to provide visitor services after the City of Newcastle terminated its funding agreement on December 31.

On Monday, the Port Authority said the site would open its gates to the public from 8am to 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as on cruise ship days, beginning this Saturday, July 6. Hours would be extended during daylight savings.

The authority said it would engage with local stakeholders and community members on the medium- to long-term use of the headland and would open an expression of interest for long-term public use from August 1 to December 1.

"We're pleased to announce that the community can again enjoy the spectacular vistas of Newcastle Harbour from one of our famous landmarks," the Port Authority's Emma Fensom said.

"We look forward to engaging with the community to find a long-term use for Nobbys headland that will best serve the people of Newcastle."

High-profile Newcastle restaurateur Neil Slater tried for eight years to create an eatery, accommodation and a viewing platform at Nobbys before the then federal environment minister Peter Garrett rejected the plan in 2008.

Mr Garrett's decision went against conditional support for the project from his own departmental staff and full public backing from Labor politicians.

He subsequently decided a small version of the development did not need federal approval, but Mr Slater pulled the pin on the plans, saying they were no longer viable.