Manly Dam, also known as Manly-Warringah War Memorial Park, is a sprawling bushland retreat frequented by walkers, mountain bikers, water skiers, picnickers, swimmers, and fishermen. It is Sydney’s largest freshwater lake, created by damming Curl Curl Creek in 1892.
This site holds significant heritage value, with traces of Aboriginal camps scattered throughout. Visitors can explore a variety of walking trails, catering to different fitness levels. Trail options include heritage, wildflower, and Aboriginal-themed routes. The dam’s diverse flora and fauna, including several threatened species, are a highlight. An interactive map is available at the dam to help you navigate the area.
You can access the dam by car from King Street in Manly Vale. The reserve also connects to coastal paths and the ‘Harbour to Hawkesbury’ track. Buses serve the dam, and it’s just a 10-minute drive, approximately 4.5 km, from the Manly Pacific. Facilities at the dam include toilets, barbecues, picnic areas, and playgrounds.
Here’s a guide to the various walks available:
- Park Circuit Track: 7.3 km, around 3 hours. This track features some steep sections but is mostly easy. Birdwatching, frog spotting, waterfalls, and rock pools are highlights. Access from the car park at the end of King Street or via a bus from Manly Wharf. This track includes the Wetlands walk; an ecosystem formed by the damming of the creek.
- Wildflower Walk: 0.35 km, about 15 minutes each way. This gentle slope trail offers easy walking through dense woodland and seasonal blooms. Access via section 3 car park.
- Nature Trail: 1.5 km, approximately 40 minutes each way. This trail includes some steep sections but mostly easy walking, featuring sandstone cliffs and scenic views. Start next to the interpretive map, 100 meters from the main gate.
- McCombs Hill Track: 1 km, around 25 minutes round trip. This trail provides excellent views of the surrounding area and includes some steep sections. Access next to the interpretive map, 100 meters from the main gate.
- Curl Curl Track: 2 km, about 1 hour for a full circuit. This trail is mostly easy with some steep parts, offering sights such as echidnas, rock pools, and forest. Start from the Circuit Track and Curl Curl Creek.
- Eva’s Track: 2 km, around 1 hour circuit. This easy trail features rock platforms and views over Manly. Access via the fire trail linking the Circuit Track to Allambie Heights.
- Heath Track: 1 km, approximately 25 minutes.
Aboriginal Self-Guided Walk (Gulgadya Muru): Experience the dam through the eyes of its original inhabitants. This generally easy trail includes a gradual climb, providing scenic views, wildflowers, and evidence of Aboriginal life such as rock engravings, paintings, and ancient camp remains. The circuit varies from 350 meters to 8 km, taking between 20 minutes to 3 hours. Brochures are available at Manly Council’s Civic Centre, libraries, and the Manly Dam
