Manly To The Spit Bridge

One of Sydney’s most infamous walks is the harbourside trail stretching from Spit Bridge to Manly Beach. This 10 km journey along the Manly Scenic Walkway offers a captivating blend of sandy beaches, ancient Aboriginal sites, and stunning lookouts, with Dobroyd Head being particularly renowned for its panoramic views.

The walk typically takes between 3.5 to 4.5 hours one way. Rated as a grade 3 track, it is accessible to most ages and fitness levels, though some sections involve stairs. The trail features a mix of boardwalks, sandy paths, and bush tracks, making it unsuitable for prams or wheelchair users.

As you cover the trail, you’ll experience some of the most scenic parts of Middle and North Harbours. Highlights include Forty Baskets Reserve, Crater Cove Lookout, Grotto Point Aboriginal engraving site, and Clontarf Reserve. Facilities such as toilets are available at the start of the walk and along the route, with drinking water fountains located at Manly, Fairlight Beach, and Clontarf Reserve.

Keep an ear out for whipbirds near Ellery’s Punt Reserve, enjoy a coffee at Clontarf Marina, and take note of the historic fishing shacks at Crater Cove, which served as weekend retreats from the 1920s to the 1960s. If you’re in the mood for a swim or a picnic, top spots along the way include Reef Beach, Forty Baskets Beach, and Clontarf Reserve.

After reaching Manly Beach, you might want to relax with a coffee or snack at Grumpy’s Wharf Cafe. For those with extra energy and a sense of adventure, consider hiring a kayak at Spit Bridge for a paddle before heading back. Return options include catching a bus, taxi, Uber, or heading to Circular Quay for a scenic ferry ride to Manly Wharf.