North Head Walk

Follow the Manly Lagoon to North Head on one of Sydney’s most spectacular walking tracks. It offers fantastic views of the ocean, Sydney CBD skyline and Sydney Harbour. This walk also forms part of the 80km Bondi to Manly walkway. Enjoy pretty swimming spots and plenty of bars and restaurants as you meander and make a day of it.

Plan for about 2.5 to 3 hours if you wish to make frequent stops for photos. If you’re starting from the Manly Pacific Hotel and prefer a more direct route, allocate about an hour without breaks.

Once you arrive at North Head you can keep walking, too, as there are plenty of extra walking tracks to explore from there. The Fairfax Walk, beginning at the end of North Head Scenic Drive, loops around the top of North Head and passes by Q Station. After the Fairfax Walk, delve further into the North Head Sanctuary, where the North Head Sanctuary Foundation offers Spring Wildflower Walks. Alternatively, you can take a tour of North Fort.

Begin the North Head walk at the lagoon near the Queenscliff end of Manly Beach. Walk to Shelly Beach, then ascend from the parking lot through the bushland of Sydney Harbour National Park to North Head. For a different return route, consider the Bluefish Track near Bluefish Point, which will lead you back to Shelly Beach.

It’s a Grade 2 walk – easy to moderate – suitable for most ages and fitness levels with only the occasional steep section. Some segments may not be suitable for wheelchair users or prams.  Drink fountains are located between Manly Beach and Shelly Beach and North Head.