What's the prettiest way to get to Manly? Some say catching the Manly ferry, but those in the know will tell you otherwise - it's the Manly scenic walkway.
Beginning at Mosman's Spit Bridge, this classic walk shows you some of the most picturesque parts of Sydney's Middle and North Harbours and is part of Sydney's coastal walks.
Follow the shoreline to Fisher Bay, Sandy Bay and Clontarf Beach then enter the Sydney Harbour National Park at Castle Rock. Make your way around Dobroyd Head and don't miss the Aboriginal rock engravings at Grotto Point or the amazing views from Arabanoo lookout. Pass by or take a dip at Reef Beach or Forty Baskets on your way to Manly.
Fancy an ice cream at the Manly Corso after all that effort? Go on, you deserve it.
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
The track detours in places when the tide is high so you don't get wet feet.
If you're planning to stop for a picnic or swim along the way, try Clontarf Reserve, Forty Baskets Reserve or Reef Beach.
Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.
The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.
Do you have a GPX file for this hike? Feel free to email it to me so I can add it to this hikes info.
Click to add your file >>
Leave a trip plan
Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Sydney Harbour National Park.
To Manly. To get there from Spit Bridge, follow Spit Road to the Spit Bridge. The walk starts on the north side of the bridge.To get there from Manly, follow the shoreline to the east of Manly. Park entry points Manly See on map Spit Bridge See on map
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Accommodation nearby
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Balmain, Balmoral, Chatswood, Cremorne, Darling Harbour, Darling Point, Darlinghurst, Dee Why, Frenchs Forest, Glebe, Kirribilli, Manly, Mosman, Neutral Bay, North Sydney, Pyrmont, Rose Bay, Rozelle, Sydney, Terrey Hills, Vaucluse, Watsons Bay, Woolloomooloo
About the region
Sydney Harbour National Park protects islands and foreshore around Sydney Harbour. Explore Sydney's history on a school excursion or guided tour to enjoy coastal walks, picnics and swimming. Sydney Harbour National Park protects a number of islands and foreshore areas around one of the world's most famous harbours. The park is home to superb swimming spots, bushwalking tracks and picnic areas, which offer a huge range of activities that will have you coming back again and again.
See native wildlife living in rare pockets of bushland once common around Sydney, or take a fascinating walk to explore the park's cultural history. You'll see everything from convict-built buildings and military fortifications to Aboriginal sites and a heritage lighthouse. And with the harbour's staggering coastline creating an endless natural lookout, the park's jaw-dropping views simply have to be seen to be believed. If you're at one of the park's lookouts during winter, be sure to keep a lookout for whales on their annual migration north.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Sydney Harbour National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
Favourite
Sydney Harbour National Park
Favourite
Sydney Harbour National Park
Favourite
Sydney Harbour National Park
Favourite
Sydney Harbour National Park
Gallery
Got any photos from this hike? Your photos can help others plan. Share shots from along the trail so fellow hikers know what to expect.
Click to add your photos >>
Suggest an edit
Notice something different about this trail? Whether it’s a new feature, a route change, or a closure, share your update so we can keep our info accurate and helpful for fellow hikers.
Click to suggest edits >>