A guide to the Manly to Spit coastal walk-Sydney

If you’re looking for free things to do in Sydney, this is a great way to fill the day as it’s one of Sydney’s best coastal walks. The Manly to Spit coastal walk takes you along the shoreline and through part of Sydney Harbour National Park. On route, you can expect to see great coastal views, areas of bushland and gorgeous little beach coves. Even if you don’t fancy doing the walk, its still worth catching the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly as you get some fantastic views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. This ferry passes the front of the iconic building, and it’s much cheaper than the tourist boat rides.

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What is the distance from Manly to Spit?

The whole route is 10km long and takes between 3 to 4 hours to complete. This, of course, depends on your walking speed and how long you stop at various places to admire the view and some of the hidden attractions along the way. My advice is to set aside most of the day. There are some beaches and rest points along the route so its a great choice if you fancy a walk and a picnic.

Do I need to complete the whole walk?

No, you can do just a short section of the walk. The walk is divided into sections, and there are several entrances along the way, with parking and access to public transport.

Where do you start?

You can begin either in Manly or at the Spit Bridge. If you want to do one of the shorter sections check out the map below for a suitable starting point.

 

Getting to Manly

If your starting in the centre of Sydney, the easiest option is to catch the ferry to Manly. Boats depart from Circular Quay regularly, and you can use your Opal travel card to pay for the journey. For more information on the ferry, times click here.

Tip – Have your camera at the ready to take some fantastic pictures of the Opera House as you leave the harbour.

 

 

It takes around 20 minutes to get to Manly, and as you disembark the ferry, the start of the walk is to the left.

However, you may want to head to the small visitor centre first which is straight ahead to pick up the Manly scenic walkway map.   The centre also provides information about the tides and how certain accessible sections currently are.

Start of the walk

 

 

Head left along the small beach towards Manly Art Museum and Gallery and look for the Manly Scenic walkway sign. As you walk through the local neighbourhood streets, you may think you’re going the wrong way but have confidence and keep going.

 

 

 

 

It’s not long though before the sea comes back into view and the coastal walk begins. Straight away, the scenery provides lots to admire. As you ascend, you get a great view of Manly and the coastline. You can watch the ferry leaving the harbour, or if you continue walking, you’ll reach a cove with a bench which serves as a great resting point.

 

 

If you’re already in need of a refreshing dip, Fairlight pool is not much further. This is a great place to chill and one of the best open pools in Sydney.

 

The idyllic North Harbour Reserve comes into sight next in an area which was the original place to be named Manly. There is a large picnic area and a grassy park which is great if you have little ones that need a runaround.

 

 

Forty Baskets Beach

The concrete path around the harbour comes to an end here, and the route becomes a little more challenging. Dependant upon the tide, you may have to get your feet wet. However, the views of Manly are stunning in this rocky corner known as Forty Baskets Beach. The rocks underfoot are a little cumbersome so do take care as you cross this small but rocky section.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From here, you emerge into the bush, and the first climb of the walk begins. There’s little shade in this section so make sure you top up the suntan lotion before you continue. Keep an eye out for the wildlife; you might spot a parakeet or iguana on route basking in the sun.

If you need a toilet break there are some facilities a little further along at Reef Beach. From here, the climb continues to Drobroyd Head which is a little arduous, so take your time and don’t forget to drink lots of water.

 

Dobroyd Head

Here you’ll get some more beautiful views of Manly, and you can admire how far you’ve trekked. This is approximately the halfway point so pat yourself on the back while soaking up the stunning vista.

 

Continuing along the wooden walkings and paths towards Tania Park you’ll get some outstanding harbour views and the first sightings of Sydney’s skyline from the Crater Cove lookout.

It’s in this section that you can see the aboriginal rock carvings. These are signposted and are just a short deviation off the main path. Virtually opposite the rock carvings is a track which leads to the grotto point lighthouse. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to follow this diversion but do leave a comment below for other readers if you think its worth a visit.

After the Aboriginal rock carvings, the path becomes a little more intriguing. As you descend some hefty steps and continue along the wooden walkings, don’t forget to look down at the ocean. The water is a beautiful turquoise colour and so bright it sparkles. This section is hard to describe it almost an amalgamation of the rainforest, coast and suburban housing – most unusual.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At the bottom is the secluded castle rock beach where you can enjoy the stunning vista and tranquillity hopefully all to yourself.

 

Middle Harbour

A little further along there is a final set of steps which brings you to Clontarf beach- another excellent resting point.

Once again depending upon the tide, you may have to get your feet wet as you walk along the beach to Sandy Bay, which is just around the corner.

 

 

 

 

 

At Middle Harbour itself, there’s a restaurant where you can get a bite to eat before continuing on the last leg of the journey to Spit bridge.

This final stretch takes you through the rainforest and some more unusual steps. These lead you to the stunning little hideaway known as Fisher Bay. There’s a narrow section of natural beach here and a lovely view to admire.

You’re on the home straight now as just a short distance from here is the Spit bridge. I’ve got to say that I was disappointed when it came into view. Of all the stunning vistas along this route, the bridge is a bit of an eyesore.

By the bridge, you’ll see a set of steps that lead up to the busy highway. Take care of the traffic as you approach the main road, if you turn left and walk over the bridge, you’ll see a bus stop a couple of hundred metres away. From here you can catch a bus back to Sydney.

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What should I bring on this walk

Sensible walking shoes

Much of the path is flat, and the sections that are concrete or boarded with wood are easy underfoot. However, there are places where you have to negotiate rocks and dependant upon the tide; the only way forward might be to get your feet wet. If you don’t want to walk through the water barefoot, it’s worth packing some water shoes or flip-flops in your day bag.

Lightweight towel

If you’re wearing walking boots, you’ll undoubtedly have socks on to. Hence, you’ll be glad of a towel if the tides in and your feet get wet. You might also fancy a swim at some point, especially when you reach the Fairlight pool. Remember to take care if your swimming in the open sea as the currents can be deceivingly strong. Check locally or at the visitor centre before you set off to ensure its safe. The beaches along the route are not lifeguarded, so swimming is at your own risk.

Camera

Along the walk, there are endless photo opportunities and some stunning vantage points which you’ll want to capture for those unforgettable moments.

Water and snacks

Take plenty of water as there are few places along the route that you can purchase refreshments.

Hat and suntan lotion

Even in the winter, the sun can cause damage, so make sure you protect yourself. Within some sections of this walk, there is a minimal shelter, so a hat to prevent sunstroke is also advisable.

Money or Opal Card

If you’re catching the Sydney to Manly Ferry and the bus back, you’ll need to purchase a ticket or use your Opal card. You may also want to treat yourself to lunch or a beverage at the restaurant in Middle Harbour.

Fairfax Walk

There is also another section of this walk that takes you on a loop past North head. The route is 9.5km long and is of similar difficulty. You’ll pass through more of Sydney Harbour National Park, North Head and Manly beach.
You can find out more about this walk here.