Manly Scenic Walkway Sydney
A stunning 10km coastal walk in Sydney, offering diverse landscapes from bushland to beaches with spectacular harbour views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Manly Scenic Walkway Sydney
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning 10km coastal walk in Sydney, offering diverse landscapes from bushland to beaches with spectacular harbour views.
"This walk is a must-do for anyone visiting Sydney, offering incredible views and a true escape into nature."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The 10km track has varied terrain; good walking shoes are essential!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially on warmer days. Sunscreen and a hat are also key.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Forty Baskets Beach
Manly Cove
A secluded gem perfect for sunset watching with picturesque harbour views.
Crater Cove Huts
Between The Spit and Manly
Discover unique, historic huts nestled along the trail – a fascinating detour.
Manly Dam
Northern section of the walkway
A beautiful bushland area offering a sense of escape, ideal for walking and running.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Prepare for the Path
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The 10km track has varied terrain; good walking shoes are essential!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially on warmer days. Sunscreen and a hat are also key.
🌅 Catch a Sunset
Forty Baskets Beach offers stunning sunset views over the harbour.
🍺 Post-Walk Refreshments
Enjoy a beer at 4 Pines Brewery in Manly before catching the ferry home.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The 10km track has varied terrain; good walking shoes are essential!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially on warmer days. Sunscreen and a hat are also key.
🌅 Catch a Sunset
Forty Baskets Beach offers stunning sunset views over the harbour.
🍺 Post-Walk Refreshments
Enjoy a beer at 4 Pines Brewery in Manly before catching the ferry home.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Mobile reception can be patchy; an offline map is a lifesaver.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Manly Scenic Walkway for its breathtaking harbour views, diverse natural scenery, and rewarding coastal trek. Many highlight the beauty of secluded beaches and the sense of escape it offers. Some find certain sections challenging, and advise on preparation for varied terrain and weather.
"One of the best coastal walk trails in Australia. Start your journey from Manly wharf, allow yourself at least 3 hours to finish this amazing coastal hike. Bring lots of water, since there's no amenities around the area"
Mücahit Kaba
"If you’re not inclined to do the whole 10-kilometre walk from the Spit Bridge to Manly, a good option is to take advantage of the free parking on the lower streets of Fairlight, where you can walk down and join the path for a nice 2 to 2.5km walk into Manly. This way you can enjoy a lovely stroll and a day out in Manly, but avoid the cost of parking in Manly itself.
The gently winding path hugs the shoreline and has a few ups and downs along the way, but is fully paved and easily walkable for all fitness levels. Needless to say, the views are unbeatable. One of the best walks we’ve done in Sydney. And plenty of dogs along the path for added smiles! 😁"
Andrew Harrington
"Fantastic walk if you want to see great scenery of one of Sydney's best coastal walks. It's a very known path, easy to see the signs and go through some bushes, aboriginal carvings, dog parks and many secluded nude beaches!
Be sure to pack some snacks and enough water. This 10km track will take you approximately 2.5-3hrs if you're not going in a big group.
Definitely recommend 💯💯"
Sunni Wan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The walkway typically starts at the Spit Bridge and ends in Manly. You can reach the Spit Bridge via bus from the city. Alternatively, many people start from Manly and walk towards the Spit.
Yes, you can absolutely do the walk in reverse! Many find starting in Manly and ending at the Spit Bridge more convenient for public transport connections.
Buses run to the Spit Bridge, and ferries connect Circular Quay to Manly. Check the Transport NSW website for the most up-to-date schedules and routes.
If you plan an early start, consider staying overnight nearby to ensure easy access to public transport, as services may not run at 5 am.
The ferry from Circular Quay to Manly typically takes around 30 minutes, offering scenic views along the way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Manly Scenic Walkway is a public park and there is no entry fee. It's a free and accessible natural attraction.
The walkway is open 24/7 as it's a public outdoor space. However, it's best enjoyed during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
No booking is required as it's a free public walkway. You can start your walk anytime.
For large organized groups or events, it's advisable to check with the local council or National Parks and Wildlife Service regarding any permit requirements.
While some sections are well-maintained, parts of the walkway can be challenging due to stairs and uneven terrain, making it less accessible for those with mobility issues.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The Manly Scenic Walkway is approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) long, stretching from the Spit Bridge to Manly Beach.
You'll encounter a mix of paved paths, bush tracks, sandy sections, and stairs. Comfortable walking shoes are a must!
Absolutely! The walkway is renowned for its stunning harbour views, secluded beaches, and picturesque lookouts.
Yes, there are several beautiful spots like Forty Baskets Beach where you can take a dip.
The walk can be challenging for very young children due to its length and varied terrain. Consider shorter sections or carrying younger kids.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early mornings for sunrise and late afternoons for golden hour offer the most dramatic light. Sunset at Forty Baskets Beach is particularly popular.
You'll capture panoramic harbour views, iconic Sydney landmarks, secluded beaches, and lush bushland.
Lookouts along the harbour, Forty Baskets Beach, and the views near the Spit Bridge are highly photogenic.
Yes, many creators share stunning phone-only videos and photos from the walkway, showcasing its beauty.
Focus on the textures of the native flora and the dappled light filtering through the trees for intimate nature shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Pack plenty of snacks and water, as facilities are limited along the trail. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for everyone.
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers
Many solo travelers enjoy the freedom to set their own pace, stop for photos whenever they please, and fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. Recommendations for solo walkers: Inform someone of your planned route and estimated return time.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Must-capture spots include the panoramic views from the lookouts, the serene beauty of Forty Baskets Beach at sunset, and the unique textures of the bushland.
Don't forget to capture the journey itself – the winding paths, the diverse flora, and the feeling of discovery as you round each bend. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for expansive vistas and a telephoto lens for details of the harbour and city. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spit to Manly Walk: A Journey Through Nature
+1This walk is renowned for its accessibility and the variety of experiences it offers. You'll traverse boardwalks, sandy tracks, and some stairs, making it a moderately challenging but rewarding trek. Along the way, discover hidden gems like Crater Cove Huts, a unique historical site, and Forty Baskets Beach, a perfect spot for a refreshing swim or a peaceful sunset viewing.
For those looking to extend their adventure or explore more of the area, the Manly Dam offers further walking and running trails, providing an even deeper connection with the natural environment.
Navigating the Manly Scenic Walkway: Practicalities and Tips
Mobile reception can be unreliable along parts of the walkway, so downloading an offline map of the route is highly recommended.
To enhance your experience, consider visiting during weekdays to avoid the larger weekend crowds. Early mornings offer cooler temperatures and beautiful sunrise light, while late afternoons provide the magical golden hour for photography.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit