Spit to Manly Walk
A spectacular 10km coastal trail in Sydney, offering diverse landscapes from hidden beaches to native bushland and harbour views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Spit to Manly Walk
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A spectacular 10km coastal trail in Sydney, offering diverse landscapes from hidden beaches to native bushland and harbour views.
"Easily best walk in Manly! Never disappoints. A top Sydney must do!!"
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Essential for muddy sections and uneven terrain. Running shoes are recommended!
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Hydration is key for this 10km walk. Limited facilities along the trail.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Grotto Point Lighthouse
Mid-walk
A charming, historic lighthouse offering picturesque views and a glimpse into Sydney's maritime past.
Reef Beach
Near Balgowlah Heights
A secluded gem perfect for a refreshing swim or a quiet moment amidst stunning natural beauty.
Castle Rock Beach
Near Clontarf Reserve
Praised for its amazing water colors, this beach is an ideal spot for a swim and a break.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Gear Up for Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Essential for muddy sections and uneven terrain. Running shoes are recommended!
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Hydration is key for this 10km walk. Limited facilities along the trail.
🗺️ Well-Signposted Trail
Easy to follow with clear signage, so no need to worry about getting lost.
📸 Capture the Views
Stunning scenery throughout! Allow extra time for photos. 
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Essential for muddy sections and uneven terrain. Running shoes are recommended!
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Hydration is key for this 10km walk. Limited facilities along the trail.
🗺️ Well-Signposted Trail
Easy to follow with clear signage, so no need to worry about getting lost.
📸 Capture the Views
Stunning scenery throughout! Allow extra time for photos.
⏰ Allow 3-4 Hours
The 10km walk typically takes this long, depending on stops.
🚌 Public Transport
Consider buses to Spit Bridge and ferries from Manly for easy access.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Spit to Manly Walk is overwhelmingly praised as one of Sydney's best walks, offering breathtaking coastal scenery, diverse nature, and a sense of escape. Visitors love the well-marked trail, the chance to see wildlife, and the beautiful beaches. Some note the walk can be challenging with stairs and mud after rain, and recommend good footwear and plenty of water.
"Best walk in Sydney.
Incredible to think this walk is so close to the CBD.
We walked from Spit Bridge to Manly, stopping to take lots of photos, enjoying stunning views as well as looking out for wildlife. We actually saw an echidna!!
All up it took us 3 hrs comfortably.
Bring water and a sense of adventure, I guarantee you'll have a wonderful day."
Teneile Harris
"Great walk! So much to see, beautiful views, birds.
On a weekday afternoon in August, we took the bus to Spit Bridge. We crossed the brisge and started the walk. There are signs along the path, no need to worry about getting lost. Because we did the walk during low tide, we were able to walk along the beach in several places.
The first half of the walk was definitely harder and had more stairs and more uneven sections. I was glad we started at Spit Bridge. It had rained in the morning before we started so there was lots of mud and puddles on the trail - we just had to be a little more careful where we stepped. Our toes were wet by the end. You will definitely need running shoes for this path. Also, be sure to bring water for the walk. We likely only passed 30 people in the entire trail - it was much quieter and more peaceful than the other walks we did. The scenery was beautiful.
The walk ended in Manly and we rode the ferry back to Circular Quay. It was a beautiful ferry ride - seeing the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House from the water was magical."
J. M.
"This was truly one of the best walks I've been on. The views were absolutely stunning, with so much natural beauty to take in. Along the way, I spotted birds and even a wallaby, which made the experience even more special. The walk also features Indigenous art, adding cultural depth to the journey.
There were more stairs than I expected, so be prepared for a bit of a workout, but the trail itself was very well-marked and easy to follow thanks to plenty of signage. Highly recommended!"
CC L
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can start at either the Spit Bridge or Manly Wharf. To reach the Spit Bridge, take a bus from the city. For Manly, take a ferry from Circular Quay. Many recommend starting at the Spit Bridge and finishing in Manly to enjoy a ferry ride back.
Parking is available at both ends, but it can be busy, especially at Manly Beach. Arriving early or using public transport is advised.
Yes, you can walk from Manly to the Spit Bridge. Some prefer this direction, though finishing in Manly for a ferry ride is a popular choice.
The ferry from Manly Wharf back to Circular Quay is a scenic and convenient option, offering great views of the Sydney Harbour.
Yes, there are bus routes that connect Manly and the Spit Bridge area, providing an alternative to walking or taking the ferry.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Spit to Manly Walk is a public park and does not require an entry fee or tickets. It's a free, scenic coastal trail.
The walk is accessible at all times, as it's an outdoor public space. However, it's best enjoyed during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
It's a moderate 10km walk with some stairs and uneven terrain, generally suitable for most fitness levels. Children may need supervision.
Yes, there are several beautiful beaches along the route, such as Reef Beach and Castle Rock Beach, where you can swim.
Access to the trail and landmarks like Grotto Point Lighthouse is free. Enjoy the natural beauty and historical sites without extra charges.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The Spit to Manly Walk is approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) long.
The walk typically takes between 3 to 4 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to admire the views.
It's considered a moderate walk, with some hilly sections and stairs. Proper footwear is recommended.
You'll experience diverse scenery including hidden beaches, native bushland, stunning harbour views, and Indigenous art.
Yes, there are several spots to rest, including Clontarf Reserve and various beaches. Clontarf Cafe is also on the way.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for panoramic harbour views, the Grotto Point Lighthouse, secluded beaches like Reef Beach, and the diverse flora and fauna.
Morning light offers beautiful soft illumination, while late afternoon provides golden hour hues. Midday can be harsh but still offers stunning vistas.
Drone usage is restricted in Sydney Harbour National Park. Always check current regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, and a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light shots.
Yes, keep an eye out for various bird species, and if you're lucky, you might spot echidnas or wallabies.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bring plenty of snacks and water, as food options are limited. Beaches like Castle Rock Beach offer a great spot for kids to play and swim, breaking up the hike. Ensure everyone wears comfortable, sturdy shoes, as the path can be uneven and muddy.
💰 Budget Travelers
To keep costs down, pack your own lunch and plenty of water. Utilize public transport like buses and ferries, which are generally affordable ways to get to the start and from the end points. This walk offers incredible value for money, providing a full day of exploration and natural beauty.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Experiment with different times of day to capture the best light – mornings offer soft hues, while late afternoons provide golden hour magic. Don't forget to bring a versatile lens setup to capture both grand landscapes and potential wildlife encounters.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Spit to Manly Walk
+1This walk is classified as moderate due to its varied terrain, which includes stairs, bush tracks, and some sandy sections. It's advisable to wear sturdy walking shoes, as parts can become muddy after rain. The duration typically ranges from 3 to 4 hours, but this can vary significantly based on your pace and how often you pause to soak in the breathtaking views or take photographs.
For those looking to break up the walk, there are several points of interest. Clontarf Reserve offers amenities and a place to rest, while Grotto Point Lighthouse provides a picturesque landmark. Hidden gems like Reef Beach and Castle Rock Beach are perfect for a refreshing dip on a warm day.
+1Wildlife and Natural Beauty
Beyond the avian life, there's a chance to encounter other native Australian animals. Several reviews mention spotting echidnas and wallabies along the trail, adding an element of surprise and delight to the experience. The walk also features Indigenous art installations, providing a cultural layer to the natural exploration.
To maximize your chances of spotting wildlife and enjoying the scenery, consider visiting during quieter times, such as weekdays. The walk is particularly enjoyable when the weather is pleasant, offering clear skies and comfortable temperatures for exploring the coastal environment.
+1Planning Your Visit: Practicalities
For those relying on public transport, buses can take you to the Spit Bridge starting point, and ferries from Manly Wharf offer a convenient return trip to the city. Parking is available at both ends but can be challenging, especially at Manly Beach, so arriving early or opting for public transport is often the best strategy.
While the walk is generally well-signposted, having a Spit to Manly Walk map can be beneficial for navigating and identifying points of interest. The walk is free to access, making it an excellent budget-friendly activity for exploring Sydney's beautiful coastline.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit