Spit West Reserve
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Spit West Reserve

4.6
·433 reviews·Mosman, Australia

Scenic waterfront reserve offering stunning harbour views, a popular starting point for the Spit to Manly walk, and a haven for marine life.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Golden hour for sunsets

CrowdLow
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Spit West Reserve

Spit West Reserve

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Golden hour for sunsets

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Scenic waterfront reserve offering stunning harbour views, a popular starting point for the Spit to Manly walk, and a haven for marine life.

4.6
(433 reviews)

"An exceptional reserve! The breathtaking scenery, tranquil atmosphere, and abundant wildlife make this place a paradise."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Paid Parking Alert

Parking is paid hourly. Have change or check meter options.

🐶 Off-Leash Dog Area

Enjoy the grassed area with your dog off-leash.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Spit Bridge Views

Spit Bridge Views

Waterfront

Witness the iconic Spit Bridge lift for passing boats – a unique Sydney spectacle.

Living Boulders

Living Boulders

Seawalls

Discover artificial boulders designed to boost marine life and biodiversity.

Sunset Spectacle

Sunset Spectacle

Waterfront

Experience breathtaking sunsets over the water, perfect for a peaceful evening stroll.

Spit to Manly Walk Start

Spit to Manly Walk Start

Trailhead

Begin the scenic 10km coastal trek to Manly, passing beautiful beaches and lookouts.

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Planning Your Visit

Parking and Access

Parking at Spit West Reserve is paid, so be prepared to pay hourly fees if you're driving. Public toilets are available, and it's a popular starting point for the Spit to Manly walk. Consider public transport if you want to avoid parking hassles.

Best Time for Views & Activities

Evenings offer stunning sunsets and a tranquil atmosphere for walks, especially with pets. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. The reserve is also a great spot to watch the Spit Bridge open for boats.

Best Times

When
Weekday evenings
Why
Golden hour for sunsets
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend mornings
Why
Good for family outings
Crowd
Medium
When
During Spit Bridge opening
Why
Unique spectacle
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Living Boulders have been installed at Spit West Reserve in Mosman, creating habitat space for a wide variety of marine organisms. This initiative builds on the success of the Living Seawalls installation at Ellery Park in 2023, aiming to enhance the ecological value of seawalls and improve biodiversity and ecosystem health along urbanised coastlines. This project is supported by the NSW Governme...
mosmancouncil
167 likes • 3.3K views

🚗 Paid Parking Alert

Parking is paid hourly. Have change or check meter options. Reddit

🐶 Off-Leash Dog Area

Enjoy the grassed area with your dog off-leash. Reddit

#spitwestreserve #sydneylife #mosman
april_property_queen
1 likes • 37 views
Weekend wander over Spit West reserve #spitbridge #pearlbay #middleharbour #perkinsinaustralia #mosman #sydney
aceglamorgan
1 likes • 351 views

🚶‍♀️ Spit to Manly Trail

Great starting point for the 10km walk. Check National Park sections. Reddit

🌅 Sunset Views

Perfect spot for evening walks and stunning sunset photos. Instagram

Weekday walks with the Let’s Hike Sydney crew! 🥾🌸 🪸 Spit West Reserve to Beauty Point 🌳 Saville Creek loop #royalnationalpark #spitwestreserve #spitbridge #beautypoint #manly #northernbeaches #sutherlandshire #hikingadventures #hikingsydney #girlswhohike #midweekhikers #letshikesydney #sydneywalks
lets.hike.sydney
6 likes • 256 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Paid Parking Alert

Parking is paid hourly. Have change or check meter options. Reddit

🐶 Off-Leash Dog Area

Enjoy the grassed area with your dog off-leash. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Spit to Manly Trail

Great starting point for the 10km walk. Check National Park sections. Reddit

🌅 Sunset Views

Perfect spot for evening walks and stunning sunset photos. Instagram

🛥️ Watch the Bridge Lift

See the Spit Bridge open for boats – a cool sight! Instagram

🐠 Explore Marine Life

Check out the 'Living Boulders' habitat for marine organisms. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(433 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Spit West Reserve for its breathtaking scenery, tranquil atmosphere, and abundant wildlife, making it a true gem. It's a great spot for evening walks, dog-friendly activities, and enjoying the water. Some note that parking is paid and monitored.

"An exceptional reserve! The breathtaking scenery, tranquil atmosphere, and abundant wildlife make this place a paradise. Impeccable service, knowledgeable guides, and top-notch facilities. A true gem worth every moment. Highly recommended!"

Alex Zajicek

"Great spot for an evening walk with the dog. Play on the grassed area or walk the easy trail and enjoy the views. Fishing seems a popular pastime, as is kayaking or snorkelling in the bay."

Marcelle Armstrong

"Nice place to chill for the evening. Make sure to pay parking if you are a visitor. They check the meters ."

Vince C

What People Like

Breathtaking scenery
Tranquil atmosphere
Dog-friendly off-leash area

What People Dislike

Paid parking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can drive and park (paid parking available) or take public transport. Buses frequently service the area. Reddit

Yes, there is paid parking available. Be sure to check the meter rates and pay accordingly, as they are monitored. Reddit

Yes, several bus routes stop near Spit West Reserve, making it accessible without a car. Reddit

While walking and jogging are popular, dedicated cycling paths might be limited. It's more geared towards pedestrian activities and enjoying the waterfront. Instagram

Taking a bus from the Sydney CBD is a convenient option. Alternatively, driving offers direct access but comes with parking fees. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no entry fee to access the reserve itself, but parking is charged hourly. Reddit

Spit West Reserve is generally accessible during daylight hours, though specific facilities like toilets may have their own schedules. It's a public park. Reddit

No advance booking is required for general access. If you plan a large event, you might need to check with local council regulations. Reddit

Parking is typically on an hourly rate. For frequent visitors or longer stays, check with Mosman Council for any potential parking permits or day passes, though this is not commonly advertised for short visits. Reddit

The Spit to Manly walk itself is free to access. However, you will need to pay for parking at the start or end points if you drive. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy walking, dog walking (off-leash in designated areas), fishing, kayaking, snorkelling, and simply relaxing by the water. It's also the start of the Spit to Manly walk. InstagramReddit

Yes, public toilets are available within the Marina building. InstagramReddit

Yes, it has a playground and open grassy areas, making it suitable for families. It's also fenced in parts. Instagram

Yes, it's a great spot for dog walking, with an off-leash area on the grass. Reddit

These are specially designed artificial boulders installed to create habitats for marine life, enhancing biodiversity along the coastline. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning sunsets over the water, the iconic Spit Bridge, and the diverse marine life around the 'Living Boulders'. The start of the Spit to Manly walk also offers scenic coastal shots. Instagram+1

Yes, drone enthusiasts can capture sweeping aerial views of the harbour, bridge, and coastline. Always check local drone regulations before flying. Instagram

Golden hour, especially during sunset, provides beautiful lighting. Midday can be good for clear shots of the bridge and water activities. Instagram

General photography is permitted. Be mindful of private property and individuals if photographing closely. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes and the bridge, while a telephoto lens can be useful for capturing distant boats or wildlife. A drone offers unique perspectives. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Spit West Reserve is a fantastic family-friendly destination. It features a fenced playground that keeps younger children safe and entertained, with views of the marina. Instagram The grassy areas are perfect for picnics and casual games, and the relatively calm waters make it a good spot for supervised water play. Reddit

Parents can also take advantage of the public toilets located within the Marina building. For those looking for a bit of adventure, the initial, flatter sections of the Spit to Manly walk are manageable for older children, offering a taste of coastal trekking without being too strenuous. Instagram

🐶 Dog Owners

This reserve is a haven for dog owners, offering a designated off-leash area on the grassed sections. Reddit It's a perfect place for your furry friends to run, play, and socialize while you enjoy the scenic waterfront. The walking trails are also great for leashed strolls, allowing your dog to explore the beautiful surroundings. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Hikers and Walkers

Spit West Reserve is the official starting point for the iconic Spit to Manly Walk, a 10km coastal trail. Instagram This makes it a must-visit for anyone looking to tackle this popular Sydney hike. The reserve offers easy access to the initial part of the trail, which is well-maintained and offers stunning harbour views. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Spit to Manly Walk

Spit West Reserve is a popular starting point for the Spit to Manly Walk, a 10km coastal trail renowned for its stunning scenery. This walk takes you through native bushland, past secluded beaches, and offers panoramic views of Sydney Harbour and the Northern Beaches. It's a moderately challenging hike, typically taking 3-4 hours to complete, and is a fantastic way to experience Sydney's natural beauty. Instagram

Along the trail, you'll encounter diverse flora and fauna, and several beautiful beaches like Reef Beach and Forty Baskets Beach, which are perfect for a refreshing dip or a picnic stop. The path is well-maintained for the most part, but sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Instagram

Many visitors choose to start at Spit West Reserve and finish at Manly Wharf, where they can then catch a ferry back to the city, making for a convenient and memorable day trip. The walk is free to access, but remember that parking at the reserve is paid. Reddit

Marine Life and Conservation

Spit West Reserve is not just a scenic spot; it's also a hub for marine conservation efforts. The installation of 'Living Boulders' along the seawalls is a key initiative aimed at enhancing biodiversity. These specially designed structures provide complex habitats that attract a variety of marine organisms, from algae and invertebrates to small fish. Instagram

This project builds on the success of similar installations in Sydney, demonstrating how urban coastlines can be ecologically enhanced. Visitors can observe these boulders and learn about their role in supporting a healthier marine ecosystem. It's a great educational opportunity for those interested in marine biology and conservation. Instagram

Beyond the Living Boulders, the clear waters of the harbour also offer opportunities for snorkelling and observing marine life. The reserve's location in Middle Harbour provides a relatively sheltered environment, making it conducive to a range of aquatic activities and wildlife spotting. Reddit

Recreational Activities

Spit West Reserve is a versatile location for a range of recreational pursuits. For those who enjoy an active lifestyle, it's an ideal spot for walking, jogging, and exercising. The flat, paved paths along the waterfront are perfect for a leisurely stroll or a more vigorous run. Instagram

It's also a popular destination for dog owners, with a designated off-leash area on the grass, allowing pets to play freely. The calm waters of Middle Harbour make it a prime location for kayaking and boating, with many visitors launching their vessels from the reserve. Fishing is another popular pastime here. Reddit

Families will appreciate the playground facilities, making it a great spot for children to play while adults relax and enjoy the water views. The combination of natural beauty and accessible amenities ensures there's something for everyone at Spit West Reserve. Instagram

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