A bushland and harbour foreshore trail linking Manly to Spit Bridge, passing Aboriginal rock engravings, small coves, and pockets of native forest largely untouched by development.
The Manly Scenic Walkway follows the harbour foreshore westward from Manly Cove to Spit Bridge, alternating between quiet suburban streets, sandstone bushland, and small hidden beaches like Fisher Bay and Reef Beach. The route passes several Aboriginal rock engraving sites, protected under NSW heritage law, along with lookout points over the harbour and North Head.
Unlike the Bondi to Coogee walk, this trail sees far fewer visitors despite running through some of the most intact native bushland anywhere in the Sydney Harbour National Park system. The full walk takes most people 3 to 4 hours, and buses run regularly from Spit Bridge back toward the CBD or Manly for those who prefer not to retrace their steps.
| Distance | 10km one-way |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3-4 hours |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Trailhead | F1 ferry from Circular Quay to Manly for the start; bus 178/180 from Spit Bridge back toward the city at the finish |
| Best season | Autumn and spring for mild temperatures; avoid the hottest summer afternoons |
| Address | Starts at Manly Cove, West Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095 |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Northern Beaches, Sydney
- Trail type
- Point-to-point bushland and harbour foreshore track
- Terrain
- Native bushland, sandstone steps, small coves, and some unpaved sections along the harbour foreshore
What to bring
Hiking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, at least 1.5L of water
Location
Starts at Manly Cove, West Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095
-33.7986, 151.2839 View on map
Highlights
- Aboriginal rock engravings near Grotto Point
- Fisher Bay and Reef Beach coves
- Harbour views from Dobroyd Head
- Native bushland largely free of development
Tips for visiting
- Carry more water than you think you need — there are few shops along the route once past Manly Cove
- Wear enclosed shoes; several sections have loose sandstone steps and tree roots
- Look for the Aboriginal rock engravings near Grotto Point, signposted just off the main track
- Split the walk in half by finishing at Balgowlah and catching a bus, if the full 10km feels too long
When to visit
A cool autumn or spring morning, starting early to finish before the afternoon heat builds in the exposed bushland sections.
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible — the trail includes unpaved bushland tracks, tree roots, and sandstone steps throughout.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is the trail well signposted?
Yes, the route is marked with yellow directional signs throughout, though some junctions in bushland sections require attention to avoid missing a turn.
Can I do a shorter section?
Yes, several access points along the route (including Balgowlah and Clontarf) allow the walk to be split into shorter segments with a bus back to the city.