Spit Bridge to Manly (Manly Scenic Walkway)

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Time 3 hrs 45 mins
One way 9.1 km One way
Climb 349 m
Grade 3 Moderate track
Ferry Bus Car
no_pets
The Spit to Manly walk is a classic bushwalk on Sydney's Northern Beaches. The walk follows a well-maintained track and provides beautiful views over Middle Harbour. This walk is great for those looking for exercise or just a stroll along the shoreline of Sydney Harbour. If you have time, the sidetrips down to Grotto Point and up to Arabanoo Lookout are definitely worth the effort. There are also a few places to get a bite to eat along the way.

(0km) Int. Battle Boulevard and Manly Rd → Int. Ellery's Punt Reserve Rd and Manly Scenic Walkway

distance 230 m time 5 mins climb 0m descent -11m Moderate track
From car park at the top of Battle Bvd, this walk follows Battle Bvd down the hill, towards the water, to the end of the road.
Continue straight: From the end of Battle Boulevard, this walk heads down the stairs following the sign 'To Manly'. The walk follows the stairs under the bridge then across the grass clearing to the 'Manly Scenic Walkway' map and info sign on the footpath, in Ellery's Punt Reserve.

Spit Bridge

Spit Bridge
The Spit Bridge was originally built in 1924 to replace the punt service. The current Spit Bridge was built during the 1950's. The bridge is a bascule bridge, as it's middle section can be raised to allow tall ships through. This ability of the bridge does, however, stop traffic on a major arterial road, which has caused the bridge to be the centre of some controversy. The Spit Bridge carries the Spit Rd and the Manly Scenic Walkway.

Ellery's Punt Reserve

Ellery's Punt Reserve
Ellery's Punt Reserve is a very nice grassed area on the north eastern side of the Spit Bridge. The reserve has road access and parking, and seems to be a popular spot for fishing from the bank. There is also seating and shaded areas.

(0km) Int. Ellery's Punt Reserve Rd and Manly Scenic Walkway → Int. Sandy Bay Rd and Fairbairn Ave

distance 1 km time 23 mins climb 51m descent -53m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads along the footpath, keeping the water on the right of the track as it passes a few information signs. The track soon becomes dirt as it winds around the cove into Fisher Bay. The walk heads down a series of steps and passes over some boardwalk bridges in Fisher Bay, to then climb up the hill on the other side, with a few more steps and staircases along the way. From here, the walk winds around the side of the hill up a few stairs, out to the point (between Fisher and Sandy Bays) where the track becomes a metal grate for a short time. From the point, there are great views over Middle Harbour and across to the Spit Bridge. The track then continues around the cove and into Sandy Bay, where the walk heads down some stairs and then down a wooden ramp to come to the end of Sandy Bay Rd.
Continue straight: From the end of Sandy Bay Rd, this walk heads along the road, keeping the water to the right, coming to the signposted intersection with Fairbairn Ave.

(1km) Int. Sandy Bay Rd and Fairbairn Ave → Clontarf Reserve (Clonny's)

distance 480 m time 9 mins climb 11m descent -14m Moderate track
Continue straight: From Sandy Bay, this walk follows Sandy Bay Road along the shoreline, keeping the water on the right. At the other end of the beach, the road comes to a footpath on the left marked with a series of yellow posts. The walk follows the 'Mitchell Walkway' up the stair between the rocks. From the the top of the stairs, the walk follows a small track which passes the houses before leading down another set of stairs and across Sandy Bay Rd at the pedestrian crossing, to the Clontarf Marina.
Turn left: From Clontarf Marina, this walk follows the footpath along Sandy Bay Road, keeping the water on the right. About 100m from the marina, the footpath turns right and heads into 'Clontarf Reserve'. The walk passes the 'Manly Scenic Walkway' signpost and heads over the grass towards the children's play area, then past the public phone to Clonny's Cafe.

Clontarf Reserve

Clontarf Reserve
Clontarf Reserve is a great picnic area and beach on Sandy Bay Rd, Clontarf. The large park provides great facilities with picnic tables, covered shelters, shaded children's play ground, a kiosk & restaurant, and toilets. The beach in the park has a netted swimming area. The park also has tap water, a public phone, showers and garbage/recycling facilities. There are plenty of shade trees in the park. There is a fee for parking in and around the reserve and the park is well managed by Manly Council. More info.

Clonny's

Clonny's
Clonny's is a neat kiosk and restaurant inside Clontarf Reserve. The kiosk is open 7 days (but may close dependant on weather and demand) and serves ice creams, drinks, chips, hot foods, and coffee. For those seeking something finer the restaurant is open for lunch on Saturdays and Sundays serving a 2 course meal for $55. Phone on (02) 9948 2373. More info.

(2km) Clontarf Reserve (Clonny's) → Monash Cres Track

distance 500 m time 8 mins climb 4m descent -1m Easy track
Veer right: From the front of Clonney's cafe, the walk heads towards the water, then turns left to head though the park. Passing the toilets and picnic shelters (on the left), the walk then comes to the end of the driveway passing through the park. From the end of the driveway, the walk heads onto the sand, turning left and following the beach in front of the houses until coming to the intersection with the 'Monash Cres' track, near the far end of the beach. (At high tide, the track detours to avoid the beach by heading along Monash Crescent, following the blue 'MSW high tide access' signs).

(2km) Monash Cres Track → Int of Manly to Spit track and Castle Rock Beach steps

distance 710 m time 18 mins climb 49m descent -34m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk keeps the water to the right as it heads towards the rocky end of the beach. The walk then follows the 'Castle Rock' sign up the stairs and around the hill for some time, going up and down steps before turning right down some stone cut steps to a signposted intersection, above the tiny Board Beach.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Manly' sign (keeping the water to the right) as it passes up the stairs between the rocks. The track soon comes to a signposted intersection, with the 'Access to Cutler & Amiens Rd' off to the left.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Manly' sign as it heads up the slight hill and across the rock shelf, keeping the water on the right. The walk then steps off the rockshelf to continue along the hillside, undulating steeply in parts. The track is board-walked in many places, with a few access points to the water along the way. The walk crosses a bridge before continuing left around the hill to a well signposted intersection.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Manly Scenic Walk' arrow down the concrete steps towards the water, to the signposted intersection of the 'Manly to Spit' and 'Castle Rock' beach tracks.

(3km) Int of Manly to Spit Track and Castle Rock Beach steps → Castle Rock Beach

distance 50 m time 1 mins climb 0m descent -11m Moderate track
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk leads down the concrete steps to Castle Rock Beach. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.

Castle Rock Beach

Castle Rock Beach
Castle Rock Beach can be found a short walk down from the Manly-to-Spit walking track, near Ogilvy Road. This small, secluded beach is a great spot for those wanting a quieter day at the beach, instead of the more popular and larger beaches in the area.

(3km) Int of Manly to Spit Track and Castle Rock Beach steps → Int of Grotto Point Lighthouse and Manly to Spit tracks

distance 400 m time 11 mins climb 46m descent -16m Moderate track
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Manly' arrow up the rock steps. The bush track soon crosses a short boardwalk and continues along the rocky track that follows the side of the hill. Soon, the track turns down the hill and winds down to the bottom and steeply back up via concrete steps. The walk then flattens out and crosses a wooden bridge. From the bridge, the track continues up some rock steps, winding up and along the side of the hill, passing some fenced-off rock platforms and coming to the fenced rest area with a bench seat.
Continue straight: From the rest area, this walk follows the bush track up the rock steps and along the side of the hill, keeping the water to the right. The track continues steadily up to the 4-way signposted intersection.

(3km) Int of Grotto Point Lighthouse and Manly to Spit tracks → Grotto Point Lighthouse

distance 550 m time 11 mins climb 4m descent -52m Moderate track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the Grotto Point Lighthouse arrow along the rocky bush track, winding down a gentle hill, coming into more dense bush as it winds to the intersection of the Grotto Point Lighthouse and the Grotto Point Cliffs tracks.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk winds down the hill, passing an old, blank signpost. The track wanders through dense bush and along the ridge, flattening out for a while until it drops down another hill towards the end of the point, coming to the Grotto Point Lighthouse. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Turn right.

Grotto Point Lighthouse

Grotto Point Lighthouse
Surrounded by a white picket fence, the small Grotto Point Lighthouse overlooks Middle Head. The light was designed in the early 1900s by the architect Maurice Festu to assist ships entering the harbour. Construction started in 1910, with the lighthouse being commissioned on September 1 1911.

(3km) Int of Grotto Point Lighthouse and Manly to Spit tracks → Grotto Point Engravings track

distance 110 m time 3 mins climb 8m descent -1m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Manly' arrow up the bush track and rock steps. The track winds around to the intersection of the Grotto Point Engravings track, found at the small bench seat and the large wooden sleeper.

(3km) Grotto Point Engravings track → Grotto Point Engravings

distance 40 m time 1 mins climb 2m descent 0m Moderate track
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill, beside a wooden sleeper, passing an engraving of a kangaroo on the right. The short track soon comes to a large rock platform with the rest of the engravings, and information signs. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Continue straight.

Grotto Point Engravings

Grotto Point Engravings
The engravings at Grotto Point depict kangaroos, fish and what appears to be boomerangs. The engravings are in quite good condition, considering their age. We have already lost so much of this region's history that historians are not entirely sure if this is the land of the Gayamagal or the Cammeraygal clan. Please take a great deal of care at this site to ensure the longevity of this history. More info.

(3km) Grotto Point Engravings track → Crater Cove Lookout

distance 670 m time 15 mins climb 38m descent -19m Moderate track
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads up the stone steps, keeping the water below on the right. The track winds to the top of the hill, to the intersection with a track off to the left and a sign pointing back to 'Castle Rock Beach'.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows 'Crater Cove Lookout 700m' sign along bush track, keeping the water to the right. The walk crosses several separate sections of boardwalk and rock platforms as it winds through the heath, to come to a large rock platform with great views at the unnamed lookout in southern Crater Cove .
Continue straight: From the lookout, this walk follows the bush track along the hillside, keeping the water out to the right. The track continues for a short while until coming to an intersection at the base of some stairs on the left.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track down the short hill towards the ocean, soon coming to the Crater Cove Lookout.

Crater Cove Lookout

Crater Cove Lookout
From this fenced lookout, vistas far out to sea can be enjoyed, with Middle and South Heads just in view. Many yachts sail past, with the container ships out to sea. This is a popular spot for watching the start of the Sydney to Hobart race, or for watching whales as they pass by Sydney.

(4km) Crater Cove Lookout → Int. Arabanoo Lookout Trk and Manly Scenic Walkway

distance 290 m time 6 mins climb 12m descent -8m Moderate track
Veer left: From Crater Cove Lookout, this walk heads up onto the boardwalk, away from the fenced lookout. The track follows the cliffs, keeping the water views to the right. As the boardwalk finishes, the walk continues along a bush track which winds through the scrub to the signposted intersection with a track on the left, which points to Arabanoo Lookout.

(4km) Int. Arabanoo Lookout Trk and Manly Scenic Walkway → Arabanoo Lookout

distance 270 m time 5 mins climb 7m descent -9m Moderate track
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Arabanoo Lookout' arrow along the rocky track, winding through the thick scrub to the intersection at Dobroyd Scenic Drive.
Turn right: From the car parking bays on the north eastern edge of Tania Park on Dobroyd Scenic Dr, Balgowlah Heights[1] this walk heads towards the 'Arabanoo Lookout' sign[2]. From the edge of the road, this walk follows the (1.5m wide) concrete footpath, directly away from the oval and road, gently uphill[3], initially passing the 'Arabanoo' information sign[4][5]. About 35m from the road this walk comes to the fenced (1.2m high) lookout area[6], and seats. At the end of this side trip, retrace your steps back to the main walk then Veer left.

Arabanoo Lookout

Arabanoo Lookout
Arabanoo Lookout provides great views over Port Jackson, North Harbour and to Manly. The lookout also has some interesting information signs and plarques[7][8][9][10][11] providing information on the significance of the area. There are two large stone seatsat the lookout. This lookout is named after Arabanoo, an Aboriginal man kidnapped in December 1788, by British marines on Governor Phillips orders. The Governor believed that this was justified as he wished to facilitate communication between the British and the Aborigines. Arabanoo lived in the company of the Europeans until the 18th May 1789 where he died due to smallpox infection.

(4km) Int. Arabanoo Lookout Trk and Manly Scenic Walkway → Reef Beach platform

distance 840 m time 17 mins climb 3m descent -78m Moderate track
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Manly' sign down the hill. The track winds slightly as it heads down the spur, with low heath and views of Manly most of the way down, coming to a clear rock shelf. The walk then continues with thick green heath on the right and less dense heath on the left, before coming to the signposted intersection.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Manly via Reef Beach' sign down the hill to a fenced lookout. From the lookout, the track heads further along the hillside to wind down past some more views. The track soon passes by a large rock shelf, as it comes close to the water and then comes to a boardwalk with bench seat behind Reef Beach.

Reef Beach

Reef Beach
Reef Beach is a strip of sand facing north-east, towards the Manly Ferry Terminal in North Harbour. The beach is in Sydney Harbour National Park and has toilet facilities about 80m behind the beach. The beach was once a nudist beach, but clothing is no longer optional. The beach is fairly well protected from surf and provides a great place to rest and enjoy the views when walking around Dobroyd Head.

(5km) Reef Beach platform → South end of Forty Baskets Reserve

distance 590 m time 11 mins climb 16m descent -17m Moderate track
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill, keeping the water on the right. The track soon passes a toilet block on the left and then flattens out before coming to the signposted intersection with the high-tide alternate route on the left.
Continue straight: (This section of track may not be passable at higher tides, alternate route provides drier option). From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Manly via Forty Baskets Beach' sign along the well-defined track, keeping the water on the right. Soon the walk heads down a series of stone steps, passing some National Park signs onto the rock beach. From here, the walk follows the beach/rocks till coming to an intersection with a narrow laneway on the left, just past the start of the hardened footpath.

Forty Baskets Reserve

Forty Baskets Reserve
Forty Baskets Reserve is a beach side parkland and swimming area, east of Beatty St, Balgowlah Heights. The yellow sand beach faces east, towards Manly and North Head, and is fairly well protected from large waves. The reserve has picnic tables, a bubbler (drinking fountain), tap, swings, netted swimming area, open grassy area, some shady trees, and a large toilet/shower and change area. The toilet has a fancy electronic and self-cleaning system, very cool (sounds silly, but check it out). The toilets and showers are accessible to people in wheelchairs, and a wide sealed footpath provides roll-in access from the end of Gourlay Ave.

(6km) South end of Forty Baskets Reserve → End of Gourlay Avenue

distance 450 m time 9 mins climb 19m descent -21m Very easy
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the footpath across Forty Baskets Reserve (keeping the water on the right). The footpath heads behind the beach, the ocean pool, the picnic tables, water fountain and swings, then heads up the small incline to where the track meets the toilet block at the northern end of the reserve.
Continue straight: From the toilet block, the walk follows the footpath up the gentle hill, keeping the water on the right. The footpath soon comes the intersection with a set of stairs, uphill to the left.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the footpath up the gentle hill, keeping the water to the right. The path soon comes to another intersection with a set of stone and dirt stairs (uphill to the left).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the footpath, keeping the water below on the right. Soon, the walk passes around a blue metal gate then continues on to the hairpin bend at the end of Gourlay Ave, just above a small marina.

(6km) End of Gourlay Avenue → Int of Beach Ln and North Harbour St

distance 470 m time 10 mins climb 17m descent -14m Easy track
Veer left: From the gate, this walk heads up Gourlay Ave along the road. The road soon starts to flatten out and passes a car park on the left. The walk then follows the road around the left-hand bend to come to the intersection with a track heading between the houses on the right, signposted with an arrow pointing to 'North Harbour Reserve 0.5km'.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Manly' arrow down the hill and across the bridge (and a wonderful waterfall after rain). On the other side, the footpath leads up to Clarence St.
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Manly' sign down along North Harbour St. The road then comes to the top of a set of stairs (heading down to North Harbour Reserve) at the intersection of Beach Ln (unsignposted).

North Harbour Reserve

North Harbour Reserve
North Harbour Reserve is a large open parkland on the intersection of Lower Beach and Condamine Streets. The park has shaded play equipment for children, free Electric BBQ's, tap water, picnic tables, Garbage/recycling bins, some shady trees, and a public toilet (at the top end of the park). The park looks across the top of North Harbour and provides some great views. The 'Shop at the Park' provides cafe food and lunch.

(7km) Int of Beach Ln and North Harbour St → Int. of Lauderdale avenue and Manly Scenic Walk

distance 510 m time 11 mins climb 24m descent -13m Easy track
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows 'MSW to Manly' down the stairs, towards the water. Once at the edge of the water, the walk turns left and follows the footpath along the waters edge, around North Harbour reserve. At the other end of the park, the walk follows the footpath up the stairs to the end of King Avenue (aka Boyle St at this point).
Continue straight: From the intersection, the walk follows King Road, as it bends to the right, then left up the gentle hill, reaching a 'T' intersection with Lauderdale avenue.
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the footpath along Lauderdale Avenue, down the hill past the bus stop sign. After a couple of houses the footpath comes to a clearing on the right, with views of the water and a signposted intersection with the sealed 'Manly Scenic Walk' footpath.

(7km) Int. of Lauderdale avenue and Manly Scenic Walk → Manly Wharf

distance 1.9 km time 37 mins climb 51m descent -66m Very easy
Veer right: From the intersection, the walk heads down the hill following the 'Manly' sign along the concrete footpath. With the water on the right, the track winds around the back of some apartment buildings through some open parkland, until the footpath comes to the end of Bolingbroke Parade.
Turn right: From the end of Bolingbroke Parade, this walk follows the concrete footpath, keeping the water to the right. The path winds behind the houses, through the open parkland, following the water. The walk passes picnic chairs and some nice views before coming to Fairlight Beach and ocean bath.
Continue straight: From Fairlight Beach, this walk follows the wide yellow footpath past the pool, keeping the water on the right. The footpath continues behind the houses and past several information signs before emerging onto Commonwealth Parade. Once beside the road, the footpath bends left and heads past Manly Waterworks. Just before West Esplanade, this walk turns right and heads along the footpath, with Manly Cove beach on the right, and soon comes to the ferry wharf.

Maps for the Spit Bridge to Manly (Manly Scenic Walkway) walk

You can download the PDF for this walk to print a map.
These maps below cover the walk and the wider area around the walk, they are worth carrying for safety reasons.

Parramatta River1:25 000 Map Series91303N PARRAMATTA RIVERNSW-91303N
Sydney Heads1:25 000 Map Series91302N SYDNEY HEADSNSW-91302N
Sydney1:100 000 Map Series9130 SYDNEY9130

Cross sectional view of the Spit Bridge to Manly (Manly Scenic Walkway) bushwalking track

Terrain profile for Spit Bridge to Manly (Manly Scenic Walkway)

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Spit Bridge to Manly (Manly Scenic Walkway)

Altitude analysis for Spit Bridge to Manly (Manly Scenic Walkway)

Overview of this walks grade – based on the AS 2156.1 – 2001

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.

Length9.1 km
Time3 hrs 45 mins
.




Grade 3/6



Moderate track
AS 2156.1GradientShort steep hills (3/6)
Quality of trackFormed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
SignsDirectional signs along the way (3/6)
Experience RequiredSome bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
WeatherStorms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
InfrastructureLimited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

Here is a bit more details explaining grading looking at sections of the walk

Gradient

3.6km of this walk is flat with no steps and another 3km has short steep hills. The remaining (2.6km) has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

4.2km of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path and another 2.7km follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles. The remaining (2.2km) follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

Around 7km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 2.1km has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 9km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 450m requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 9km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 240m is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.

Infrastructure

Around 7km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 1.8km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Spit Bridge to Manly (Manly Scenic Walkway) walk.

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Spit Bridge to Manly (Manly Scenic Walkway) walk.

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Spit Bridge to Manly (Manly Scenic Walkway) walk starts at the Int. Battle Boulevard and Manly Rd (gps: -33.800405, 151.24678)

The Spit Bridge to Manly (Manly Scenic Walkway) ends at the Manly Wharf (gps: -33.799562, 151.28427)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Sydney Harbour National Park

One of Sydney's most diverse parks, Sydney Harbour National Park is formed from 11 pockets of harbour islands and shoreline. Highlights include coastal walks and swimming, breath-taking viewpoints, tours of colonial buildings and Aboriginal cave art.

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