Spit Bridge to Fisher Bay

Download & Print Map and Notes

1 hr 30 mins

3.6 km Circuit

146 m

Hard track

This track from the Spit Bridge to Fisher Bay is a great little loop which also visits Sandy Bay. The track is well maintained, allowing you to fully enjoy the harbour views. Allow some extra time, as you may need to wait for the regular opening of the Spit Bridge.

View from eastern headland of Fishers Bay

(0km) Int. Middle Harbour Yacht Club car park and Spit Rd → Spit Bridge South

280 m

5 mins

-4m Easy track

From the intersection, this walk heads along Spit Rd towards the bridge, keeping the shops on your right. The walk heads along the road to where it splits, to go over the bridge, opposite 'Sydney Harbour Kayaks'.

Sydney Harbour Kayaks

Sydney Harbour Kayaks, at the southern end of the Spit Bridge, provide sales and rentals of kayaks. One hour in a single plastic kayak costs $20, and a double $40. The enterprise also provides tours of the harbour, catering for individuals through to large groups. For further information and bookings, contact: info@sydneyharbourkayaks.com.au or (02) 99604389 More info.

(0km) Spit Bridge South → Int. Spit Rd and Ellery's Punt Reserve Road

350 m

6 mins

11m

-2m Easy track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads over the Spit Bridge, with the road to the left of the footpath. The walk crosses the bridge to where it meets the road down to Ellery's Punt Reserve, first on the right.

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.

(1km) Int. Spit Rd and Ellery's Punt Reserve Road → Int. Ellery's Punt Reserve Rd and Manly Scenic Walkway

100 m

2 mins

-7m Easy track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads downhill away from the main road for approximately 20m to the intersection below the bridge, on the left.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill towards the water. The walk soon comes to Ellery's Punt Reserve car park on the right. This walk continues past this, down the footpath to the signposted intersection.

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.

(1km) Int. Ellery's Punt Reserve Rd and Manly Scenic Walkway → Int. Peronne Ave and Graham St

1.2 km

30 mins

90m

-54m Hard track

Turn left : 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.
Turn left : From the intersection, the walk heads up Fairbairn Ave, away from the water. The path comes to the left of No. 3 and passes a garage to head up some stairs. The walk takes numerous stairs up the hill for approximately 100m to Peronne Ave.

(2km) Int. Peronne Ave and Graham St → Int. Middle Harbour Yacht Club car park and Spit Rd

1.6 km

33 mins

42m

-80m Moderate track

Turn left : From the intersection, this walk heads west along Peronne Ave to come to an intersection with Linkmead Ave (on the left). The track tends right, essentially following the road as it becomes Heaton Ave. The walk continues along to the end of the road, turning left onto Manly Road. Approximately 240m down the hill, the walk then turns left into Avona Cr, and continues down the road to an intersection with stone cut steps on the left.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads down the sandstone steps, away from the road. The track winds left across a bridge, and soon comes out onto Ellery's Punt Reserve Rd.
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads up the road away from the water views to meet the footpath next to Spit Rd.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk heads down the hill and across the Spit Bridge, with the road to your right. The walk continues down to the split in the road opposite 'Sydney Harbour Kayaks'.
Continue straight: From the intersection opposite 'Sydney Harbour Kayaks', this walk heads down along Spit Rd, on the right, to turn left before the hill into Middle Harbour Yacht Club's car park.

Maps for the Spit Bridge to Fisher Bay 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 River	1:25 000 Map Series	91303N PARRAMATTA RIVER	NSW-91303N
Sydney Heads	1:25 000 Map Series	91302N SYDNEY HEADS	NSW-91302N
Sydney	1:100 000 Map Series	9130 SYDNEY	9130

Cross sectional view of the Spit Bridge to Fisher Bay bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Spit Bridge to Fisher Bay

Altitude analysis for Spit Bridge to Fisher Bay

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.

		Length	3.6 km
		Time	1 hr 30 mins
		.
Grade 4/6 Hard track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)

Some more details of this walks Grading

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

Gradient

2.2km of this walk is flat with no steps and another 1km has short steep hills. Whilst another 190m is very steep and the remaining 150m has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

Around 3.3km of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path, whilst the remaining 250m follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

Around 3.5km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 65m has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

This whole walk, 3.6km requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 3.6km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

This whole walk, 3.6km is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Spit Bridge to Fisher Bay walk.

Balmoral Beach to The Spit

4.3 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

This walks follows the coast from Balmoral to the Spit and across Spit Bridge. There are some alternate tracks to consider at high-tides, which take the streets over the headlands. Balmoral and Chinamans Beaches are very nice places for lunch and a swim. Allows time to wander and explore. There ar

Total climbing: 85m

Hard track

Spit Bridge to Middle Head Forts

6.1 km One way, 2 hrs 30 mins

This scenic walk takes you from the Spit Bridge, along the coast to explore the Middle Head Forts. There are a few alternate routes for use at high tide or high seas. Balmoral Beach offers a few spots for a coffee or fish and chips along the way. Middle Head offers plenty of options for exploring th

Total climbing: 172m

Hard track

Spit Bridge to North Harbour Reserve

8.7 km Circuit, 4 hrs

This loop walk from the Spit Bridge is an interesting walk with many different things to see and do along the way. The walk passes Ellery's Punt Reserve, Sandy Bay and goes along the shoreline to Castle Rock Beach. The walk crosses Dobroyd Head and comes around to Reef Beach, which is a great place

Total climbing: 381m

Moderate track

Spit Bridge to Manly (Manly Scenic Walkway)

9.1 km One way, 3 hrs 45 mins

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 sidet

Total climbing: 349m

Moderate track

Taronga Zoo to Spit Bridge

10.4 km One way, 5 hrs

This is a scenic and culturally rich walk with views over Sydney Harbour and many interesting heritage buildings along the way. The start at the zoo allows for a possible visit. The walk then passes the Bacino Bar on the way through the military heritage buildings. This is an excellent walk to do on

Total climbing: 410m

Hard track

Manly to Seaforth Oval

13.7 km One way, 5 hrs 45 mins

This walk follows the Manly to Spit Scenic Walkway, then continues past The Spit Bridge to Seaforth Oval. The walk provides magnificent bushland and Harbour scenes with many small beaches, reserves and coves to stop at. A very scenic and fun walk along the Harbour. Stop for a coffee or ice-cream at

Total climbing: 624m

Moderate track

Taronga Zoo to Manly

18.9 km One way, 8 hrs

This very long day walk has some stunning views, excellent heritage sites, a Zoo and beautiful beaches. What more could you ask for? The many sidetrips and places to stop and enjoy the views, having a coffee at the Bacino Bar or fish and chips on Balmoral Beach, will all make this walk an excellent

Total climbing: 746m

Hard track

Spit to Lindfield

22.6 km One way, 9 hrs 45 mins

This full day walk starts at the southern end of the Spit Bridge and explores a lot of Garigal National Park and Middle Harbour Creek. The walk follows the 'Harbour to Hawkesbury' track into Garigal National Park, skirting around Bantry Bay and along Middle Harbour Creek before crossing Roseville Br

Total climbing: 1181m

Hard track

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Spit Bridge to Fisher Bay walk.

Castle Rock Beach

200 m Return, 30 mins

This is a short walk down to Castle Rock Beach, tucked into the rocky shores of Middle Harbour. The walk is mostly along boardwalk or footpath through rainforest vegetation. The foliage surrounding the track is topped by a closed canopy which provides shade, before opening out onto the sunny beach.

Total climbing: 20m

Moderate track

Castle Rock to Grotto Point Lighthouse

2 km Return, 1 Hr

The Castle Rock to Grotto Point walk is a great way to see the Grotto Point Lighthouse. The start at Ogilvy Rd passes Castle Rock Beach, which is a nice spot to view the harbour, before continuing to the excellent view from Grotto Point Lighthouse.

Total climbing: 127m

Moderate track

Dobroyd Head Walk

2.5 km Circuit, 1 Hr

Walking around Dobroyd Head is a fantastic experience. The heath vegetation high up on the walk provides many opportunities to view flowers and insects close up, whilst still enjoying plenty of views out to the sea. Reef Beach is a great place to stop for a snack or lunch and to get the feet wet bef

Total climbing: 109m

Hard track

Grotto Point Walk

3.6 km Return, 2 hrs

This return walk out to Grotto Point is in a magnificent area above the entrance to Middle Harbour. The walk provides plenty of views of Middle Head and over Sydney Harbour to the CBD. Many scenic views and some spectacular bushland, so close to the city, makes this walk a gem.

Total climbing: 153m

Moderate track

Arabanoo Lookout

142 m Return, 15 mins

This short and easy walk leads from Tania Park to wonderful views of Arabanoo Lookout. The views over North Head and the water are wonderful. There is a concrete path leading the whole way and two seats at the top waiting for you to soak up the views. Tania Park can get busy on weekends with sport a

Total climbing: 5m

Very easy

Crater Cove Lookout

60 m Return, 3 mins

This is a great, short walk to a lookout with a fantastic views. The lookout has great views out through the heads, and also much of the upper reaches of Sydney Harbour. From the lookout, you can even see down into Crater Cove, to the old houses built during the great depression. The walk is very

Total climbing: 9m

Moderate track

Grotto Point Lighthouse Walk

1.7 km Return, 1 Hr

This is an excellent walk with some very scenic views. The walk travels along a well used track through the thick coastal bush. The views are capped off by the vista over Sydney Harbour from the Grotto Point Lighthouse. Easy parking, a few good side trips, and in particular, the Aboriginal Engravin

Total climbing: 83m

Moderate track

North Arm Walking Track

3.1 km One way, 2 hrs

Following the edge of Middle Harbour, this walk has excellent views and Special spots, including the views from the end of North Arm Rd and the trail near the Mannerim Rd Turnoff. The change in the track from bush track to mangroves and mudflats south of the Pump Station gives a good feel of the d

Total climbing: 145m

Moderate track

Balmoral to Middle Head Forts

3.9 km Circuit, 2 hrs

This walk to the Middle Head fortifications is a great way to break up your day at the beach. There are plenty of places to explore, and the forts are quite interesting and historically significant. The track is well marked and has some information signs. The views of Sydney Harbour are great and it

Total climbing: 187m

Hard track

Middle Head

1.9 km Circuit, 1 Hr

This walk leads you around the perimeter of Middle Head. This is a great place to explore, with many forts, barracks and views over Sydney Harbour. The forts area is an excellent place to spend some time walking through the tunnels and gun pits.

Total climbing: 101m

Moderate track

Manly Dam Circuit Walk

7.3 km Circuit, 3 hrs

This is the main walk around Manly Dam, and is popular for both walkers and bike riders. Prepare for spectacular views from both sides of the dam, along well managed trails. Good spots to break include the picnic areas on King St. Features of this walk include walking the bridge across the top of th

Total climbing: 251m

Moderate track

Manly Dam Nature Trail

3.2 km Return, 1 hr 30 mins

A short walk along the southern hill above Manly Dam, with great views and fantastic scenery. One of the few tracks in the Manly Dam area where you won't get run over by bike riders, this is a great walk for those looking for something short and peaceful. Look out for black snakes and goannas along

Total climbing: 150m

Moderate track