Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Spit Bridge to Manly (Manly Scenic Walkway) are found in each of the tabs below
Spit Bridge to Manly
Time:
3 Hrs 45 mins
3.8 km W of Manly
Length:
9.1 km
Sydney Harbour National Park
Climb:
351 m
Style:
One way
The Spit to Manly 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.
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Catch the bus to Int. Battle Boulevard and Manly Rd
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for upto date running times Use these links to plan your Bus (and train) trip to the end of this walk.
(0 km)
Int. Battle Boulevard and Manly Rd
to
Int. Ellery's Punt Reserve Rd and Manly Scenic Walkway Track: Moderate - footpath
Length = 232 m
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -11 m
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. 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
Alt = 0 m
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
Alt = 6 m
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.
(0.23 km)
Int. Ellery's Punt Reserve Rd and Manly Scenic Walkway
to
Int. Sandy Bay Rd and Fairbairn Ave Track: Moderate - bushtrack,road
Length = 1.03 km
Time = 23 mins
Climb = 51 m
Descent = -53 m
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. 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.
(1.26 km)
Int. Sandy Bay Rd and Fairbairn Ave
to
Clontarf Reserve (Clonny's) Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 482 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 12 m
Descent = -17 m
From Sandy Bay the track follows Sandy Bay road along the shore line, 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 a small track passes the house before leading down another set of stairs and across Sandy Bay Rd to the Clontaf Marina. From Clontarf Marina, the 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' sign post and then heads over the grass towards the children's play area, then past the public phone to Clonny's cafe.
Clontarf Reserve
Alt = 1 m
Clontarf Reserve is a large picnic area and beach on Sandy Bay Rd, Clontaf. There is a fee for parking in and around the reserve, the park is well managed by Manly Council. The park provides great picnic facilities with picnic tables, covered shelters, toilets, showers, netted swimming area, beach, shaded children's play ground, plenty of parking, tap water, public phone, plenty of shade trees, garbage/recycling facilities and a Kiosk & restaurant. More info
Clonny's
Alt = 1 m
Clonny's is a neat kiosk and restaurant inside Clotarf 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
(1.74 km)
Clontarf Reserve (Clonny's)
to
Monash Cres Track Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 504 m
Time = 8 mins
Climb = 4 m
Descent = -1 m
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, turns left and follows the beach in front of the houses till coming to the intersection with the 'Monash Cres' track near the far end of the beach. (At high tide the track detours the beach, by heading along Monash Crescent, following the blue 'MSW high tide access' signs).
(2.25 km)
Monash Cres Track
to
Int of Manly to Spit track and Castle Rock Beach steps Track: Moderate - bushtrack,footpath
Length = 724 m
Time = 18 mins
Climb = 49 m
Descent = -39 m
From the intersection the track 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 sign posted intersection, above Board Beach. From the intersection the track 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 a sign posted intersection, with the 'Access to Cutler & Amiens Rd' off to the left. From the intersection the track follows the 'Manly' sign as it heads up the slight hill and across the rock shelf, keeping the water on the right. The track then steps off the rock shelf to continue along the hillside undulating steeply in parts. The track in many places is board-walked with a few access points to the water along the way. The track crosses a bridge before continuing left around the hill to a well signposted intersection. 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.
(2.97 km)
Int of Manly to Spit Track and Castle Rock Beach steps
to
Castle Rock Beach Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - footpath
Length = 30 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -6 m
From the intersection, this walk leads down the concrete steps to Castle Rock Beach.
Castle Rock Beach
Alt = 9 m
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.
(2.97 km)
Int of Manly to Spit Track and Castle Rock Beach steps
to
Int of Grotto Point Lighthouse and Manly to Spit tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 375 m
Time = 11 mins
Climb = 46 m
Descent = -11 m
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. 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.
(3.35 km)
Int of Grotto Point Lighthouse and Manly to Spit tracks
to
Grotto Point Lighthouse Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 553 m
Time = 11 mins
Climb = 4 m
Descent = -51 m
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. 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.
Grotto Point Lighthouse
Alt = 3 m
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.
(3.35 km)
Int of Grotto Point Lighthouse and Manly to Spit tracks
to
Grotto Point Engravings track Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 109 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 8 m
Descent = -1 m
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.
(3.45 km)
Grotto Point Engravings track
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Grotto Point Engravings Optional sidetrip: Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 41 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 2 m
Descent = 0 m
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.
Grotto Point Engravings
Alt = 59 m
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 has already been lost, 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
(3.45 km)
Grotto Point Engravings track
to
Crater Cove Lookout Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 670 m
Time = 15 mins
Climb = 38 m
Descent = -19 m
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'. 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 . 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. 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
Alt = 76 m
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.
(4.12 km)
Crater Cove Lookout
to
Int. Arabanoo Lookout Trk and Manly Scenic Walkway Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 291 m
Time = 6 mins
Climb = 12 m
Descent = -8 m
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.
(4.42 km)
Int. Arabanoo Lookout Trk and Manly Scenic Walkway
to
Arabanoo Lookout Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack,footpath
Length = 265 m
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 7 m
Descent = -9 m
From the intersection the track follows the Arabanoo lookout arrow along the rocky bushtrack as it winds through the thick scrub all the way to the intersection of Dobroyd Scenic drive. From the intersection the track heads towards the bend in the road keeping the oval on the left of the track. The track passes the signs for 'Arabanoo Lookout' and continues to the lookout not far away.
Arabanoo Lookout
Alt = 81 m
The lookout has great views over Port Jackson, Northern Harbour and as far as Manly. The lookout also has several signs and monuments providing historical information on the significance of the area. Looking out over Middle Head this lookout is named after Arabanoo who was an aboriginal man kidnapped by British marines in December 1788 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.
(4.42 km)
Int. Arabanoo Lookout Trk and Manly Scenic Walkway
to
Reef Beach platform Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 838 m
Time = 17 mins
Climb = 3 m
Descent = -78 m
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. 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
Alt = 4 m
Reef Beach is a strip of sand faceing 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 now 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.
(5.25 km)
Reef Beach platform
to
South end of Forty Basket Reserve Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 589 m
Time = 11 mins
Climb = 16 m
Descent = -17 m
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. (This section of track may not be passable at higher tides, alternate route provides drier option). From the intersection the walk follows the 'Manly via Forty Baskets Beach' sign along the well defined track keeping the water on the right. Soon the track heads down a series of stone steps, passing some National Park signs onto the rock beach. Once on the rocks the walk follows the beach/rocks till coming to an intersection with a narrow lane way heading off to the left just past the start of the hardened footpath.
Forty Basket Reserve
Alt = 5 m
Forty Basket 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 one of these fancy electronic and self cleaning systems, very cool. The toilets and showers are accessible to people in wheelchairs, and wide sealed footpath provides roll in access from the end of Gourlay Ave.
(5.84 km)
South end of Forty Basket Reserve
to
End of Gourlay Avenue Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - servicetrail
Length = 446 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 19 m
Descent = -21 m
From the intersection the track follows the footpath across Forty Basket Reserve (keeping the water on the right). The footpath heads behind the beach, the ocean pool, the picnic tables, water fountain, swings and heads up the small incline to where the track meets the toilet block at the northern end of the reserve. 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 leading up the hill to the left. From the intersection the track follows the footpath up the gentle hill keeping the water to the right. The track then soon comes to another intersection with a set of stone and dirt stairs heading up the hill to the left. From the intersection the track follows the footpath keeping the water below on the right. Soon the track continues to, and passes around, a blue metal gate then on to the hair-pin bend at the end of Goulay Ave, just above a small marina.
(6.29 km)
End of Gourlay Avenue
to
Int of Lower Beach and North Harbour Sts Walk: Easy - road,footpath,road
Length = 468 m
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 18 m
Descent = -14 m
From the gate the walk heads up Gourlay Ave along the road. The road soon starts to flatten out and pass 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'. From the intersection the 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. From the intersection the track follows '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 Lower Beach St.
North Harbour Reserve
Alt = 4 m
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 provide some great views. The 'Shop at the Park' provides cafe food and lunch.
(6.76 km)
Int of Lower Beach and North Harbour Sts
to
Int. of Lauderdale avenue and Manly Scenic Walk Walk: Easy - footpath,road,footpath
Length = 505 m
Time = 11 mins
Climb = 24 m
Descent = -13 m
From the intersection the track 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). From the intersection the walk follows King Road, as it bends to the right, then left up the gentle hill till coming to a 'T' intersection of Lauderdale avenue. 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 of the sealed 'Manly Scenic Walk' footpath.
(7.26 km)
Int. of Lauderdale avenue and Manly Scenic Walk
to
Manly Warf Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - footpath
Length = 1.88 km
Time = 37 mins
Climb = 51 m
Descent = -66 m
From the intersection the walk heads down the hill following 'Manly' sign along the concrete footpath. With the water on the right the track winds around the back of some apartment buildings though some open parkland till the footpath comes to the end of Bolingbroke Parade. From the end of Bolingbroke parade the walk follows the concrete footpath keeping the water to the right. The track winds behind the houses through the open parkland following the water. The track passes picnic chairs some nice views before coming to Fairlight Beach and its ocean bath. From Fairlight Beach, the 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 sign before emerging onto Commonwealth Parade. Once beside the road the footpath bends left and heads past Manly Waterworks. Just before West Esplanade the track turns right and heads along the footpath to Esplanade Park and Manly Cove. On the far side of Manly Cove is the ferry wharf.
Catch the ferry from Manly
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for upto date running time info Use these links to plan your Ferry (and train) trip from the end of this walk.
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for upto date running times Use these links to plan your Bus (and train) trip from the end of this walk.
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.
One of the nicest days I ever had. Especially on a beautiful day! I recommend this walk in Spring/Summer so one can take advantage of a swim in any of the spectacular bays.
This is a good trail, it has a bit of everything; beaches, nice scenery, lots of nature in specific areas. It can be a bit busy on a nice weekend day but it is a good trail. Make sure you enjoy all of the side shoot trails as well, and the one that leads down the the lighthouse.
Hiking near Sydney 
1 km
not to much longer now :)