Manly to Seaforth Oval

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5 hrs 45 mins

13.7 km One way

624 m

Moderate track

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 one of the cafes along the way.

View from eastern headland of Fishers Bay

(0km) Manly Wharf → Int of King and Lauderdale avenues

1.9 km

38 mins

67m

-52m Very easy

From the ferry wharf, this walk follows the 'Fairlight Walking Track' towards 'Manly Ocean World', keeping Manly Cove beach to the left of the footpath. The walk heads to the other side of manly cove and up to the footpath on Commonwealth Parade, behind Ocean World. The walk turns left and passes Manly Waterworks, then follows the yellow footpath (keeping the water on the left). The walk heads through the open parkland, behind the houses and passing several information signs and great views. The path passes an ocean pool, and comes down the hill to the grassy area above Fairlight Beach.
Continue straight: From the beach, this walk follows the footpath up the hill keeping the water to the left. The path winds behind the houses through the open parkland, following the water. The walk passes picnic chairs and some nice views before coming out of the park at the end of Bolingbroke Parade.
Turn left: From the end of the road, the walk follows the wide footpath, keeping the water to the left. The concrete footpath then winds around the back of some apartment buildings through some open parkland. Soon the footpath heads up a hill to come to Lauderdale Avenue.
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk follows 'The Spit' sign up the footpath along Lauderdale Avenue. After passing a couple of houses the footpath comes to an intersection at the top of King Avenue.

(2km) Int of King and Lauderdale avenues → End of King avenue

220 m

5 mins

-11m Very easy

Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows King avenue down the hill. The road soon turns to the right, then left, and comes to a small turning circle at the end of the road.

(2km) End of King Avenue → Int of Beach Ln and North Harbour St

230 m

5 mins

-12m Easy track

Continue straight: From the end of the road, this walk follows the footpath down the hill to the steps at the bottom of the reserve. The walk then continues along the water's edge, around North Harbour reserve, keeping the water to the left. At the other end of the park, the walk climbs up the stairs to the intersection of Beach Lane and North Harbour St.

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.

Shop at the Park

This neat little Café can be found on Lower Beach street (just near Condamine St) opposite North Harbour Reserve and a stone's throw away from the Manly to Spit walking track. Open Wed-Sun from 8am to 5pm (closed Monday and Tuesdays), the cafe serves hot and cold drinks (good coffee), hot food, fresh fruit and a full lunch menu. There is room inside for a few people to sit comfortably, or take the food across the road to the reserve.

(2km) Int of Beach Ln and North Harbour St → Int of Clarence and North Harbour Sts

120 m

3 mins

0m Very easy

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'MSW to the Spit' sign along North Harbour St, up the hill. The road soon leads to a footpath heading between the houses on the left at the intersection of the Clarence St.

(3km) Int of Clarence and North Harbour Sts → Int of Gourlay Avenue and Clarence Street footpath

100 m

2 mins

-5m Very easy

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows 'The Spit' sign along the footpath, down the hill away from Clarence St. The footpath then crosses a bridge (and a wonderful waterfall after rain). On the other side of the bridge, the footpath leads to Gourlay Ave.

(3km) Int of Gourlay Avenue and Clarence Street footpath → End of Gourlay Avenue

250 m

5 mins

-12m Easy track

Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows 'The Spit' sign down Gourlay Ave, then bends to the right and soon passes the last house. The road then passes a fairly large parking area on the right and continues down the hill to the sharp bend near the end of the road, next to the blue metal gate.

(3km) End of Gourlay Avenue → South end of Forty Baskets Reserve

450 m

9 mins

21m

-19m Very easy

Veer right: From the hairpin bend just before the end of the road, this walk heads around the metal gate, keeping the water on the left. The walk follows the fairly flat footpath to an intersection with a set of stone and dirt stairs (uphill to the right).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads away from the stairs and follows the sealed footpath, keeping the water on the left. The path gently winds down the hill to soon come to another intersection with a set of stairs and handrail (uphill to the right).
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the footpath down the hill, to the toilet block, keeping the water below to the left.
Continue straight: From the toilet block, this walk follows the footpath (keeping the water on the left) through Forty Baskets Reserve. The track passes the swings, picnic tables, water fountain and the ocean pool, then heads around the back of the beach to the signposted intersection of the 'Manly Scenic Walk Alternate Route'.

(3km) South end of Forty Baskets Reserve → Int. Alternate High Tide Route and Manly Scenic Walkway

560 m

15 mins

32m

-31m Hard track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads away from the water and up through the laneway. The laneway leads up to Beatty St, where the walk turns left to continue to the end of the road.
Continue straight: From the end of Beatty St, the walk heads past the signs and down to a wooden boardwalk. The track then climbs up to a sign posted intersection.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to 'Manly' along the flat track. The walk soon continues down sets of alternating wooden and stone steps, which lead to a signposted intersection. Now Turn right to rejoin the main walk .

(3km) South end of Forty Baskets Reserve → Reef Beach platform

590 m

11 mins

17m

-16m Moderate track

Veer left: (This section of track may not be passable at higher tides, alternate route provides drier option). From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Manly Scenic Walkway' sign down along the beach and along the rocks, keeping the water to the left. On the other side of the bay, a formal track appears next to the large National Park sign. The walk follows this pathway past a few more signs, heading up the stone steps. The track soon flattens out and comes to the intersection with the 'alt route' track on the right.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to 'The Spit via Reef Beach', keeping the water on the left. The track is flat for a short time before heading down past a toilet block and then coming to a bench and platform behind 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.

(4km) Reef Beach platform → Crater Cove Lookout

1.1 km

23 mins

86m

-15m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the bench seat and platform behind Reed Beach, this walk heads up the hill keeping the water on the left. The track soon passes a rock shelf on the left, and as it continues up the hill, the walk passes a few more good view points to then meet a fenced lookout. From the lookout, the track heads up the hill further to come to a signposted intersection.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to 'The Spit', up the hill. The track heads up the hill, with the heath on the right becoming thicker as the track gains altitude. As the track winds up the hill, it reaches a rock platform with great views over Manly, before continuing up to the signposted intersection with track to Arabanoo Lookout to the right.
Veer left: From the intersection, this walk follows 'The Spit' arrow along the hillside as it winds through the thick scrub to the start of a boardwalk. The walk leads further around the hillside to the edge of the park and down onto the fenced 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.

(5km) Crater Cove Lookout → Grotto Point Engravings track

670 m

15 mins

19m

-38m Moderate track

Veer right: From the intersection, this walk heads up the hill, towards the road and away from the sea. The walk soon comes to an intersection with the Tania Park stone steps on the right.
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the Arabanoo Walk, keeping the water on the left. The track continues away from the rock platform for a short time, coming to an unnamed lookout on another rock platform.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads along the hillside keeping the harbour below and to the left of the track. The walk crosses several separate sections of boardwalk and rock platforms, coming to the intersection with the signpost 'Castle Rock Beach 800m'.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Castle Rock Beach 800m' sign along the bush track and down the stone steps, keeping the ocean to the left. The track winds down the hill until it flattens out at the intersection with a short track (heading to the Grotto Point engravings track) on the left.

(6km) Grotto Point Engravings track → Grotto Point Engravings

40 m

1 mins

0m Moderate track

Continue straight: 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 Turn left.

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.

(6km) Grotto Point Engravings track → Int of Grotto Point Lighthouse and Manly to Spit tracks

110 m

3 mins

-8m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the bush track heading down the hill, away from the engravings. The track soon heads down some rock step to the signposted intersection of the Grotto Point Lighthouse track.

(6km) Int of Grotto Point Lighthouse and Manly to Spit tracks → Grotto Point Lighthouse

550 m

11 mins

-52m Moderate track

Turn left : 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 left.

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.

(6km) Int of Grotto Point Lighthouse and Manly to Spit tracks → Int of Manly to Spit Track and Castle Rock Beach steps

400 m

11 mins

16m

-46m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Castle Rock Beach' and 'The Spit' arrow down through the bush, following the rocky track as it winds along to the fenced rest area with a bench seat.
Continue straight: From the rest area, this walk follows the bush track, keeping the water on the left, heading around the headland and winding along the side of the hill. The track passes some fenced-off rock platforms and heads down some rock steps to a wooden bridge. The walk crosses the bridge and continues along the bush track, winding steeply down some concrete steps to the bottom. The track continues back up and along, winding through the bush until it comes across a short boardwalk then to a signposted intersection of the Castle Rock beach footpath.

(6km) Int of Manly to Spit Track and Castle Rock Beach steps → Castle Rock Beach

50 m

1 mins

-11m Moderate track

Continue straight: 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 Veer left.

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.

(6km) Int of Manly to Spit track and Castle Rock Beach steps → Int of Manly to Spit track and Ogilvy Road steps

30 m

1 mins

0m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows 'The Spit' sign up the concrete steps away from the water to a signposted intersection.

(6km) Int of Manly to Spit track and Ogilvy Road steps → Clontarf Reserve (Clonny's)

1.2 km

25 mins

32m

-53m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Clontarf Wharf' sign across a boardwalk and up the hill. The track passes around the hill tending right, onto a boardwalk bridge. The walk then continues to undulate steeply in parts as it alternates between stone steps and boardwalk, passing some small tracks to the water on the left. This walk crosses over a rockshelf behind some houses, to come to a signposted intersection, with the 'Access to Cutler & Amiens Rd' track off to the right.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows 'The Spit' sign, keeping the water to the left. The track heads down the rocky steps and along the passage of the rocks to a signposted intersection, with the tiny Board Beach down to the left.
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the sign to 'The Spit', heading up the stone steps and then around the hill. The track undulates mildly before turning left and down onto a beach, passing a 'Spit to Manly walkway' information sign. From the bottom of the stairs, this walk heads across the beach, passing one house to come to the sign pointing along the 'M.S.W. High Tide Access via Monash Cres' track.
Continue straight: From the southern end of Clontarf Beach, the walk follows the beach passing the houses. After the last house, the walk continues past the large concrete structure and into the Clontarf Reserve. The walk then heads across the open grassy area, passing the toilets and picnic shelter on the right, then rounds to the front of Clonny's Cafe.

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.

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.

(7km) Clontarf Reserve (Clonny's) → Int. Sandy Bay Rd and Fairbairn Ave

480 m

9 mins

14m

-11m Moderate track

Veer left: From Clonny's Cafe, this walk heads past the public phone, then across the grass staying between the water (on the left) and the driveway. After passing the BBQ, the walk turns left at, and follows, the footpath along Sandy Bay Rd. About 100m down the road, the footpath comes to the front of the Clontarf Marina and a pedestrian crossing.
Turn right: From Clontarf Marina, this walk heads over the pedestrian crossing and up the stairs. The track passes the houses then leads down the stairs at the end of the clearing, back to Sandy Bay Rd. Once on the road, the walk turns right and heads alongside the bay until coming to an intersection with Sandy Bay Rd and Fairbairn Ave.

(8km) Int. Sandy Bay Rd and Fairbairn Ave → End of Sandy Bay Rd

40 m

1 mins

0m Very easy

Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads behind the beach with the water on the left, to the end of Sandy Bay Rd.

(8km) End of Sandy Bay Rd → Int. Ellery's Punt Reserve Rd and Manly Scenic Walkway

980 m

22 mins

51m

-51m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the end of Sandy Bay Rd, this walk heads under the 'Manly Scenic Walkway' sign, keeping the water to the left. The walk follows the clear track out to the point between Sandy and Fisher bays, climbing some stairs along the way until coming to the metal platform and scenic views of Middle Harbour and the Spit Bridge. From the point, the walk continues again on a dirt bush track keeping the water on the left, and heading into Fisher Bay. In the bay, the walk heads down a few stairs to cross a section of boardwalk into the apex of Fisher Bay. The track then continues out of the bay by winding around the hill, up some stairs to the paved footpath of Ellery's Punt Reserve, where the 'Manly Scenic Walkway' map and info sign marks the 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.

(9km) Int. Ellery's Punt Reserve Rd and Manly Scenic Walkway → Int. Battle Boulevard and Manly Rd

230 m

5 mins

11m

0m Moderate track

Continue straight: From the 'Manly Scenic Walkway' map and info sign, this walk heads across the grass following the coast line, keeping the water to the left and heading towards the "Ellery's Punt Reserve" sign. From the sign, the walk passes under the Spit Bridge and then up the flight of stairs that come to the end of Battle Boulevard.
Continue straight: From the end of the cul-de-sac, this walk follows Battle Bvd up the road to the car park just near the intersection with Manly Road.

(9km) Int. Battle Boulevard and Manly Rd → Top of the Gallipoli Steps

160 m

4 mins

40m

0m Moderate track

Turn left: From the car park, the walk crosses to the other side of Battle Boulevard and follows the footpath up the hill for a short distance, to the signposted Gallipoli Steps. From here, the walk heads up the Gallipoli Steps to the top of the hill, where it flattens out and follows the short path to the intersection with Edgecliff Esplanade.

(9km) Top of the Gallipoli Steps → Int of Sangrado Street and the Powder Hulk Bay footpath

2.1 km

46 mins

82m

-103m Easy track

Turn sharp left: From the intersection, the walk follows the track marker along the Edgecliff Esplanade, keeping Middle harbour down to the left. At the intersection with Palmerston Place, the walk turns left and heads down the short hill before turning right onto Seaforth Crescent. From here the walk follows Seaforth Crescent all the way around the top of the headland, providing frequent views of middle harbor over and inbetween the houses, until it reaches the 'T' intersection with Princes Promenade. At the intersection, the walk turns left onto Seaforth Crescent, heading down the gentle hill, and almost immediately bending to the right. The walk continues along the road for a little while longer until it comes to the intersection with the narrow road, heading down the hill to the left, just before the Seaforth Scout Hall.
Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows the track marker along the narrow road, heading down the hill with the Seaforth Scout Hall on the right. The walk continues down to the intersection at the top of the concrete steps (heading down the hill to the right).

(11km) Int of Sangrado Street and the Powder Hulk Bay footpath → Top of the Jenner Street Steps

260 m

9 mins

35m

-31m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the track marker down the concrete steps and along the footpath. The footpath winds down the hill, crossing two small footbridges and comes to the waters edge, where it passes the North Ridge Sailing Club, then continues along for a little while to the intersection at the bottom of a long set of concrete steps.
Turn right: From the intersection, the walk follows the track marker up the concrete steps. The walk follows the steps all the way up the hill to a driveway, which it crosses and continues up the steps on the other side, climbing up to the top of the hill at the intersection with Jenner Street.

(12km) Top of the Jenner Street Steps → Wakehurst Pkwy Bus stop

1.6 km

30 mins

78m

-25m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, the walk follows Jenner Street up the hill. The walk turns left into Abernethy Street and continues to the end of the road. From here the walk climbs up a concrete staircase to the end of Harvey Street, which it follows. The walk then turns left into Dalwood Avenue and continues to the end of the road where it comes to the intersection of Clontarf Street. From here, the walk continues straight onto Clontarf Street, and soon turns left onto Callicoma Road, then turns right onto Acacia Road (which becomes Castle Circuit) and continues all the way along to the end of the footpath, where it comes to a small reserve on the right. From here, the walk follows the track marker through the reserve for a little distance to the Wakehust Parkway, where it turns left and follows the side of the road to a bus stop almost directly opposite the intersection with Armstrong Street.

(13km) Wakehurst Pkwy Bus stop → Seaforth Oval

530 m

9 mins

23m

-4m Moderate track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the track behind the bus stop, heading away from the road and down through the bush. The walk steps over a few fallen trees and passes small rock outcrops, continuing along until passing a track marker and heading up to the end of a long grassy clearing, from which the playground at Seaforth Oval is clearly visible.
Veer left: From the intersection, the walk heads across the long grassy clearing towards the play equipment. Upon reaching the play equipment, the walk then follows the asphalt path, heading up on the right-hand side of the club house to the car park. Here, it turns left, passing the club house and coming to the information signs on the other side of the car park.

Seaforth Oval

Seaforth Oval is a large playing oval on the Wakehurst Parkway in North Balgowlah. It is managed by Manly Council, who have also recently been upgrading the Timber Getters Track in association with NPWS. There is a distant view of Chatswood from the oval. There are toilets, but they are usually locked. There is a large car park, shelter and sign with information about the Harbour to Hawkesbury walk. More info.

Maps for the Manly to Seaforth Oval 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 Manly to Seaforth Oval bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Manly to Seaforth Oval

Altitude analysis for Manly to Seaforth Oval

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	13.7 km
		Time	5 hrs 45 mins
		.
Grade 3/6 Moderate track	AS 2156.1	Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
		Quality of track	Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
		Signs	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
		Infrastructure	Limited 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

5km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 5km has short steep hills. The remaining (3.7km) is flat with no steps.

Quality of track

6km of this walk follows a smooth and hardened path and another 4.4km follows a clear and well formed track or trail. The remaining (3km) follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles.

Signs

Around 11km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 2.7km has directional signs at most intersection.

Experience Required

Around 13km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 450m requires some bushwalking experience.

weather

Around 14km 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 12km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 2.2km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).

Similar walks

A list of walks that share part of the track with the Manly to Seaforth Oval walk.

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

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

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

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

Spit Bridge to Fisher Bay

3.6 km Circuit, 1 hr 30 mins

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.

Total climbing: 146m

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

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 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

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 Manly to Seaforth Oval walk.

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

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

Fairfax Walk

762 m Circuit, 30 mins

This walk provides some of the best views in Sydney. This pleasant stroll and wheelchair-accessible walk starts from the car park at the end of the North Head Scenic Drive, and follows the asphalt footpath as it loops around the tip of North Head. Enjoy views of the entrance to Sydney Harbour, the c

Total climbing: 45m

Very easy

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

Inner Middle Head Battery walk

762 m Return, 30 mins

On this walk you will explore the historic northern or 'inner' Middle Head fortification battery. You can explore the trenches, tunnels and rooms of the fortifications on the less busy gun emplacements on Middle Head. The vegetation, water, cliff and harbour views are also spectacular and well worth

Total climbing: 26m

Moderate track

Middle Head Battery walk

664 m Return, 30 mins

This walk guides you through the historic and well maintained outer Middle Head fortification battery. Take a step back in time, by walking along Old Fort Road past the old barracks and through the banksia forest to the open clearing and array of gun emplacements. At the fortification, you can explo

Total climbing: 10m

Easy track

Cobblers Beach

930 m Return, 30 mins

This walk guides you down a short but fairly steep trail to the beautiful Cobblers Beach. The beach is a small pretty and clothing optional beach on the northern edge of Middle Head in Sydney Harbour NP. There is a grassy area above the beach if you want to picnic and the water is generally protecte

Total climbing: 58m

Hard 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

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

Engravings Track

2.2 km One way, 45 mins

Starting at Seaforth Oval, this walk follows the Engravings track parallel to the Wakehurst Parkway to the end of Bantry Bay Road, Forestville. The first half of the walk is along bush track and the second half follows a service trail. The engravings, after which this track is named, are fenced of

Total climbing: 39m

Moderate track

Seaforth Oval to Davidson Park

10 km One way, 4 hrs 30 mins

The Seaforth to Davidson Park walk is a wonderful and historic loop around Bantry Bay. The walk continues from Bantry Bay, along Middle Harbour's treelined foreshore, to Davidson Park. This walk explores some wonderful bush and water views tucked into the valleys of Sydney.

Total climbing: 491m

Hard track

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Manly to Seaforth Oval walk starts at the Manly Wharf (gps: -33.799562, 151.28427)

Ferry. (get details)

Bus. (get details)

Car. There is free parking available.<br /> (get details)

The Manly to Seaforth Oval ends at the Seaforth Oval (gps: -33.781966, 151.23725)

Bus. (get details)

Car. There is free parking available.<br /> (get details)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district.

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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.

Garigal National Park

Largely following Middle Harbour Creek and stretching from Seaforth in the south to St Ives in the north Garigal National Park is hidden through Sydney's Northern suburbs. Despite how close it is to large urban centres Garigal is quite beautiful with lots of different walking and cycling tracks. For those just wishing to picnic Davidson Reserve is a great spot just next to Middle Harbour Creek, under the Roseville Bridge.

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