Manly Dam Nature Trail

Download & Print Map and Notes

1 hr 30 mins

3.2 km Return

150 m

Moderate track

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 the way, especially in the McComb Hill area.

Looking down at the eastern end of the walk

Example of infrastructure along the Nature Trail

A short set of rock stairs at McComb Hill

A look at the intersection through the ferns

(0km) Manly Dam South Bank → Int of Water Reserve Bushtrack and Nature Trail

140 m

3 mins

12m

0m Moderate track

From the south end of Manly Dam, this walk heads south through the park and crosses King St near the car parking area. The walk follows the bush track up the steps, following the signs 'McComb Hill Track' and 'Nature Trail'. A short way up the hill, the track comes to an intersection signposted as the 'Mc Comb Hill Nature Trail'.

(0km) Int of Water Reserve Bushtrack and Nature Trail → Int of Nature Trail and North Balgowlah track

920 m

22 mins

60m

-37m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads west along the narrow bush track for approximately 100m before passing an intersection of the McComb Hill walk. (This is currently under revegetation and there are signs stating walkers should not take this route.) This walk heads west, passing by the small trails that lead up the hill south (these are not official trails and should be avoided), and climbs a number of rock staircases. Along the way, there are some good views over Manly Dam, and many signs offering information on the flora and fauna. The track passes close to a few cliff edges (due care required). After some time, the walk comes to an intersection marked with a green sign saying 'Balgowlah Track'.

(1km) Int of Nature Trail and North Balgowlah track → Int of Nature Trail and Wildflower walk

210 m

4 mins

-20m Moderate track

Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads north, gradually descending along the narrow bush track. There are many informative signposts and some good examples of the flora of the local area. Soon the walk comes to a very clear intersection signposted as the "Nature Trail / Wildflower Walk".

(1km) Int of Nature Trail and Wildflower walk → End of King St Picnic Area

310 m

6 mins

-15m Easy track

Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads north along a narrow but well-maintained bush track, until coming to an intersection with a 'Wildflower Walk' signpost. (There is a small track off to the left heading up to Wakehurst Golf Course, ignore this). The walk continues to head north-west along the bush track until coming to an intersection just to the north of the end of the King St and a picnic area.

Maps for the Manly Dam Nature Trail 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 Dam Nature Trail bushwalking track

Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Manly Dam Nature Trail

Altitude analysis for Manly Dam Nature Trail

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	3.2 km
		Time	1 hr 30 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	Clearly signposted (1/6)
		Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
		Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
		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

Around 920m of this walk has short steep hills, whilst the remaining 660m has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track

Around 1.1km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles, whilst the remaining 520m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs

This whole walk, 1.6km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required

Around 1.1km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 450m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

weather

This whole walk, 1.6km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure

Around 1.1km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 450m 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 Manly Dam Nature Trail walk.

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

Other Nearby walks

A list of walks that start near the Manly Dam Nature Trail walk.

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

Seaforth Oval to Roseville Bridge via Bantry Bay

10 km One way, 4 hrs

Starting at Seaforth Oval, this walk follows a section of the 'Harbour to Hawkesbury' track along Middle Harbour Creek. The walk has many highlights, including great views of Bantry Bay, the Historic Magazine Buildings and the Natural Bridge. This walk is blessed with great bushland and views of M

Total climbing: 491m

Hard track

Seaforth Oval to the Bluff Lookout

5.4 km Return, 3 hrs

This great return walk starts from Seaforth oval and follows the Timbergetters Track down to Bantry Bay, and the pleasant waterfront picnic area. The walk then climbs steadily, out of the valley, to the Bluff Lookout. From this lookout you can see all the way across Middle Harbour.

Total climbing: 363m

Hard track

Timber Getters Track

1.8 km Return, 1 Hr

Starting at Seaforth Oval, this walk explores the historic logging track that heads down to the picnic area on the eastern shore of Banty Bay. The picnic area is a great spot to relax and enjoy the water, and bush views, before heading back up to Seaforth oval. This is just one section of the great

Total climbing: 120m

Hard track

Flat Rock Beach track

516 m Return, 20 mins

This short walk starts from the end of Killarney Drive, in Killarney Heights and heads down the hill to Flat Rock Beach. The beach is a secluded sandy area on the shores of Middle Harbour. A nice spot for swimming, relaxing and enjoying the boats as they pass by.

Total climbing: 50m

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

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

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 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 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

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

Plan your trip to and from the walk here

The Manly Dam Nature Trail walk starts and ends at the Manly Dam South Bank (gps: -33.782543, 151.25565)

Bus. (get details)

Car. A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.<br /> (get details)

Weather Forecast

This walk starts in the Metropolitan weather district.

Current Alerts

Park Information

Manly Warringah War Memorial Park (Manly Dam)

In 1892 the CUrl Curl creek was dammed to for a water reservoir for Manly village, over the years the wall was raised till it held 2 mega litres. Now a War Memorial Park it boasts a series of picnic areas along the western shoreline, with children play areas and other facilities. There are also a number of walking and cycling tracks around the lake. The lake is used by powered and unpowered boats, and can be quite busy on hot weekend days.

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