If you are looking for the best Sydney Harbour views, look no further! Following the coastline around Manly, you will pass by the most beautiful secluded beaches, lush forest, aboriginal sites and stunning views. The Spit Bridge to Manly walk is part of the Manly Scenic Walkway and features the Sydney Harbour National Park, bushland and local streets with multimillion dollar mansions. On the Spit Bridge to Manly walk there are some of the most beautiful bays and the bluest water in all Sydney, you’ll feel like on a Mediterranean island. In this guide you can find everything you need to know, how to get there, what to take and what to expect along with some tips on how to make the most of the Spit Bridge to Manly walk.
Quick Tips Spit Bridge to Manly Walk
How to get to the Spit Bridge to Manly walk
As the walk is a one way track I would recommend to get there by public transport. I recommend starting at the Spit Bridge as it is nice to end the day in Manly , have lunch or dinner there and hop on the ferry to Circular Quay after.
If you wish to start at the Spit Bridge, coming from the city you should catch line 144, 169 and more to the bus stop “Battle Bvd at Manly Rd“. We unfortunately got off at the next stop how Google Maps suggested, which resulted in a scary walk along the road. Coming from the city you can catch the bus from Wynyard station which should take about 25 minutes. You can also get off at the stop before the bridge ” Spit West Reserve, Spit Rd“. Put one of these stops into google maps instead of looking for Spit Bridge to Manly walk.
At the end of the Spit Bridge there is a little staircase that leads you underneath the bridge. You will walk towards the Ellery’s Punt Reserve where the Spit Bridge to Manly walk starts.
Be aware that the bridge opens several times a day to let boats pass through. If you want to avoid being stuck for a while as you can’t cross the Spit Bridge look up the times here.
In Sydney you can use an Opal card (a smartcard ticketing system) or a contactless card to get the best price. Always tap on and off on public transport.
If you would like to start in Manly I recommend hopping on the ferry at Circular Quay. Finding the track of the Spit Bridge to Manly walk from the wharf is relatively easy. Just turn left when you arrive and walk towards the Manly Pavilion. Then walk towards Delwood Beach and you are on the track.
Good to Know
Bring snacks and sun protection
Even though the track isn’t in the middle of nowhere, it can be hard to find something to eat for a while. Make sure you bring some snacks and enjoy them during a break at the beach. There also isn’t a lot of shade and the Australian sun can get very strong. To protect yourself make sure to put on sunscreen and bring a hat.
Where to find water
As you will be hiking for a few hours you should bring enough water. You can’t get water in the bush, however you can refill your bottle at Clontarf or after the bush track at Fairlight beach and then in Manly.
Public Toilets
You can find public toilets along the way. They are at Clontarf Reserve, at Tania Park close to the Fairlight lookout, at Reef Beach, near Forty Baskets Beach, at North Harbour Reserve, at manly Cove and at the Wharf.
The Spit Bridge to Manly Walk Route
Spit Bridge to Clontarf Reserve
From the Spit Bridge make your way to Ellery’s Punt Reserve and follow the path around Fisher Bay which offers beautiful views of all the boats in the bay. Everywhere you’ll find lizards on the rocks catching the sunlight. When you get to Sandy Bay just follow the path to Clontarf Reserve which is just around the corner. It’s a great sport to grab food or fill up your water bottle. You can also swim there and go to Clontarf baths.
Clontarf Reserve to Dobroyd Head
From Clontarf Reserve make your way to Castle Rock Beach. Follow the Clontarf track and enjoy the amazing views. On the way you can spot some secret beaches from above. One is right after Clontarf Point where the path starts. Usually only accessible by boat, you can climb down the rocks or walk a bit further where you find little stairs if you’re adventurous. You’re likely to have the beach almost only for yourself as most people don’t know about it. Just look on your right for a beach that looks like the photo below and see if you find a little path to get down but be careful!
A little further along the way there is another secret beach that’s easier accessible where you can relax on the rocks or on the sand. From there you can already see castle Rock Beach.
Just follow the path and you’ll get to Castle Rock Beach. To get to the beach you need to go down the stairs. The beach is only accessible by foot and boat so it shouldn’t be too busy. During low tide the beach is a bit bogger than during high tide.
Continue on the track until you come to the sign that leads you to the right to Grotto Point Lighthouse. You can skip this if you want to be quicker but if you have the time I would recommend. Follow the path and walk to the lighthouse. On the way back you can take the path going to the right to Washaway Beach. However this beach isn’t always visible. Try to visit during low tide. Walk back to the main track where you soon see a sign leading you to Aboriginal engravings.
Follow the path to Dobroyd Head and stop at the Crater Cove lookout. There are stunning views over the Cove. Further along the way there is a path that brings you down to Crater Cove and to the Sydney Secret Huts – heritage-listed fishing huts.
Dobroyd Head to Manly
Continue the Spit Bridge to Manly walk until you reach Reef Beach, another secluded beach. Go for a swim before you continue to walk towards Manly. Look out for all the beautiful multi million dollar homes that make you wish to win the lottery so that you can also enjoy this beautiful ocean view every day.
Follow the path to Forty baskets beach, Fairlight beach with its tidal pool and Delwood beach.
Soak in the last views of the Spit Bridge to Manly walk and continue to the wharf. From there you can make hop on a ferry or what I recommend walk to the promenade of Manly and the famous Manly beach to relax and end the day with a well deserved meal and of course a drink in one of the many cute cafes and restaurants.
The best way to end the Spit Bridge to Manly walk is on the ferry, as you get beautiful views on the way back to Circular Quay. You’ll pass the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge which is especially beautiful during sunset.
And this is my guide to the Spit Bridge to Manly walk with all the tips you need to have a great time, the best things to see and much more! If you would like to do more hikes in Sydney stay tuned, there will be more soon!
If you have any questions or tips please let me know in the comments 🙂
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