A Guide To The Coastal Spit To Manly Walk

Lace up your shoes and get ready for an outstanding bushwalk, because the Spit Bridge to Manly walk is always an excellent idea.

The Spit to Manly walk, also known as the Manly Scenic Walkway, is a must-see 10-kilometre coastal track offering striking views of Sydney Harbour, stunning secret beaches, sites of cultural significance and snapshots of Australian plants and wildlife. It’s popular, so expect to encounter a combination of Sydneysiders enjoying their favourite day hike and wide-eyed international visitors soaking in the natural beauty for the first time.

It’s not just a track for hiking, remember to pack your swimmers to enjoy the secluded swimming spots along the way, and throw in your snorkels for good measure, so you’re prepared when you reach Fairlight Beach, one of the best snorkelling spots in Sydney.

Here is how to get the most out of this stunning coastal walk.

The Spit Bridge to Clontarf

Distance: 2.3 kilometres (approximate)

Beginning at the Spit, take an opportunity to grab a coffee from either Plonk Beach Cafe or Grumpy’s Wharf Cafe, and use the bathroom facilities before starting. Walk down the steps at the northern end of the Spit Bridge to reach Ellery’s Punt Reserve and make your way east. It doesn’t take long for the sounds of steady traffic to be replaced by an earthy soundtrack of bird calls; look out for lorikeets and kookaburras in the canopy above.

The first highlight is inside a rock cave which can be found just on from Fisher Bay. Here, you’ll find signs of small, sun-bleached, white shells indicating an Aboriginal midden.

Keep walking and you’ll pass by dog-friendly Sandy Bay. Dogs aren’t allowed in the national park, so if you’d like your dog to run free here, it’s best to come back another time with a car.

Walk along the serene shore at Clontarf Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’ll soon find yourself at the stretch of golden sand that is Clontarf Beach. Clontarf is family-friendly, with shallow and calm waters, and an enclosed tidal pool swimming area. You can grab a takeaway drink and a bite to eat at Bosk Kiosk or stop by Sandy Bar Cafe if you prefer to take a break from walking. Keep in mind that this is the last cafe until you are significantly further along the trail at North Harbour Reserve.

a Poinsettia plant next to North Harbour, Spit to Manly Coastal Walk, Sydney, Australia

Stop at North Harbour Reserve. (Image: lrosebrugh via Getty Images)

As you make your way along the foreshore, you’ll notice a large and enticing shaded playground. The grassed area behind the beach is shady, with barbecues and picnic tables available, as well as bathroom facilities (the last until Reef Bay). It is advisable to fill up your water here too, as there are no water fountains until the end of the track at Fairlight Beach.

walking from Spit Bridge to Manly via Clontarf Beach

Traverse the Spit Bridge to Manly via Clontarf Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

Clontarf to Dobroyd Head

Distance: three kilometres (approximate)

This leg of the track is often people’s favourite part. The path hugs the coastline to reveal beautiful water views and some parts of the walk feel like lush rainforest. The first stretch from Clontarf is along a sandy beach only accessible at low tide.

friends enjoying stunning coastal views of Sydney Harbour from Dobroyd Head, Balgowlah Heights.

Soak up scenic coastal views in Balgowlah Heights. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’ll have to take the alternative road along Monash Crescent if you’re walking through at high tide. This is clearly signposted, and the end of the road takes you back to the track. Be on the lookout for wildlife as you may come across eastern water dragons and a range of birds, including bush turkeys.

a couple enjoying the walk from Spit Bridge to Manly with scenic views across Sydney Harbour

You’ll be spoilt for stunning coastal views from Spit to Manly. (Image: Destination NSW)

If you didn’t stop for a swim at Clontarf, there are some great options in this section. Consider taking the steps down to secluded and rocky Isoldes Beach. Be mindful of the tides and where you leave your belongings as parts of this beach are prone to disappear underwater.

Further along the track is pristine and popular Castle Rock Beach, which is bigger than Isoldes and home to an ancient Aboriginal rock carving. While there can usually be a handful of keen swimmers floating in the water, this beach is certainly more private than Clontarf.

The next part of the track does become more challenging as you walk through bushland. You’ll pass a detour sign for Grotto Point, which will take you down to the historic Grotto Point Lighthouse and hidden Washaway Bay. Grotto Point Lighthouse dates back to 1911 and was originally constructed to help ships coming through Sydney Harbour; it’s still operational today.

Take in panoramic views across Sydney Harbour from Grotto Point. (Image: Destination NSW)

It’s important to note that the detour is not an official part of the track, nor factored into the overall track distance length. While this detour section is good for birdwatching and scenic views, the path is not clearly signposted like the Spit to Manly track and a map is needed.

the Grotto Point Aboriginal engraving site along theSpit Bridge to Manly walk

You’ll spot the Grotto Point Aboriginal engraving site. (Image: Destination NSW)

Keep an eye out for the signpost to see the Grotto Point Aboriginal rock engravings, which are only a very short distance from the track. If you look carefully, you will see a whale, small fish, boomerangs and a large kangaroo. There is a boardwalk and timber enclosures to protect these well-preserved engravings, and an information sign to learn more.

friends visiting the Grotto Point Aboriginal engravingsalong the Spit Bridge to Manly walk

See rock engravings at Grotto Point. (Image: Destination NSW)

Breathtaking lookouts showcasing incredible panoramic views of Sydney Harbour round out the leg of this track. A slight detour up to Arabanoo lookout at Dobroyd Head offers expansive views of North and South Head – it’s an especially great spot during whale-watching season.

scenic coastal aerial view across Sydney Harbour from the Spit Bridge to Manly Walk

Sydney Harbour looks stunning atop the Spit Bridge to Manly Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

The lookout is named after Arabanoo, an Aboriginal man who was abducted from Manly, on Governor Arthur Phillip’s orders, to act as an intermediary between the new government and local Aboriginal peoples. On your way through you will also pass by Fairlight Lookout, Dobroyd Head Lookout and Dobroyd Lower Lookout; all with picturesque views and incredible photo opportunities.

Boats and yachts are moored across Sydney Harbour. (Image: Destination NSW)

Dobroyd Head to Manly

Distance: five kilometres (approximate)

The final section of the track comprises a mix of bushland, coastal track and residential area. Accordingly, it’s more exposed without the canopy’s shade, so a hat is particularly important here.

While facilities across this whole track are limited, there are more options in this final section, with toilets available at Reef Beach, Forty Baskets Beach, North Harbour Reserve and Fairlight Beach.

friends enjoying a walk along Forty Baskets Beach,Balgowlah

Go for a stroll along the Forty Baskets Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

To celebrate passing the halfway point, stop for a refreshing swim at Reef Bay. Keep an eye out for an ice cream vendor boat that roams the beaches. Like an ice cream truck on land, you’ll hear the bell and know it’s coming, giving you enough time to find some money (cards are also accepted).

Further along at Forty Basket Beach, you’ll find an enclosed swimming bath and a children’s playground. The beaches from here onwards tend to be busier, as there is nearby car access. Forty Beans Cafe is accessible and can be found at the North Harbour reserve, so pop in for a coffee or to grab a bite.

This marks a shift in the trail towards residential areas, so keep an eye out for signs to ensure you are following the correct street. Eventually, you will rejoin the coast, replacing the bush with a backdrop of houses and apartments.

stunning coastal views of the Manly Ferry passing through Sydney Harbour from Dobroyd Head, Balgowlah Heights

The view above Dobroyd Head is nothing short of spectacular. (Image: Destination NSW)

Bustling Fairlight Beach attracts swimmers, snorkelers and those wanting to relax on the sand. Head further along to smaller Delwood Beach to swim with less crowds. You’ll also see signs for penguins – yes, little penguins call Delwood Beach and Manly home. It’s only a small penguin colony, and numbers are sadly diminishing each year. The penguins return to Manly for breeding between May and February and are most likely spotted at sunset when they return to their burrows.

Make your way towards Manly Wharf, where the coastal trail ends, and soak in the vibrant Manly atmosphere. If you would like to extend your walk further and complete the whole Manly Scenic Walkway, consider undertaking the North Head circuit.

Beginning above Shelly Beach and looping around North Head, this eight-kilometre walk brings the total distance of the Walkway track to 20 kilometres.

Manly has a wealth of fun and dynamic activities to do, there’s so much to see and enjoy. Head to Manly Beach or stop for a drink at one of Manly’s cafes or pubs: you’ve certainly earned it!

a couple sitting by the wharf at Forty Baskets Beach

Sit by the wharf at Forty Baskets Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take?

Walking usually takes between 3.5 and four hours, without breaks. This is a Grade three track, meaning it is moderate to challenging. There are parts with sand, paved walkways, trails and boardwalks. There is an alternate dog route track available, which doesn’t enter the national park, and takes approximately two hours.

a wooden boardwalk along the Spit Bridge to Manly Coastal Walk

Find paved walkways and boardwalks on your journey to Manly. (Image: lrosebrugh via Getty Images)

How to get there and back?

While you can begin from either The Spit or Manly, a popular option is to begin at the Spit and finish at Manly, where the lively atmosphere and ocean make the perfect place to relax after the long walk. This route is also the easiest for public transport, as there are regular buses from Wynyard departing for the Northern Beaches.

From Manly, there are returning buses towards the city but a popular option is to catch the ferry back to Circular Quay. As there is paid parking at the Spit reserve, some walkers prefer to park at The Spit, complete the track and catch a bus back to where they started.

an aerial view of Manly Cove from the Manly to Spit Walk in Sydney Harbour National Park

Ferries go between Manly and Circular Quay. (Image: Hamilton Lund; Destination NSW)

Parking tips?

Due to its popularity, we recommend arriving early to nab a park. There are two car parking areas at The Spit: Spit West car park and Spit East reserve.

Manly has council-owned parking garages where you can park for free for a set number of hours, however, the walk is anticipated to take double this amount of time, so plan ahead. Manly also has timed and paid street parking options, and some free street parking far from the beach.

a scenic view from Spit Bridge to Manly walk

Rewarding views await you. (Image: dalal nizam)

Once you’ve tackled this walk, consider exploring another one of Sydney’s magical coastal walks.

Welcome to the first instalment of Hotel Addict, a monthly column where I check into Australia’s best hotels, exploring not just the rooms, but the stories, service and settings that make each stay unforgettable and worth adding to your wishlist.

Hotel stays have quietly become my thing. Long before I became a travel journalist, I was booking staycations just for a change of scenery. Some had charm, some had character, some had neither. Once, I even stayed in a hotel directly opposite my own apartment – partly for the novelty, partly because I wanted to see my life from a different angle.

For me, hotels represent a kind of mystery – I find myself wanting to know what these buildings contain. Many of them are designed with intention: lighting, materials, scent and sounds that often reflect the city they sit in. Time seems to gently pause in these spaces, which have increasingly become the destination itself for modern travellers.

It only felt fitting for the first hotel in this series to be in my home city and at the hotel that’s been at the top of my list: Capella Sydney.

A sandstone heritage building and palm trees

Capella sits within an Edwardian Baroque‑style sandstone building.

An email with a hotel program from the “Culturist Team” lets me know this will be a luxurious stay. There’s a guided walk around the Botanic Gardens, a weaving workshop and a Sydney contemporary art tour – the kind of addition that signals a hotel that’s tuned into the finer details, and one that’s not surprising given that Capella’s ethos centres on delivering personalised, immersive experiences.

Capella opened in 2023 within a transformed Edwardian Baroque‑style sandstone building in Sydney’s CBD that was originally designed by renowned Scottish-Australian architect George McRae. I often walk past this building and once attended an event inside – I distinctly remember being surprised by how beautiful it was. Bar Studio, Make Architects, and stylist Simone Haag were engaged to sensitively adapt the building for contemporary luxury while honouring its past, in collaboration with Heritage NSW and the City of Sydney.

When I arrive, I’m greeted by three different staff members along the way to reception. There’s a lovely subtle scent, which I later learn combines notes of bergamot, green tea leaves, peony, freesia, vetiver and cedarwood. This hotel strikes such a beautiful balance between grandness and intimacy, with large floral bouquets, contemporary artworks, impressively high ceilings that give it an international feel and quieter nooks to unwind in. Each space is unique, but they’re all unified by a warm, textural and layered design.

Sydney has been deserving of a hotel of this calibre for quite some time, with many of the accommodations in the city looking and feeling dated.

A modern hotel reception with high ceilings

The design strikes the perfect balance between grandness and intimacy.

I have a treatment booked at the hotel’s Auriga Spa prior to check-in. The space is ultra-luxe, moodily lit and intimate, featuring timber joinery, green walls and a sleek design that’s so perfect it almost transports me to Japan. I opt for the Replenish Beauty and LED Facial – a strategic choice with a TV segment on the horizon, and a hopeful bid to look extra fresh for the camera.

The treatment begins with me sitting in the softest robe of my life, wearing slippers and sipping chamomile tea. I’m then whisked away to my private treatment room, which has its own bathroom, a large skylight and a small Japanese-style garden. The treatment is extremely relaxing and moves through cleansing, exfoliating, massaging (arm, head, neck and face) and LED Light Therapy. There’s so much attention to detail – even at the end, the facialist puts my slippers back on me, while I’m still lying down.

Spa treatment room with a massage bed, featuring timber walls and a serene Japanese-style garden visible through a window.

A treatment at Auriga Spa might be the best way I’ve ever started a hotel stay. (Image: Rachael Thompson)

While this treatment certainly hasn’t had a Benjamin Button effect, my sister seems to think I’m glowing, so I walk away happy, or at the very least, zen.

Auriga Spa has a sauna, steam room, ice fountain and a beautiful indoor heated swimming pool. There’s also “experiential showers” – new to me, but essentially it combines water flowing from different places, changing temperatures, mood lighting, gentle sounds, and a subtle lemongrass scent.

You could easily spend the better part of a day at the spa and pool, even if you’re not a guest.

The indoor heated swimming pool with glass ceiling at Capella Sydney.

Guests outside the hotel can use the spa and swimming pool. (Image: Rachael Thompson)

I’m escorted to my room, drunk on relaxation, but I make sure to take note of how noisy the hallways are – answer: dead quiet. My room is 50 square metres, which is huge by hotel standards, but particularly for one in the CBD. It feels like a high-end apartment with floorboards, a freestanding bath and a seating/dining area. My eyes are immediately drawn to the line-up of macarons waiting for me on the dining table.

I’m thrilled to see the mini bar armoire includes a small wine fridge stocked with Minuty Prestige Côtes de Provence, Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, Handpicked Wines Pinot Noir, and Moët Grand Vintage. Not that I plan on using it (I simply could not justify the prices) – but it’s a nice extra that makes the room feel that much more luxurious. The drinks lineup reads like a who’s-who of local favourites – Young Henrys, Maybe Sammy cocktails, Four Pillars gin and Archie Rose gin. Snacks include Tyrell’s chips, Pringles, Natural Confectionery lollies, and a Carman’s oat bar.

Some small touches I appreciate that some hotels don’t offer: the option to choose your housekeeping time, an iron that actually works well, a Bluetooth speaker, the beloved wine fridge, aluminium water bottles and a bathroom without a glass door or screen that awkwardly exposes you. The one downside is that some of these rooms don’t offer much in the way of a view.

A modern hotel room with a monochrome paletter.

I stayed in a Premier Room which was elegant and relaxing. (Image: Rachael Thompson)

4:30pm is Swill Hour – a daily tradition that nods to the historical “six o’clock swill” in Australia. This one-hour event takes place in the Living Room and invites guests to gather and enjoy each other’s company with a signature cocktail in hand. This afternoon’s tipple is a Eucalyptus Gimlet, a clever, herbaceous little cocktail, by the multi-award-winning Maybe Sammy Team, served on coasters depicting drawings of the historic building. The canapé of the day is a tomato and stracciatella tart. I noticed several staff members chatting with guests like old friends, asking how their adventures earlier in the day went – clearly remembering previous conversations from earlier visits.

Dinner is booked for 6:30pm in Aperture – arguably the most beautiful area of the accommodation. It’s decorated with Australian flora and features a kinetic sculpture hanging from the roof that opens like flowers, with softly changing lights. Tyler, who is serving us, clearly admires the Capella brand, speaking enthusiastically about the other international properties he’s been to and sharing how he sometimes brings his five-year-old daughter here to use the pool.

Interior of Aperture at Capella Sydney, featuring lush greenery and a striking ceiling-mounted sculpture.

The scale of Aperture gives it an international feel.

I kick things off with a basil melon margarita – a winning recommendation – before tucking into the best prawn toast I’ve ever had. For mains it’s crispy Ōra King salmon and spaghetti with mud crab.

When I arrive back at my room, there’s a vegan leather journal on my bed with a note that says: “The ritual of journaling allows us to pause, reflect and focus.” This is part of the turndown service, and my slippers are neatly lined up next to my bed. Will I journal? No. Do I think it’s a nice touch? Yes.

Brasserie 1930 at Capella Sydney, where Art Deco elegance meets contemporary Australian cuisine.

Brasserie 1930 boasts Art Deco elegance.

The next morning, I make the predictable choice of smashed avo for breakfast at the on-site restaurant, Brasserie 1930. There’s also a buffet brimming with all the usual suspects.

Afterwards, I head to the pool to relax for a few hours before the 11am checkout. Despite my earlier resolve not to journal, I find myself reflecting nonetheless – an irony not lost on me – on my 21st hotel stay in Sydney. I write this with growing assurance that great hotels don’t just provide a place to stay; they create memorable moments, thanks in large part to fantastic staff. Kudos to the hiring manager.

Next stop: The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart!

A guide to the coastal Spit to Manly Walk

Lace up your shoes and get ready for an outstanding bushwalk, because the Spit Bridge to Manly walk is always an excellent idea.

The Spit Bridge to Clontarf

Clontarf to Dobroyd Head

Dobroyd Head to Manly

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take?

How to get there and back?

Parking tips?

Once you’ve tackled this walk, consider exploring another one of Sydney’s magical coastal walks.

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Welcome to the first instalment of Hotel Addict, a monthly column where I check into Australia’s best hotels, exploring not just the rooms, but the stories, service and settings that make each stay unforgettable and worth adding to your wishlist.