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Manly scenic walkway

Sydney Harbour National Park

Affected by closures, check current alerts 

Overview

Also known as the Spit Bridge to Manly Walk, Manly Scenic Walkway is among Sydney's best walking tracks. Enjoy bush, beach and beautiful views on this excellent day walk.

Where
Sydney Harbour National Park in Sydney and surrounds
Distance
10km one-way
Time suggested
3hrs 30min - 4hrs 30min
Grade
Grade 3
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Please note
  • The track detours in places when the tide is high so you don't get wet feet.
  • If you're planning to stop for a picnic or swim along the way, try Clontarf Reserve, Forty Baskets Reserve or Reef Beach.

What’s the prettiest way to get to Manly? Some say catching the Manly ferry, but those in the know will tell you otherwise – it’s the Manly scenic walkway.

Beginning at Mosman’s Spit Bridge, this classic Sydney coastal walk shows you some of the most picturesque parts of Middle and North Harbours.

Follow the shoreline to Fisher Bay, Sandy Bay and Clontarf Beach then enter the Sydney Harbour National Park at Castle Rock. Make your way around Dobroyd Head and don't miss the Aboriginal rock engravings at Grotto Point or the amazing views from Arabanoo lookout. Pass by or take a dip at Reef Beach or Forty Baskets on your way to Manly.

Fancy an ice cream at the Manly Corso after all that effort? Go on, you deserve it.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Along the way:

  • Reef Beach, Sydney Harbour National Park. Photo: John Yurasek/NSW Government

    Reef Beach

    A picturesque beach at Dobroyd Head near Manly, with scenic harbour views, Reef Beach brims with Aboriginal and historic significance in Sydney Harbour National Park.

  • Dobroyd Scenic Drive, Sydney Harbour National Park. Photo: David Finnegan/OEH

    Arabanoo lookout at Dobroyd Head

    Arabanoo lookout at Dobroyd Head is named in honour of Arabanoo, the first Aboriginal man to live among European settlers. It's a great spot for whale watching, offering views over North and South Head and the Pacific Ocean.

  • Signposts point the way to Grotto Point Aboriginal engravings off Manly scenic walkway. Photo: OEH/Natasha Webb

    Grotto Point Aboriginal engraving site

    Sydney Harbour National Park’s rock engravings immerse you in Sydney’s Aboriginal heritage. Head to Grotto Point at Dobroyd Head for historic rock art and scenic views.

  • Grotto Point lighthouse at sunset overlooking Sydney Harbour. Photo: OEH/Natasha Webb

    Grotto Point Lighthouse

    Accessed via Manly Scenic Walkway, historic Grotto Point Lighthouse offers scenic views, birdwatching and walking options in Sydney Harbour National Park.

 

Google Street View Trekker

Using Google Street View Trekker, we've captured imagery across a range of NSW national parks and attractions. Get a bird's eye view of these incredible landscapes before setting off on your own adventure.

Google Trekker at Cape Byron State Conservation Area. Photo: J Spencer/OEH.

Conservation program:

Fort Denison heritage collection project

Fort Denison is home to a wealth of historic heritage. The Fort Denison heritage collection project invited volunteers to locate, identify, document, conserve, interpret and make accessible the heritage collections in Sydney Harbour National Park. This allowed NPWS to engage with the community and ensure our collections are protected.

Fort Denison, Sydney Harbour National Park. Photo: David Finnegan

General enquiries

Operated by

Park info

  • in Sydney Harbour National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region

  • Sydney Harbour National Park is open sunrise to sunset but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

  • Park entry fees:

    Bradleys Head: $8 per vehicle per day. North Head: $5 per vehicle per day. Tap and pay card or phone payments accepted at pay machines. Coin payment available at Fairfax carpark machines only. Chowder Bay: Monday-Friday: $3 per hour, to a maximum of $16 per day. Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays: $4 per hour, to a maximum of $20 per day. If you hold an NPWS All Parks or Multi Parks Pass, you can park free for up to four hours per day - additional time can be purchased. Car parks operated by Sydney Harbour Federation Trust or Mosman Council are not covered by your pass. Please check signs carefully. Park’nPay: You can also pay for your visit to any area via the Park’nPay app.

    Other fees:

    Landing fees or tour fees apply to visit Sydney Harbour islands. All public visitors to Shark, Clark or Rodd Island, need to pay a $7 per person landing fee. To arrange, please contact 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS). Annual NSW Parks Passes do not cover landing fees.

    Buy annual pass
See more visitor info

What's nearby:

Things to do (110)

Events (8)

Tours (33)

Immersive stories (3)

Camping and accommodation (7)

Volunteering (6)

School excursions (9)

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