Australia: Spit to Manly Walk
The Spit Bridge to Manly walk is a beautiful 10km/6.2mi moderate hiking trail (one way) close to the city of Sydney, Australia. It boasts native bushland, quiet inner harbour beaches, picturesque bays and panoramic ocean views. This is our go-to local hike when training for bigger treks.
Map at the start of the track
Sometimes during the week, but more often on weekends, you will find trail runners, avid walkers and locals on the trail. You may also encounter some high altitude trekkers or mountaineers completing the walk both ways and climbing up the many steps with a heavy backpack for training (like us!)
Plenty of Sydney Harbour water views
While you can walk from either direction, public transport options to return to your destination are more readily available once you reach Manly. As are cafes and other eateries. For a good circuit route, you can do the walk from the Spit Bridge. Then lunch in Manly and then get the ferry back to the city.
Beautiful view through the North and South Heads of Sydney Harbour
Whether you’re a local or a visitor to Sydney, we recommend the Spit to Manly Walk as a great way to see the harbour from a different perspective. It’s an easy trail to access on the northern side of the harbour and is close to the city.
City Views
Onwards and upwards!
Trevor
Watch the Video!
Insights
The walk forms part of the famous 20km Manly Scenic Walkway. It runs from the Spit all the way to Manly North Head.
It is well sign-posted and maintained, taking around 3 hours to complete, depending on your fitness level.
You can do this walk year round.
Take comfortable walking or hiking shoes, as the walk is over varied terrain.
There is a kiosk at Clontarf Reserve, around an hour into your walk from the Spit Bridge. The kiosk serves coffee, cold drinks and snacks and is a handy pit stop.
For another hike in the broader Sydney region, read our post on the Six Foot Track in the Blue Mountains.
