The scenic Spit to Manly walk starts at Spit Bridge and ends at the Northern Beaches coastal town of Manly and a fantastic activity for a dry day. Starting at the Spit Bridge, the track passes through Clontarf Beach, Castle Rock, and Grotto Point, leading to the iconic Manly Beach.
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Looking for the perfect blend of nature, adventure, and breathtaking views? The Spit to Manly walk offers all that and more! Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time adventurer, this iconic coastal track will lead you through lush bushland, along dramatic cliffs, and offer panoramic vistas of Sydney’s coastline.
Join us as we dive into this unforgettable journey, highlighting must-see spots, practical tips, and everything you need to know for an incredible walk from the Spit to Manly.
Spit Bridge Starting Point
Set off from the iconic Spit Bridge, where your journey into Sydney’s stunning coastline begins. The Spit to Manly walk is a must-do for nature lovers and adventurers alike, offering a blend of spectacular water views, lush bushland, and unique wildlife along the way. Starting from the Spit, you’ll weave through the heart of Sydney’s Northern Beaches, taking in dramatic cliffs and hidden coves before arriving at the vibrant shores of Manly. Get ready for an unforgettable walk, as we guide you through each step of the trail and share the best spots along the way.
To start the walk, we walked on the underside of the Spit bridge from the marina side, which brought us to the left hand side of the bridge (shown in image above).
Where is the Spit Bridge and Manly?
The Spit to Manly walk is located in the Northern Beaches of Sydney, in the state of NSW. The Spit Bridge connects Mosman to the Northern Beaches. It marks the starting point of the Spit to Manly Walk. Manly is the finishing location and is a coastal town in the Northern Beaches.
Map
Starting the trail walk
Once we had crossed the bridge, there are stairs as shown in the photos above, which brought us down to the start of the walk where there was a Northern Beaches Council sign with a map. The path led alongside the water and then through a trail.
The walk from Spit Bridge to Clontarf Beach is a scenic, 2-3 km stretch along the Spit to Manly Walk, offering beautiful views of Sydney Harbour, lush bushland, and tranquil coves. This part of the track is relatively short but filled with diverse landscapes, making it an excellent choice for a quick escape into nature. It usually takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on your pace and how often you stop to admire the scenery.
Castle Rock Beach
Castle Rock Beach is a hidden gem located on the walk, near the suburb of Balgowlah Heights. This small and secluded beach is nestled between Clontarf and Manly, offering a quiet and serene escape for those looking for a more peaceful, less crowded spot. The walk passes the stunning beach and picturesque blue waters. This is the perfect spot to stop off for a quick dip or picnic on the beach.
Clontarf Beach
Clontarf Beach is a beautiful, relatively quiet beach located on the northern shores of Sydney Harbour, in the suburb of Clontarf, which is part of the Northern Beaches area of Sydney. It’s a lovely, family-friendly beach that’s perfect for swimming, picnicking, and enjoying the stunning views of Sydney Harbour.
We stopped off at Clontarf Beach which is part of the walk when the tide is out. The sandy beach has generally calm waters. Whilst taking a dip in the water, we spotted a starfish in the water, and there were many sand feeding fish. There was a ice cream boat which to turned up to our surprise.
Safety Tip:
A few safety tips include checking the NSW National Park website for local alerts. When there has been rain or is raining it can be dangerous to do the walk. On a summers day, avoid waling in the midday sun.
Be sure to wear sun cream, take breaks, and stay hydrated.
Grotto Point Aboriginal engraving site
The Grotto Point Aboriginal Site is an important Aboriginal heritage site located within the Sydney Harbour National Park near Clontarf, on the northern side of Sydney Harbour. This site is historically significant for its rock engravings, which provide a glimpse into the traditional life of the Guringai people, the Indigenous group who once inhabited the area.
The site is a protected cultural heritage area and contains a series of Aboriginal rock carvings and rock engravings that depict various symbols and images, including fish, birds, shapes, and possibly other totemic figures. These carvings were made by the Guringai people, who were the traditional custodians of the land in the northern Sydney region.
Wildlife on the walk
Forty Baskets
Forty Baskets Beach is a beautiful, peaceful beach located on the northern side of Sydney Harbour, within the Sydney Harbour National Park. It’s part of a scenic coastal area with calm waters and great views of the Harbour. The Forty Baskets Beach access is typically part of the Spit to Manly Walk or other walks around the area.
The beach is relatively quiet and not as crowded as Manly Beach, making it a wonderful spot for a swim or to relax by the water. It’s situated in the Balgowlah Heights area, just a short walk from the Balgowlah or Fairlight area.
Fairlight
The Fairlight Walk is a scenic walking track that begins at Fairlight (a peaceful, residential area near Manly) and heads toward Manly Beach, offering picturesque views of Sydney Harbour and the coastline. The walk finishes at Manly Wharf, which is the heart of Manly, where you’ll find plenty of cafes, restaurants, and transport connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
2. By Public Transport:
- Bus: You can take a bus from Circular Quay or Wynyard Station to Spit Bridge. Bus numbers like 143, 144, and 190 can get you there, depending on your starting point. The trip usually takes around 30–40 minutes from the city.
- Ferry + Bus: Alternatively, you could take a ferry to Neutral Bay or Mosman and then transfer to a bus that goes to the Spit Bridge.
Yes you can walk from Manly to the Spit Bridge.
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Luke
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Luke is a passionate snorkeler who started Snorkelverse to live his dream of combining his passions for snorkeling, marine life, protecting marine ecosystems, and helping others.
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