The Manly to Spit Walk is one of the best Sydney coastal walks for a quick escape from the city. The trail from Manly Beach to Spit Bridge follows the coastline through rugged bush, into deep bays and onto high cliffs – offering several stunning Sydney viewpoints along the way!
Traversing through dense forest and past ancient Aboriginal carvings, the Manly coastal walk is not only scenic, but historic.
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About the Manly to Spit Walk
Well-connected by public transport, it’s one of the easiest bush walks in Sydney to access – making the Manly to Spit Bridge Walk highly popular with both locals and tourists.
Ranking as one of our favorite walks around Sydney, we are sharing our first-hand knowledge to help other adventurers in Australia enjoy the Manly scenic walkway.
Below, we include specifics of the Manly to Spit Coastal Walk and explain each section in detail. You will also find advice on how to get to Manly Beach or Spit Bridge.
Additionally, we have included a Manly to Spit Walk Map that will help you make your way along the route.
Manly to Spit Walk Details
Before you set off on the Manly walk to Spit Bridge, you probably have a few questions. No worries – we include all the pertinent details below!
How Long is the Manly to Spit Walk?
The entire length of the Manly Beach walk to Spit Bridge is about 10km (6.2 miles) one way.
Because it is possible to access the Manly walking tracks at several points (even with public transport), it’s simple to shorten the length of this Sydney coastal walk.
Manly to Spit Walk Time
The Manly to Spit Bridge scenic walk can be completed in about 3 to 4 hours one way. Of course, how long it takes depends pace, detours and stops to enjoy the impressive scenery.
Although we took a few side trails, stopped for a picnic lunch and paused for several photo ops, we finished the trek in just a little over 4 hours.
Manly to Spit Difficulty Level
The Manly to Spit Bridge trail is easy-to-moderate and suitable for most walkers. This Sydney scenic walkway does have stairs, incline/decline and varied path types (paved, dirt, wooden path and sand beach).
How To Get to The Manly to Spit Bridge Coastal Walk
Both Spit Bridge and Manly are easily accessible by public transportation. By starting the trek in Manly, the best transportation option from Sydney is the ferry. If beginning the Spit to Manly walk at Spit Bridge, it is best accessed by public bus.
Self-Drive to the Spit to Manly Walk
Although it is possible to drive to the start of the Spit to Manly coastal walk, we don’t recommend it unless you plan on walking roundtrip.
In Manly, there are multiple parking lots. There is a Spit Bridge to Manly Walk parking lot that can be found south of the bridge on the west side of Spit Road.
Our Manly to Spit Walk Guide
Begin the walk from Manly to Spit Bridge at the Manly Wharf. From here, the Manly Beach walking track is called the Fairlight Walk. It leads west past Manly Cove on a paved sidewalk to the heritage-listed Manly Pavilion.
Manly to North Harbour Reserve
Just past Manly Pavilion is a rocky outcrop called Federation Point – and it’s a great spot to take in the harbor views.
Continue on Fairlight Walk – keeping an eye out for the penguins that frequent the area – past Delwood Beach to Fairlight Beach. There is a tidal pool, bathrooms and a water fountain at Fairlight Beach.
Keep following the path of the Manly Beach coastal walk along the rugged shoreline and past the residential houses toward the Manly Boathouse.
The trail leaves the coastline, crosses a street (at a dead end) and picks up on North Harbour Walk. The path veers away from the coastline and joins a road, Lauderdale Avenue.
To continue on the route, walkers need to take a short jaunt through a neighborhood following these simple directions.
Walk west on Lauderdale to King Avenue. Turn left (south) and follow the street as it hooks right (west) until it ends.
At the end of King, turn right (south) and look for the path and blue sign pointing in the direction of Spit Bridge. Follow the sidewalk into North Harbour Reserve.
North Harbour Reserve to Dobroyd Head
At the south end of North Harbour Reserve, the trail again deviates from the coastline and into a neighborhood. Use the following directions.
Take the stairs up to North Harbour Street and walk south toward Clarence Street. The street hooks right, but on the left, there is a path between two houses.
Follow the footpath on the left (leading east) and emerge on Gourlay Avenue. Turn left (north) on Gourlay and walk toward the marina. Find the path just south of the marina and follow it to Forty Baskets Beach.
As long as there is coastline (and not an extremely high tide), stick to the coast on what is now called Forty Baskets Track. This section is not a path, as much as it is a walk along the sandy beach and rocky shoreline.
Walk along the coast until you find the path that enters the bush and leads to Reef Beach. From Reef Beach, the trail navigates through bush into part of the Sydney Harbour National Park and to the Dobroyd Head Lookout.
Dobroyd Head Lookout to Grotto Point Lighthouse
From the Dobroyd Head Lookout, jump back on the trail and continue on the Manly-Spit walk route through the bush. You will likely see animals here; we have spotted brush turkeys, blue-tongue lizards and ring-tail possums.
Bypass the detours to Crater Cove and Arabanoo Lookout. Soon after the trail changes from dirt to boardwalk, you will arrive at Crater Cove Lookout.
From Crater Cove, the path switches between boardwalk, dirt and stone. Look for a narrow path that leads to large rocks just off the main path.
Detour onto the rocks then navigate down to where there are outstanding views of the Sydney skyline. Return to the path that eventually leads into a shaded forest with inclines/declines and stairs.
After entering the forest, you will see a small signpost and trail leading to your left (south, toward the water). Turn onto it to find historic Aboriginal stone carvings.
Retrace your steps to the main trail of the Manly Scenic Walk and continue just a short distance to a second detour on your left – this one leads to Grotto Point Lighthouse and Cliff View.
While this track is more rugged and less-visited, we only recommend taking the detour if you are interested in seeing the lighthouse and have both the time and energy.
Grotto Point Lighthouse to Spit Bridge
From Grotto Point Lighthouse (or Grotto Point Lighthouse junction), continue on the Manly to Spit Walk route through the forest toward Castle Rock.
Unless you are eager to see Castle Rock Beach (and willing to hike the stairs down – and up – to see it), we recommend skipping it.
Instead, stay on the path and follow it around Clontarf Point, where you will likely need to detour into a neighborhood to avoid getting wet. However, if the tide is low, just keep walking!
For the detour, use these directions: Take the path between houses onto Monash Cres; turn left and walk to Clontarf Reserve where you can get back on the coast.
On the north side of Clontarf Reserve is a sea pool and toilets. Follow the sidewalk from the reserve to Sandy Bay, passing Clontarf Marina on the way. The track continues along the shoreline, past a beach and around a point.
Walk along the trail as it enters a forested area. Pass the moored sailboats (and one ancient houseboat) as you walk into Shell Cove. From the cove, it’s a short walk along the shore to where the Manly Beach to Spit Bridge walk ends.
If catching a bus back to Sydney, cross the bridge and find the stop just to the south. You can check schedules on the NSW Trip Planner.
Spit Bridge
Although the Spit Bridge in Sydney isn’t particularly picturesque, it has considerable historical significance.
Built in 1958 to connect Sydney to the Northern Beaches, it is the only one of its kind (Lift Bridge) left in the region.
Being on a major thoroughfare, the opening of the bridge for water vessels causes havoc for vehicular traffic. Therefore, there are precise times when the bridge opens.
Spit Bridge Opening Times
As of 2025, during the work week, Spit Bridge opening times are limited to the following. 10:15am, 11:15am, 1:15pm, 2:15pm, 8:15pm – and 9:15pm during daylight savings.
On weekends, the bridge is open at 8:30am, 10:00am, 11:30am, 2:30pm, 4:30pm, 6:30pm, 8:30pm an 9:30pm. For the most current information, visit NSW Transport.
Spit to Manly: Walking the Reverse Direction
We have outlined the walking route from Manly to Spit Bridge, which is ideal for Manly residents and visitors staying in Manly Beach.
However, making the trek in the reverse direction might work better for travelers who are based in central Sydney.
What we like about making the Spit Bridge to Manly coastal walk is that we end at the beach community. Here we can celebrate our walk with a cold drink (4 Pines Brewery has some of the Best Sydney Craft Beer) or with a dip in the Pacific Ocean.
Another reason that we prefer to walk Spit to Manly is that we can catch the ferry back to Sydney. The ferry ride from Manly Beach to Sydney is spectacular in the afternoon light – especially for sunset over the Harbour Bridge.
Manly to Spit Bridge Walk Map
Use this Google Map for an online Manly to Spit Bridge Coastal Walk map.
More Sydney Coastal Walks
Looking for other scenic walks in Sydney? There are multiple options for nice walks in Sydney – from beach walks to Pacific coastline trails to a day trip to the Blue Mountains. Below are a few of our top picks for best scenic walks near Sydney.
Bondi to Coogee
The Bondi to Coogee route is one of the great walks in Sydney that every visitor should do at least once! Find out everything you need to know about this wonderful trek in our Bondi to Coogee Walk Guide.
Watsons Bay
It’s a short and scenic walk around Watsons Bay to the Instagram famous Camp Cove Jetty and iconic Hornby Lighthouse. Don’t miss the scenic viewpoints on Gap Bluff, too! Watsons Bay is easily reached by ferry from Circular Quay.
Shelly Beach to Manly Headland Walk
One of the other popular walks from Manly is the Shelly Beach track to North Head. The Manly walking trails on the headland lead to several scenic viewpoints and an old military fort.
Sydney Harbour Walks
A walk along the Sydney Harbour includes numerous iconic sights – like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Use our Self Guided Sydney Walking Tour to help guide you on your way!
Blue Mountains Day Trips
Head out of Sydney for a day of nature in the Blue Mountains. Read our complete guide on planning a perfect Blue Mountains Day Trip.
Essentials for the Manly to Spit Walk
Before you set off from Manly to the Spit – or vice versa – you need to make sure you are prepared for the trek! We are sharing a few tips on what you will want to have with you.
Durable Shoes
While the Spit Manly Coastal Walk does not require technical hiking boots, you should wear good walking shoes. I like hiking in my everyday trainers and Kris wears Merrell Trail Shoes.
Pro Tip: Read our advice and honest reviews on the best versatile and lightweight Travel Shoes.
Sun Protection & Water
As much of the walk in Sydney is out in the open, it is necessary to use high SPF sunscreen and/or a wide-brimmed hat to protect your skin. It is also highly recommended that you bring a refillable water bottle!
Travel Camera
The Spit Bridge Manly Walk is incredibly scenic. If you are anything like us, you’ll be snapping tons of photos during your walk! For high-quality photos, bring an actual camera (rather than just your phone).
We travel with a Canon Rebel, which takes beautiful pictures and is a fantastic DSLR budget camera.
Day Pack
We believe it is best to carry a day bag – like a small, lightweight backpack – for your trek. Read our tips for the top characteristics of the best day bags for traveling.
Travel Tips for Planning a Sydney Trip
Those traveling to Australia are tasked with figuring out how to get there, where to stay and what to pack. We share heaps of advice in our detailed day-by-day Sydney Itinerary.
Travelers visiting other destinations in Australia can read more in our guides on What To Do in Melbourne, Visiting Cairns on a Budget, Brisbane Things To Do and What To See in Perth.
As you make plans and reservations for Australia, make sure you are organized! We recommend using our Printable Travel Planner to ensure you stay on top of all your Sydney trip details.
Start planning your trip to Australia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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