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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.
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 answers to the most common questions – like how to get to Manly Beach, the Manly to Spit Walk Distance and the Spit Bridge opening times.
Additionally, we have included a helpful 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. Therefore, the roundtrip Manly-to-Spit-to-Manly walk distance is 20km (12.4 miles).
Because it is possible to access the Manly walking tracks at several points (even with public transport), it is possible to shorten the length of this Sydney coastal walk.
However, if possible, we recommend completing the entire Manly to Spit walk one way.
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 on your pace, how many detours you take and how often you stop to enjoy the impressive Australian 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.
If starting the trek in Manly, the best transportation option from Sydney is the ferry, although there is a bus to Manly as well. To get from Sydney Central Station to Manly, the route includes a train and a bus or a train and a ferry.
If beginning the Spit to Manly walk at Spit Bridge, it is best accessed by public bus. There is a bus from both Sydney and Manly to Spit Bridge.
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 Spit Bridge on the west side of Spit Road.
Manly To Spit Bridge Walk Map
Use this Google Maps link for an online Manly to Spit Bridge Coastal Walk map.
Manly Walk To Spit Bridge
The Spit Bridge walk from Manly is one of the top walks to do in Sydney, Australia. Although close to the city, the trek winds through lush nature, secluded coves and scenic viewpoints of Sydney. Outlined below are the details of the different sections of the Manly Beach to Spit Bridge trek.
Manly Beach Sydney
Manly Beach is often touted as the best beach in Sydney, Australia. The long stretch of sand is popular with surfers, beach walkers and sunbathers.
In addition to being the starting point of the coastal walk in Manly, the beach town attracts numerous visitors with a plethora of restaurants, pubs and shops. Spend a little time in the town before heading out on your Manly hike to Spit.
Find out more about the top things to do and what to see in Manly on TripAdvisor. You can also use this Manly Beach Map.
Getting To Manly Beach
You can reach Manly from Sydney by car, bus or ferry boat. Our preferred method of traveling between Sydney and Manly is taking the ferry, as it is a wonderful way to see Sydney Harbour.
Directions to Manly via Public Transport
You can find info on how to get to Manly from Sydney using Google Maps or the New South Wales Transport website. For Manly Beach directions, use this Google Maps link to a Manly map to find the best route from your location. For public transportation options, use this Trip Planner (which includes the Manly ferry map and more information).
How to get to Manly Beach by Ferry
There are two types of ferries that transport passengers between Sydney and Manly: Commuter Ferries and Fast Ferries. You can find timetables and fare information for the Commuter Ferries on the NSW Transport website. For Fast Ferry information, visit the Manly Fast Ferry website.
How long does the Manly Ferry take?
Commuter ferries between Circular Quay Sydney and Manly Wharf take about 30 minutes, while the Fast Ferries between the two destinations takes about 18 minutes.
How far is Manly from Sydney?
Manly Beach is about 15km (9.3 miles) overland from the Sydney CBD.
Our Manly To Spit Walk Guide
Begin the walk from Manly to Spit Bridge at the Manly Wharf. (This location is the starting point on a Manly Sydney Map.)
From the wharf, Manly Beach walking tracks, called Fairlight Walk, lead 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 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 these 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 footpath between two houses. Take 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 walk 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 Manly Spit Walk 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 to lower rocks 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.
Detours: Grotto Point Aboriginal Engraving Site and Lighthouse
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 the detour to the beach.
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 the bridge where the Manly Beach to Spit Bridge walk ends.
If catching a bus back to Sydney, cross the bridge and find the bus stop just to the south – check bus times on NSW Trip Planner website.
Spit Bridge
Arriving at the bridge marks the end of the Manly Spit Bridge Walk.
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 suburbs, it is the only bridge 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 few – and precise – times when the bridge opens. Spit Bridge Sydney map location.
Spit Bridge Opening Times
As of 2023, 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
Use this Google Maps link for a Spit to Manly Walk map.
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 – from Spit Bridge to Manly – might work better for people who are based in central Sydney.
What we like about making the Spit Bridge to Manly coastal walk is that we end at Manly Beach, where we can celebrate our 10km walk with something to eat, 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 back to Sydney is spectacular in the afternoon light – especially for sunset over the Harbour Bridge.
To complete the Spit to Manly route, start at the Spit Bridge and simply reverse our above instructions.
How To Get To Spit Bridge
If you decide to take your Spit Manly Walk from the bridge and end at Manly Beach, it is fairly easy to get to the starting point at the bridge.
From Sydney, take the bus to Spit Bridge (#180 or #188 are convenient from the Sydney CBD, but check NSW Trip Planner for the best route from your location).
Trekkers based in Manly who want to complete the Spit Bridge Manly Walk can take bus #144.
How To Get From Manly To Sydney
As mentioned before, the best way to get between Manly and Sydney is via ferry. There are two types of ferries that transport passengers between Sydney and Manly: Commuter Ferries and Fast Ferries.
You can find timetables and fare information for the Commuter Ferries on NSW Transport.
More Sydney Coastal Walks
Looking for other scenic walks in Sydney? There are multiple options for nice walks in Sydney – from Sydney 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 Sydney.
Bondi To Coogee
The Bondi to Coogee Walk 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 Sydney walk around Watsons Bay to the Instagram famous Camp Cove Jetty and iconic Hornby Lighthouse as well as scenic viewpoints on Gap Bluff. 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 this map of our Sydney Harbour Walk to help guide you on your way!
Sydney Walking Tour
Want to see more of Sydney? We don’t blame you, it’s a gorgeous city! Use our detailed guide for an at-your-own-pace, self-guided and free Sydney Walking Tour.
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.
Sydney National Park Walks
Find additional information on the top 5 National Parks treks around Sydney on the official National Parks website.
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 the essentials you will want to have with you on the Manly to Spit Bridge Coastal Walk trails.
Shoes for Sydney Coastal Walk Manly to Spit
While the Spit Manly Coastal Walk does not require technical hiking boots, it does require a good pair of walking shoes. I like hiking in my everyday travel sneakers and Kris wears Merrell Trail Shoes.
Pro Tip: Get our advice for the best versatile and lightweight Travel Shoes.
Sun Protection for Sydney Coast Walks
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 for the Manly Beach Walk to Spit Bridge.
Camera for the Spit Bridge to Manly Walk Route
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 mobile phone).
We travel with a Canon Rebel, which takes beautiful pictures and is a fantastic DSLR budget camera.
Day Pack for the Spit Manly Scenic Walkway Sydney
We think it is best to carry a day pack – 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
Travelers planning a trip to Sydney are tasked with finding the best things to do in Sydney – plus figuring out details, like how to get there, where to stay, what to pack and trip insurance.
We share heaps of advice for fun Sydney things to do in our detailed day-by-day Sydney Itinerary.
Travelers visiting other destinations in Australia can find all of our tips – from What To Do in Melbourne to Visiting Cairns on a Budget – on our Australia Travel Guides page.
As you make plans and reservations for Australia, make sure you are organized! We recommend using a travel planner – like our Printable Travel Planner – to ensure you stay on top of all your Sydney trip details.
Start planning your trip to Sydney, Australia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning page for more information and tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides page!
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