Manly Scenic Walkway
Manly Scenic Walkway
4.5
About
A 10km scenic walkway taking in the breathtaking sites from the Spit Bridge to Manly Wharf. Pass through bushlands, beaches,and majestic viewpoints this is a walk not to be missed.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Manly Scenic Walkway and nearby attractions
The area
Neighbourhood: Manly
A 40-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay will take you to the famous northern beach of Manly. The beaches here are perfect for learning to surf or spending the day sun-tanning. The walk from Spit Bridge to Manly is a great way to experience Sydney Harbour Bay and the Australian bush land. Along the foreshore, there are plenty of watering holes and wine bars with excellent cuisine. There are plenty of kid-friendly restaurants as well, especially along the family-oriented areas like Shelly Beach. An excellent way to experience Manly is to rent a bike and explore the dedicated bike paths and off road trails. The North Head National Park is another must-see. Located on the southern tip of Manly, North Head National Park offers great bushwalks and panoramic views of the city.
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
924 within 5 kms
Attractions
623 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
1,735 reviews
Excellent
1,237
Very good
424
Average
65
Poor
5
Terrible
4
Deborah K
Caboolture, Australia335 contributions
May 2022
Manly Scenic Walkway
Sydney
Great walk with many water views
839865424
Great walk hugging the coastline of around 10kms (3-4hrs) seeing plenty of Sydney's harbour waters along the way. Undulating terrain, not suitable for wheels. Some areas are open and others are shaded so be prepared for the elements. Plenty of opportunities for great views of the waters and boats, as well as wildflowers (in season) and birdlife. Only a few options for toilet stops and water refills at some of the bays along the walk. A good round trip is a bus from the City to Spit Bridge, do the walk, lunch at one of the many pubs / eateries at Manly and then a ferry ride back to Circular Quay.
Sydney
Great walk with many water views
839865424
Great walk hugging the coastline of around 10kms (3-4hrs) seeing plenty of Sydney's harbour waters along the way. Undulating terrain, not suitable for wheels. Some areas are open and others are shaded so be prepared for the elements. Plenty of opportunities for great views of the waters and boats, as well as wildflowers (in season) and birdlife. Only a few options for toilet stops and water refills at some of the bays along the walk. A good round trip is a bus from the City to Spit Bridge, do the walk, lunch at one of the many pubs / eateries at Manly and then a ferry ride back to Circular Quay.
Written 25 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Deborah,
Thank you very much for taking the time to write a review and for your very helpful information in regard to this beautiful walk.
Thanks
Visitor Information Centre
Written 23 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rabbs27
Vancouver, Canada742 contributions
Apr 2020
we did the 10 km walk. i would recommend start at spit bridge, there is a car park on the bottom where its starts as well. the walk is along hills some narrow pathways and beaches. the views are amazing, bring your camera. its quiet a long walk. and can take up to 3 hours depending on how busy it is. you end up at manly ferry wharf.
Written 7 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi V_2020,
Thank you for taking the time to write a review.
The Spit walk is definitely one of Manly's gems - stunning views and welcoming, calming nature all around.
Next time you visit the area pop into our Hello Manly Visitor Information Centre at the wharf for some tips on other beautiful local walks.
Much Manly Love,
Hello Manly VIC team
Written 5 June 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Culinary-Consultants
Ferrara, Italy3,745 contributions
Aug 2019
This wonderful 10km, four-hour walk starts at Manly and goes through the rugged terrain Sydney Harbor National Park to the Spit Bridge near Mosman.
To tackle the entire walk you need bundles of energy and intrepid older children with lots of stamina, but there are entry and exit points along the way so you can stop anytime it gets too much for little legs. The first section of the walk, to Fairlight Beach, is your best bet with young kids as it is pram friendly and fairly level.
As soon as you reach the National Park you are a world away from the city. The offers spectacular views of the entrance to the harbor and over to the city and is well signposted with a number of entry points and information boards along the length of the track. If you can tear your eyes away from the view, you’ll see wildflowers, goannas, bird-life and Aboriginal carvings along the way.
There are plenty of opportunities for a swim along the way so make sure you pack your togs and towels as well as your sensible shoe and sunscreen. There are no cafes on the route, so make sure you pack provisions.
Enjoy it please keep reading our very interesting and in depth reviews on everything: Attractions, Hotels, Restaurants, Museums, Airports and basically anything that is of interest and has a public service. Stay tuned.
To tackle the entire walk you need bundles of energy and intrepid older children with lots of stamina, but there are entry and exit points along the way so you can stop anytime it gets too much for little legs. The first section of the walk, to Fairlight Beach, is your best bet with young kids as it is pram friendly and fairly level.
As soon as you reach the National Park you are a world away from the city. The offers spectacular views of the entrance to the harbor and over to the city and is well signposted with a number of entry points and information boards along the length of the track. If you can tear your eyes away from the view, you’ll see wildflowers, goannas, bird-life and Aboriginal carvings along the way.
There are plenty of opportunities for a swim along the way so make sure you pack your togs and towels as well as your sensible shoe and sunscreen. There are no cafes on the route, so make sure you pack provisions.
Enjoy it please keep reading our very interesting and in depth reviews on everything: Attractions, Hotels, Restaurants, Museums, Airports and basically anything that is of interest and has a public service. Stay tuned.
Written 6 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Culinary-Consultants,
We are thrilled you enjoyed our beautiful bush walk around the north side of Sydney Harbour + your description is quite poetic. Thank you for sharing your experience!
The Spit Bridge to Manly walk is certainly a highlight of Manly; 10km one way it usually takes walkers approx 3 hours to enjoy plus you are so right, there is always opportunity to see local wildlife + flora along the way!
We recommend that the best way to do the walk is to catch a 144 bus from Manly Wharf to the Spit Bridge and enjoy wandering back towards Manly so you can relax and unwind at a cafe or bar once you've had your adventure around the coastline.
Please don't forget to take water, sunscreen, hat, some snack + swimmers as there are a lot of opportunities to swim along with way.
It's super easy to organise - Simply visit the Manly Visitors Information Centre for more directions, we are located just outside the ferry terminal at Manly.
We have free maps and can offer you all the local hot tips on transport, best ways to enjoy the walk. There are lots of walks for all ages and fitness levels so dont be shy, please come in and ask us for any information, we are here to help!
Thanks for taking the time to write a review. We love Manly - We love Manly, let us show you why!!
Come back soon!!
Manly Visitors Information Centre
Written 7 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Anthony P
Charleston, SC2,491 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
With beautiful views, nice beaches (one with pool) and an abundance of wildlife, this trail is definitely worth doing. It took us about 90 minutes to walk the trail up to the old military base and the WW2 gun emplacement they have up there. Bring some water and know that the advertised Cafe, which features incredible views, closes at 4.
Written 17 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi 962anthonyp
Thanks for your 5* review of the North Head walk - next time you come to Manly, make sure you call in at the Manly visitors information Centre to pick up your free map and learn about the Manly Scenic Walk which follows a coastal track through the National Park and along beautiful harbour beaches. At the end you can return to Manly on the 143.144 bus or continue on the same bus to the City.
Best regards
Written 1 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GBertoldi
Sydney, Australia24 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Taking the bus to the Spit bridge was easy from Wynyard station. The are has toilets and BBQ’s and a resting area to start. When you start the walk you start already with some beautiful scenery and forest area. Plenty of opportunities for photos along the way and the journey climbs and climbs until you get through to the national park and it’s highest peak with breathtaking views form to points round to the top of the city. Plenty of places to stop and rest or even have a quick dip. Don’t underestimate the 3-4hour walk and pack some water and snacks for the journey in case. But there are cafes along the way as well. Finishing in Manly and then taking the ferry back home to the city was a good experience and well rounded trip. Would do it again but a little earlier and with the help of daylight savings to be able to finish with a swim in Manly.
I added a map for the one area where you can get a little lost and the signage isn’t the best. Just try and follow the line of the water and beach. You do have to walk on the “beach” or sand and along the water with no path. Then you’re back on track at the end of the beach.
I added a map for the one area where you can get a little lost and the signage isn’t the best. Just try and follow the line of the water and beach. You do have to walk on the “beach” or sand and along the water with no path. Then you’re back on track at the end of the beach.
Written 30 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi GBertoldi,
Thank you for your wonderful review and so happy to hear you were pleasantly surprised on your visit. Glad you enjoyed your time here. The Spit to Manly walk is beautiful. Another walk you can try from Manly is the North Head Sanctuary loop. Pop in and grab a few maps & tips from us at the Centre on your next visit.
Cheers,
Manly Visitor Information Centre
Written 11 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Elisabeth
United Kingdom30 contributions
Feb 2020
I did the 'Spit Bridge to Manly Walk' followed by a walk to Manly North Head and I cannot recommend it enough. It is a well marked walk which is easy to follow and offers incredible views, friendly lizards crossing the path, aborigenous graffitis, splendid bays and beaches to take a dip and relax... Heaven!
Written 1 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hi ElisabethMon
Thank you for your excellent review of the Manly Scenic Walkway - this 10km walk is one of our favourites too! Next time you visit Manly, you should try the North Head Walk which takes in both harbour and the Pacific Ocean waters.
Look forward to seeing you again.
Best regards
Written 2 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David Y
Perth, Australia47 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Brilliant 10k walk on first clear day for weeks (apparently). Views are stunning all the way, especially when the Sydney CBD view pops over the trees. More challenging than others have suggested with the stairs and ups and downs but great fun. If coming from Sydney by bus get off before the spit bridge and stay on same side - no need to cross main road - and you can see some amazing architectural designs in the houses on the hill when crossing the bridge.
Written 13 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi davidyN2714XE
We are thrilled you enjoyed our beautiful bush walk around the north side of Sydney Harbour!
The Spit Bridge to Manly walk is certainly a highlight of Manly;10km one way it usually takes walkers approx 3 hours to enjoy plus you are so right, there is always opportunity to see local animals along the way!
We recommend that the best way to do the walk is to start at the Spit Bridge and then enjoy wandering back towards Manly - This means you can relax and unwind at a cafe or bar once you have completed your adventure around the coastline.
Please don't forget to take water, sunscreen, hat, some snack + swimmers as there are a lot of opportunities to swim along with way.
It's super easy to organise - Simply visit the Manly Visitors Information Centre for more directions, we are located just outside the ferry terminal at Manly.
Thanks for taking the time to write a review. We love Manly - We love Manly, let us show you why!!
Come back soon!!
Manly Visitors Information Centre
Written 14 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Phil-Joel
Sydney, Australia736 contributions
Mar 2021 • Couples
My wife & I had been wanting to do this walk for years & last Saturday we finally did, starting out from The Spit.
It was a relatively easy 3 hour walk for us, but you could add an extra hour if you stopped at 1 or 2 of the beaches along the way for a swim.
There are a few steep parts along the well established path but there are many places to stop for a breather & or to take in the views.
Our highlight was discovering the historic Crater Cove huts.
And Manly makes a great finish line with all its eateries & watering holes as your reward.
As for getting back to The Spit - easy peasy as a bus stop was across the road from the wharf & the ride took 10 minutes.
It was a relatively easy 3 hour walk for us, but you could add an extra hour if you stopped at 1 or 2 of the beaches along the way for a swim.
There are a few steep parts along the well established path but there are many places to stop for a breather & or to take in the views.
Our highlight was discovering the historic Crater Cove huts.
And Manly makes a great finish line with all its eateries & watering holes as your reward.
As for getting back to The Spit - easy peasy as a bus stop was across the road from the wharf & the ride took 10 minutes.
Written 3 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Phil-Joel
Congratulations! It is such a great walk and you have summarised it brilliantly. Thank you! And included brilliant tips such as catching the 144 from Stand G back to Spit Bridge. Next time you visit Manly, make sure you pop into the Manly Visitor Information Centre to pick up a copy of a free map of this walk.
Best regards
Written 10 March 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Canaus80
Wadalba, Australia45 contributions
Nov 2019 • Solo
I did the spit bridge to manly walk and the views along the way were breathtaking. It's a 10km walk/hike. I stopped several times to take pictures and enjoy the view. Bring a bottle of water to drink along the way and wear comfortable shoes and weather appropriate clothing.
Written 13 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Canaus80
We are thrilled you enjoyed our beautiful bush walk around the north side of Sydney Harbour + completely agree, breathtaking is he perfect word for it!
Thank you for your review, the Spit Bridge to Manly walk is certainly a highlight of Manly; 10km one way it usually takes walkers approx 3 hours to enjoy plus you are so right, there is always opportunity to see local animals along the way!
Please don't forget to take water, sunscreen, hat, some snack + swimmers as there are a lot of opportunities to swim along with way.
It's super easy to organise - Simply visit the Manly Visitors Information Centre for more directions, we are located just outside the ferry terminal at Manly.
We have free maps and can offer you all the local hot tips on transport, best ways to enjoy the walk. There are lots of walks for all ages and fitness levels so dont be shy, please come in and ask us for any information, we are here to help!
Thanks for taking the time to write a review. We love Manly - We love Manly, let us show you why!!
Come back soon!!
Manly Visitors Information Centre
Written 14 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bruce M
Sydney, Australia824 contributions
Feb 2020
This is a favourite hike When we haVe out of town friends wanting to get a view of Sydney harbour...although there are many other walks in different parts of Sydney to experience the vastness of Sudney harbour
Our preference is to park near Clontarf Beach and head east along the beach before picking up the walking track proper.
Wonderful views from middle head over the Sydney Heads, Vacluse and Manly as you wind along the well marked partn onto some smaller beaches at the north of the harbour and then onto Manly
We normally allow 3-4 hours to leisurely stroll along the path and rake some interesting detours to the lighthouse, and down to the "hermits beach"
Our preference is to park near Clontarf Beach and head east along the beach before picking up the walking track proper.
Wonderful views from middle head over the Sydney Heads, Vacluse and Manly as you wind along the well marked partn onto some smaller beaches at the north of the harbour and then onto Manly
We normally allow 3-4 hours to leisurely stroll along the path and rake some interesting detours to the lighthouse, and down to the "hermits beach"
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Bruce M
Thanks for your 5* review of our wonderful hike with great tips for future visitors - you seemed to have discovered some of less accessed spots - if you don't have a car - it is possible to arrive in Manly by Ferry and then take the 143/144 bus to Spit Bridge and walk back - or you could walk from Manly to Spit Bridge and take the 143/144 bus back.
Best regards
Written 1 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi is there a section of the walk best suited to younger children? Active capable kids but 10km might be too far.
Thanks
Written 4 July 2020
Manly
Manly, Australia
Hi
I would suggest starting the walk at Manly and seeing how far you can go! After about 45 minutes, you will reach North Harbour Reserve where there is a little cafe, toilets, a playground and a basketball court. A further 20 minutes or so along the walk is a beautiful swimming beach with an enclosed pool, free gas barbeques, a swing and picnic tables. Call in at our the Manly Information Centre to pick up a map and we can answer any further questions you may have - we are open Wednesdays to Sundays from 10-5pm. Cheers
Written 9 July 2020
How much does it cost from the circular keys to Manly on the ferry? Thank you
Written 16 February 2019
Buy an opal card which is good for this ferry (but not Manly fast ferry), trains and buses and is excellent value for money
Written 1 March 2019
Shorter than Bondi -Coogee walk and less physical !!
Let’s say 2-3 hours round trip.
Written 1 August 2018
Will it still be nice around winter period in August?
Written 21 March 2018
August is a lovely time of the year for walking because it is not too hot. You can wear a jacket or jumper to start off but you will probably find that you take the jumper off once you have walked and warmed up. If it is a little cold, take layers. Take a water bottle too because you will still need this along the way.
If you do the whole walk, when you arrive in Manly, it will be too cold for most people to swim, but it is nice to look at the beach. You can also walk along to Shelly Beach where you can have lunch at the Boathouse cafe. There are also lots of other food options in manly as well.
Written 18 June 2018
Showing results 1-7 of 7
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing