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.
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.
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.
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.
Onwards and upwards!
Trevor
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 good trail 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.
