[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Spit To Manly Walk” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css_animation=”fadeInLeft”][vc_column_text]The Spit To Manly Walk, also known as the Manly Scenic Walkway, is a ten kilometre walk between The Spit Bridge at Seaforth and Manly on Sydney’s northern beaches.
If you’ve lived in Sydney and have never done it, or you’re planning a trip to Sydney, this is a beautiful walk through bush, along beaches and following the waterline. Pick a bright and sunny day and you’ll be amazed by the colour of the water. It wouldn’t be out of place in tropical Queensland, Fiji or Thailand.
The walk starts out at the Spit Bridge, one of the main road links between the city and northern beaches. The bridge opens several times a day, allowing tall sailing boats to navigate through the channel. There’s a number of shops along the Spit and some great places to grab a coffee or lunch.
From there, it’s a sharp right just after the bridge, where you’ll begin the walk proper. You’ll pass Shell Cove which is basically a mudflat, along the track past an Aboriginal shell midden and onwards to Sandy Bay, where you’ll probably encounter lots of dogs thrashing around in the water.
There’s always people there taking their dog for a walk, swim and play.
Then it’s on to Clontarf, a harbour beach and marina with a little restaurant, coffee shop and park. Following the path, you’ll have to choose whether you take the low road or the high road. The low road, which is along the beach at low tide, is a shortcut. The highroad, when the tide is in, takes you past multi-million dollar harbourside homes.
You’ll then start the trek through the bushland of Clontarf Point, where again you’ll get spectacular views of the harbour.
There’s a decent climb up the hill, again along a well formed track but this time with a few steps and wooden walkways, towards the Aboriginal stone art at Castle Rock, then out to Dobroyd Head for incredible views out past Sydney Heads.
You’ll then venture along Reef Beach before starting the walk along footpaths and walkways towards Many.
All up the walk is about ten kilometres. They say it should take three and bit hours but I did it in two hours flat, without pushing it too hard.
If it’s a nice day, take a picnic lunch and the swimmers for a dip at one of the beaches along the way.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”Some tips” css=”.vc_custom_1509175919088{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”]
- Pick a nice sunny day and you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views and colourful water.
- Wear comfortable and sensible shoes.
- Take plenty of water, some sunscreen and maybe even a picnic lunch.
- Don’t do it after heavy rain. The track can get a bit muddy in parts.
- See the map on the National Parks and Wildlife Service website
- Download and print the handy Wild Walks map and guide
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