walks northern beaches

Manly to Spit Bridge Walk

August 24, 2016Blogmanly, manly spit bridge, plonk beach cafe, walks northern beaches, walks sydney

10km | 2.5 hrs | Steps and Trek

The infamous Manly to Spit Bridge walk, full of big views and big steps to see the big views! An amazing 10km walk that hugs the water, goes past stunning beaches and treks through Sydney Harbour National Park. The Manly to Spit Bridge walk or trek is one that you’ll enjoy even more knowing there’s a decent coffee en route or at the end.

The WALK: a level winding path until you hit the National Park. Where you’ll encounter big steps and a trail-walk alongside the water. Truly invigorating 2.5 hr walk. Worth a good coffee!
The VIEWS: enjoy far-reaching views of Manly from the Dobroyd Head Path, or Ship Lookout where you can watch the ferries go past the heads. Check the water turning turquoise as soon as the trail takes you past Clontarf Point.
The COFFEE: fill up at Forty Beans cafe on the way and sit and enjoy the views with your coffee. Or savour it at the end at Plonk Beach Cafe. Where you can enjoy coffee, relax over lunch and watch the yachts go past at Spit Bridge.

For transport options to Manly and back, check out the route planner 131500.

For the route, check out the Manly to Spit Bridge Walk map below.

Create Routes or Search for a route from millions at MapMyWalk

Freshwater : Dee Why Beach

August 9, 2016Blogbeach walk, dee why, dee why beach, walks northern beaches, walks sydney

One of the most scenic walks of the Northern Beaches (even on a cloudy day), enjoy a flat open boardwalk to Curl Curl beach, and a bit of sand walking, before getting stuck into a slight climb and trail walk around Dee Why head to Dee Why beach.

The WALK: an elevated cliff-side walk once past curl curl beach, the path will take you through the headland with a few rocky steps, taking about 1 hr 30 mins one way
The VIEWS: being so high-up and beside the water you’ll get to see pretty fantastic views of the sea, as well as the stunning houses perched along the way
The COFFEE: head to Buttercup for some hearty food and a much-needed coffee as you arrive into Dee Why. Run by the guys who first set-up Hemmingways in Manly, they know good coffee!

Drive and park to walk one way, then catch the bus back via the route planner on 131500.

What are you waiting for! 🙂

Manly : Freshwater Beach

August 4, 2016Blogcafe splat, freshwater beach, manly, walks northern beaches, walks sydney

Manly beach is pretty stunning but its just one of many on the Northern Beaches, so why not try the next one up: Freshwater beach. Even if its only just to get to cafe Splat!

The WALK: a brisk 30-40 min walk along Manly beach, followed by a few steps to clear the headland, and you’re onto Freshie (Freshwater) beach
The VIEWS: great for getting the lay of the land looking down onto Manly beach
The COFFEE: a local hang-out for great coffee and food at cafe Splat on Queenscliff headland. Seats indoors and outdoors, the perfect reward for those steps! (French toast with bacon anyone?)

If you’re not driving, try the route planner on 131500.

What are you waiting for! 🙂

Manly : Shelly Beach

July 28, 2016Bloghavana beach cafe, manly, shelly beach, walks northern beaches, walks sydney

One of the must-do’s when visiting Manly, a very easy walk to Shelly beach, the only beach that gets the sunset on this side of the Australian Coast.

The WALK – a stunning and relaxing 20 min meander along a flat path from Manly to Shelly Beach
The VIEWS – so relaxing you should stop and take it all in at a blue bench along the way
The COFFEE – great coffee, friendly people at Havana Beach cafe. If you’d rather grab one at the end, the Boathouse Shelly Beach is your destination. Although just to warn you it gets busy!

If you’re not driving, try the route planner on 131500.

Lets walk for that coffee! 🙂

Narrabeen : Mona Vale

July 24, 2016Blogarmchair collective, beach walk, mona vale, narrabeen, walks northern beaches, walks sydney

An impactful beach walk along the upper Northern Beaches, from North Narrabeen to Mona Vale. Great for views from the headlands as well as getting your feet on those sandy beaches.

The WALK – taking the steps up to North Narrabeen headland, walk through the leafy park before hitting the beach. An 1hr and 20mins should take you to Mona Vale, with plenty of steps to feel it!
The VIEWS – an amazing stretch of coastline along this 6km stretch
The COFFEE – your coffee destination Armchair Collective not only serves up an awesome coffee but is set amidst colourful, comfortable homewares, setting the perfect scene to catch your breath.

If you’re not driving, try the route planner on 131500.

What are you waiting for! ?

Balmoral : Chowder Bay

July 18, 2016Blogbalmoral beach, chowder bay, walks northern beaches, walks sydney

Walk from one stunning beach to another, through the sandy bush and enjoy stunning views of Sydney Harbour on the way. Make sure to bring your swimmers for a dip at the end!

The WALK: from Balmoral beach hit the walking track at the end of The Esplanade. Follow the track across Middle-head road, on past Gunners Barracks and pop out at the roundabout. Pass Ripples down the steps and hit the beach. 50 minutes one way with lots of steep steps!
The VIEWS: bush walk meets Sydney Harbour.
The COFFEE: get energised pre-walk at the Boathouse Balmoral beach, or reward yourself with a fresh one at either East Coast Lounge or Drift kiosk at Chowder Bay.

If you’re not driving, try the route planner on 131500.

What are you waiting for! ?

Palm Beach : Barrenjoey Lighthouse

July 13, 2016Blog, Gridbarrenjoey lighthouse, boathouse palm beach, walks northern beaches, walks sydney

A short steep climb to get simply stunning views of Barrenjoey headland, sweeping downwards across palm beach and across the water towards West Head Lookout.

The WALK: a short but impactful 30 minute walk which goes from the car park along the foreshore to the steep incline of a well-laid stone path. For the more adventurous try the path Smugglers Walk.
The VIEWS: from the lighthouse you can enjoy the views from the tip of the Northern Beaches
The COFFEE: it wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Boathouse; great coffee and great food!

If you’re not driving, try the route planner on 131500.

What are you waiting for! ?

Manly : Forty Baskets

July 11, 2016Blog, Gridforty baskets, manly, walks northern beaches, walks sydney

A great walk along the inner north shore, from Manly through North Harbour Reserve. Far enough to get your heart pumping and your body full of happy endorphins, but not that far to have to make you think twice.

The WALK: a breezy coastal path with a few bends and dips, and a couple of steps at the Reserve. 30-40 minutes at a good walking pace
The VIEWS: right along the path take in the water views and the view of Manly from a near-private beach at Forty Baskets
The COFFEE: its well-worth the walk to get a coffee at Forty Beans at the reserve. Great for dog-walkers too, the cafe makes sure the pooches get their water!

For transport information on getting to Manly, try the route planner on 131500.

Manly Lagoon : Short Walk

July 2, 2016Blogmanly, manly lagoon, short walk, walks northern beaches, walks sydney

Tucked away at the end of Manly beach towards Queenscliff, extend your beachfront stroll and grab a coffee to enjoy a short walk through Manly lagoon park. (more…)