Manly Scenic Walkway

This spectacular 10km coastal walking trail offers families the perfect blend of natural beauty and accessible adventure, with multiple entry and exit points so you can tackle as much or as little as you like. The route winds through bushland and alongside stunning harbor beaches, with plenty of playgrounds, picnic spots, and swimming opportunities along the way to keep kids entertained and motivated.

• ✓Multiple pristine beaches perfect for swimming breaks and sandcastle building
• ✓Aboriginal rock engravings at Grotto Point with informational signage
• ✓Well-equipped playgrounds at Clontarf Reserve and other beach stops
• ✓Incredible harbor views and chances to spot dolphins, seabirds, and lizards
• ✓Shaded bushland sections with native wildlife and interesting rock formations

1. 1.Start at Spit Bridge and walk toward Manly so the prevailing winds are at your back, and you finish near Manly's cafes and ice cream shops as a reward.
2. 2.Download the walk in sections on Google Maps before you go, as mobile reception can be patchy in some bushland areas.
3. 3.Bring reef-safe sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water. There are water fountains at major beach stops but not along the bush sections.
4. 4.The Grotto Point section offers the best Aboriginal rock engravings, located about 5km from Spit Bridge. Look for the marked side trail.
5. 5.Pack swimmers and towels so kids can cool off at Clontarf Beach, Washaway Beach, or Forty Baskets Beach, which are excellent swimming spots along the route.

Visit on weekday mornings (8am-11am) for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. Autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November) offer the most comfortable walking weather. Avoid hot summer midday walks, as shade is limited in sections.

The walk is free and accessible year-round, with public restrooms at major beach access points. While the track is well-maintained, it includes stairs and some uneven terrain, so standard strollers are not suitable (all-terrain or hiking carriers work better).

The walk is open year-round, but summer (December to February) can be very hot with limited shade, so bring extra sun protection. Winter (June to August) offers pleasant walking temperatures but cooler ocean swimming. After heavy rain, some sections can be muddy or slippery, so check conditions before heading out.

The Boathouse Shelly Beach offers family-friendly dining with kids' menus and high chairs, located right on the beach at the Manly end. Alternatively, Manly's Corso pedestrian mall has numerous casual eateries including fish and chips shops, pizza places, and ice cream parlors perfect for hungry young walkers.