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.
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.
North Head offers families breathtaking clifftop walks with sweeping Pacific Ocean views, wide paths perfect for strollers, and grassy picnic areas where kids can run freely. This historic headland combines easy nature trails, fascinating military history sites, and wildlife spotting opportunities, making it an ideal outdoor adventure for families visiting Sydney's Northern Beaches.
The Curl Curl Boardwalk offers families an unforgettable coastal adventure along Sydney's stunning Northern Beaches, connecting ten beautiful beaches with safe swimming spots and breathtaking ocean views. This accessible walking path is perfect for families who want to experience Australia's famous beach culture while enjoying a manageable outdoor adventure that combines exercise, nature exploration, and beach fun all in one outing.
Manly Beach is a stunning family destination featuring calm, patrolled swimming areas perfect for children, gentle waves ideal for first-time surfers, and endless stretches of golden sand for building castles. The beachfront promenade offers cafes, ice cream shops, and grassy picnic areas, making it easy to spend an entire day enjoying this iconic Australian beach with the whole family.
Shelly Beach is a sheltered swimming cove perfect for families with young children, offering calm, protected waters that make it one of Manly's safest beach options. The rock pools are ideal for little explorers, while older kids can try snorkeling in the clear waters to spot colorful fish and marine life. With a scenic coastal boardwalk connecting it to Manly Beach, it's a peaceful alternative to the more crowded surf beaches.