One Of Sydney's Best Hikes Is A Laidback Harborside Trail To A Charming Beach Suburb

With its diverse landscapes and unique wildlife, Australia beckons travelers from across the globe looking for adventure, natural wonders, and cultural experiences all wrapped up into one vibrant destination. From Australia's world-class beaches to its rugged outback terrain, colorful coral reefs, and coastal cities, the country has plenty of attractions going for it. One of these gems is the popular city of Sydney. A favored spot for domestic and international travelers to explore, Sydney welcomes more than 30 million visitors each year hoping to explore its most famous landmarks.

While most travelers generally gravitate to the traditional tourist agenda by flocking to the iconic Sydney Opera House, climbing the Harbour Bridge, or spending the day sunbathing and taking in coastal views at the iconic Bondi Beach, the truth is that the city offers plenty of other opportunities to explore beyond its most well-known landmarks. In fact, away from the crowds, one of the most rewarding ways to soak up Sydney's natural beauty — including its postcard-worthy harbor views, native bushland, and historic sites — is woven into one single trail: The Spit Bridge to Manly Walk.

A 6.2-mile coastal path that takes you through some of Sydney's most picturesque spots and leads to the charming beach suburb of Manly, the trail usually takes between 3.5 to 5 hours to complete, which makes it ideal for a day trip. Better yet, the path offers a perfect blend of urban and natural landscapes, combining harbor beaches, Aboriginal sites, and coastal bushland into an achievable adventure that'll tick plenty of must-sees off your Sydney to-do list.

Sydney's Spit Bridge to Manly Walk officially kicks off in Ellery's Punt Reserve, located just under the eastern side of Spit Bridge. From the first couple of steps, you'll be instantly immersed in the city's coastal environment — with harbor views stretching out before you. From there, the well-marked path (usually with signs that read "Manly Scenic Walkway," "MSW," and "To Manly") winds along sandstone cliffs before reaching the shoreline past Fisher Bay. Make sure to pause here so you can catch a glimpse of an ancient Aboriginal cave site.

Once you've had a chance to explore, the trail continues through a mix of boardwalks and natural paths along the harbor's edge — passing the tranquil waters of Sandy Bay — before reaching Clontarf Reserve and Clontarf Beach (pictured above), a popular spot with locals ideal for picnics and swimming. Clontarf also offers toilets, water fountains, and a café where trekkers can enjoy a quick bite before carrying on.

From Clontarf, the path winds through even more bushland before reaching one of the walk's most memorable highlights: Castle Rock Beach. Only accessible on foot, visiting the secluded cove requires a small detour — but, boy, is it worth it. Boasting a pristine stretch of sand and, if you're lucky, a small natural waterfall that's best enjoyed after heavy rainfall, Castle Rock Beach offers a perfect spot for a mid-hike swim. Plus, you can also spot Aboriginal rock carvings near the beach.

The second half of the walk takes trekkers into Sydney Harbour National Park, where you can take a small detour to see the Grotto Point Lighthouse towering over the harbor entrance. Back on the official route, make sure to check out the Grotto Point Aboriginal engraving site — a protected area where you can get up close with Aboriginal rock carvings believed to be over 1,000 years old.

Past the ancient rock carvings, the trail continues the climb up to Dobroyd Head. One of the best viewpoints along the way, the lookout offers panoramic views of Sydney Harbour all the way down past several tucked-away beaches. Some of these include Reef Beach — where you can pause to take in incredible views across North Harbour to Manly, glimpse Aboriginal carvings when the tide's out, or cool off with a refreshing swim — and the popular Forty Baskets Beach, a protected tidal pool perfect for a mid-walk dip.

The last section of the Spit Bridge to Manly Walk weaves through Fairlight Beach before finally emerging at Manly Wharf. Home to one of the most spectacular beaches in Australia, the bustling beachside suburb has plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars where you can celebrate completing the walk before hitching a ride back on public transport via bus or ferry.