Manly and the Northern Beaches Walk

One of the best ways to travel to Manly is via the famous Manly Ferry as it provides you with an opporunity to see both the Harbour Bridge and Opera House from a different angle as you depart Circular Quay.

Spring afternoon at Ciruclar Quay with a cruise ship docked near the Harbour Bridge &

 Opera House

 

The ferry ride takes about 30 minutes and you disembark at Manly Cove, a sheltered and sandy beach located on the harbour side.  This beach is ideal for family picnics, sailing, fishing or just relaxing in the sun as the waters are relatively calm.

Manly Cove

There are a range of walks from Manly ranging in distance and difficulty. The North Head walk was an amazing experience.  We wandered through beautiful heathland and saw a range of wildflowers, birds, butterflies, lizards and other wildlife that could be heard in the undergrowth. 

Eastern Water Dragon

Wildflowers along the walk

Much of the walk is part of the Sydney Harbour National Park and the North Head Sanctuary so all flora and fauna are protected.


As we wandered along the track there were also stunning views of the Harbour and Ocean side of the Head.  Dolphins and whales can also be seen during parts of the year an experience we unfortunately missed.



Harbourside view from the walk

As we wandered along the track there were also stunning views of the Harbour and Ocean side of the Head.  Dolphins and whales can also be seen during parts of the year; an experience we unfortunately missed. We did see many sailing and fishing boats enjoying the beautiful spring weather.  

View to Sydney along the walk

The North Head area also has a number of historical sites including the Quarantine Station, School of Artillery and fortifications that were once part of the defence of Sydney Harbour. You can take a tour of the Quarantine Station or visit the National Artillery Museum.

Fortifications along the walk

Tracks vary from  rock steps to dirt  to paved paths and wire paths constructed to minimise impact to sensitive areas.   Towards the end of the walk we decended to Shelly Beach a sheltered cove which was crowded with people enjoying the spring sunshine. 



Shelly Beach

From Shelly beach we could see the famous pines and stretch of sand that brings tourists to the Manly oceanside beach.

Manly surf beach

Before catching the ferry back to Sydney we enjoyed a lovely lunch at Cafe Brisa - great value fish and chips served with a lovely salad which topped off a great day in the Northern Beaches area. Total distance is around 11 kilometres.

Maps Manly to North Head and Manly to the Spit

Map for self guided walk to North Head

For information on other walks http://www.australia.com/itineraries/sydney_coastal_walks.aspx

Manly ferry timetable