Northern Beaches Walks You’ll Actually Want to Do
You don’t need to be a hardcore hiker to fall in love with Sydney’s coastal walks—especially up here in the Northern Beaches. With ocean views, hidden beaches, lush bushland, and more photo ops than your phone can handle, these trails are the perfect mix of adventure and chill.
Whether you're looking to sweat it out after a pub crawl, walk off last night’s drinks, or just want an excuse to stretch your legs (and wear your new activewear), we’ve rounded up the best walks around Manly and beyond. Bonus: most of them end at a beach, so you can reward yourself with a swim, a nap in the sun, or a cheeky cocktail.
Let’s go!
🌊 1. Manly to Shelly Beach
The classic. The iconic. The “I just got here and I’m already in love” walk.
This flat, scenic stroll hugs the edge of Manly Beach and takes about 15–20 minutes (if you're not stopping every 5 seconds for pics). For a shorter route, start at Manly Surf Club instead of Queenscliff.
🧊 Bonus tip: Grab a Stoke Beach Cruiser, feel that sea breeze in your hair, and pretend you’re in a surf movie montage.
☕ Extra bonus tip: Once you hit Shelly, reward yourself with brunch at The Boathouse — good coffee, even better views.
🥾 2. North Head Loop
This one's for those who want a mix of nature, history, and jaw-dropping views. Starting from Shelly Beach, the track takes you up through the bush, past WWII military relics, and out onto dramatic clifftops where the city skyline pops up in the distance. It feels wild and remote, yet you're only minutes from Manly.
🌅 Hot tip: Sunset hits different from up here. Bring snacks. Bring someone cute. Or just bring yourself — you deserve that main-character energy.
🧭 Extra tip: Keep your eyes on the ocean—between May and November, you might spot whales cruising past during their migration. Bring your sunnies, but don’t forget to look up and out!
🐚 3. Manly to Spit Bridge Walk
If you only do one “long” walk while you’re here — make it this one.
The Manly to Spit Bridge Walk is 10km of bushland, secret beaches, rocky staircases, and constant “Wait, is this real life?” views. It takes around 3–4 hours depending on how often you stop to swim, snack, or take a thousand photos.
🏖️ Don’t miss: Dobroyd Head lookout, Clontarf Reserve for a beach break, and the tiny turquoise coves tucked along the track.
🥾 Start early, bring water, and pack snacks — this is the kind of walk that earns you a post-hike burger and a nap.
🌬️ 4. Curl Curl Boardwalk
Cliffside vibes incoming. This scenic boardwalk stretches from South Curl Curl to Freshwater, offering epic views of crashing waves below. It's a relatively easy stroll, but fair warning—some sections have no railing, just dramatic drops and salty air.
⛰️ 5. Dee Why to Long Reef Headland
Leg day disguised as a nature walk. This scenic uphill track from Dee Why Beach to the top of Long Reef Headland is a slow burn — but 100% worth the climb. At the top? 360° views of the ocean that make every step worth it.
🏝️ 6. Palm Beach to Barrenjoey Lighthouse
Feeling like a day trip? Jump on a bus or carpool with your new mates and head to Palm Beach. The hike up to Barrenjoey Lighthouse is short but steep, and the views? Absolutely mental.
📸 This is your Instagram moment. From the top, you’ll see the Pacific Ocean on one side and Pittwater on the other, with golden beaches stretching in both directions. It’s one of those places that’ll make you feel like you’ve reached the edge of the world (in a good way).
🦅 Look up! You might spot a sea eagle or two — and if you’re lucky, the occasional whale breaching offshore.
So whether you’re hungover and need a gentle walk to get your life together—or fully in your wholesome era—there’s a trail with your name on it.
🩴 Pro tip: thongs = fine for Shelly, not for North Head. Choose wisely.
🌊 Bonus tip: take a dip at the end. You’ve earned it.
Oh—and bring water. It’s never enough. Stay hydrated, legends.
Got a fave walk we missed? Tell us so we can pretend we already knew about it.
