Itineraries · Sydney

Spit Bridge to Manly, along the harbour

Walk · Sydney. 10 km one way, ~4 h, 4 stops.

Whole route in Google Maps ↗Open on the interactive map
Spit Bridge to Manly, along the harbour
Duration
10 km one way, ~4 h (≈ 3 h 55 min: moving and stop time only)
Who it suits
Everyone
Transport
walk
Start
Spit Bridge
Finish
Manly Wharf
Pace
active day
Best time
a weekday morning, with water in the pack
Budget per adult
free, then the ferry back to the cityPrices as of: July 2026; transport and zoo prices October 2026

Getting there

Bus to Spit Bridge, walk to Manly, and come back on the ferry from Manly Wharf. Pay with a bank card.

Stops in order

The text version of the route: stops, time at each and the legs between them. Times are estimates, without queues, traffic or swims.

  1. 1. Spit Bridge~10 min at the stop

    Start on the northern side of the bridge, by the water. The Manly Scenic Walkway heads into the bush toward Clontarf.

    Tip: The toilet and the kiosk are at Clontarf. Shade is thin until then.

    Open on the map ↗

    ↓ walk · 20 min · 1.5 km

  2. 2. Clontarf Beach~30 min at the stop

    The last easy bay before the long bush section. The water is calmer than ocean Manly.

    Worth knowing: At a picnic here in 1868 Henry James O'Farrell shot at Prince Alfred. It was the first attempt on a royal in Australia.

    Tip: You can finish here and take the bus. Manly is still about 8 km on.

    Open on the map ↗

    ↓ walk · 40 min · 2.5 km

  3. 3. Grotto Point~25 min at the stop

    A short side path off the main walk to the lighthouse and the engravings. The figures are on a flat rock and are easy to miss.

    Tip: Look from the rock and do not outline anything. Leave North Head for another day: some of those tracks are closed.

    Open on the map ↗

    ↓ walk · 1 h 20 min · 6 km

  4. 4. Manly Wharf~30 min at the stop

    The walk ends at the ferry. The ocean beach is two minutes away if your legs still agree. The ferry to Circular Quay is the way home.

    Tip: Swim between the flags. Check the ferry board on the wharf. Weekday evenings run more often. If your legs still agree, The Boathouse at Shelly Beach is 15 minutes along the sand: breakfast and lunch every day 7:00 to 15:00, no bookings.

    Open on the map ↗

Before you go

  • Route times are estimates: walking, driving and a sensible pause at each stop. Add queues, traffic and swims yourself.
  • Prices, timetables and trail status change. Check the venue's official site and the state transport app before you go.
  • On beaches, swim only between the red and yellow flags. Use sun protection even when it is cloudy.