Bondi to Manly Walk
Here in the heart of Sydney lives a secret, a revelation actually. It’s the Bondi to Manly walk, a multi-day adventure winding past sweeping ocean vistas and iconic sandstone bluffs straight into national parks through the heart of Sydney. In a year when none of us have gone very far from home, we set out on this local escape to immerse ourselves in nature.
The route is not new, but the concept of combining various coastal legs into an official walk is and ‘opened’ in December 2019. The 80km route is marked along the way with black and yellow signage and a symbol of a whale, created in partnership with Aboriginal Land Councils.
The walk itself takes several days and the official website suggests a range of itineraries from 2-7 days. We opted for four when we did our walk and each day was solely dedicated to our journey. The website also has pdf maps, track notes and even an app you can download. It’s chock full of information and if you’re planning on doing the walk, we strongly recommend using it as a tool.
With that said, instead of route planning, we thought we’d share our favorite highlights from the walks, in order from Bondi to Manly beach.
Day 1: Bondi Beach to Rose Bay Wharf
Bondi Beach - There’s a good chance you’ll be starting your walk early in the day, kicking off at Bondi Beach with locals surfing in the early morning light before the throngs of tourists show up. The sight of this famous ocean vista is an auspicious start to your journey and an easy place to find a cup of coffee if you need a morning jolt.
Pacific Ocean Cliffwalk - If you’re doing the walk anytime between May and November, you may just see pods of whales swim by as your route hugs the coast. It’s likely to still be early when you reach this part of the path so the whales will be backlit, making them easier to see. This part of the walk until Watson’s Bay has some great whale watching and bringing a small pair of binoculars with you will help spot the details. Look for splashes or movement.
Macquarie Lightstation - Built in 1818, this lighthouse is Australia’s oldest and if you time your walk right, you can catch a guided tour which takes you up 100 steps to the top for panaromic views. The 20 minute tour is offered every two months on a Sunday, learn more here.
Gap Bluff - The bright swirling turquoise water set against the red sandstone makes for a stunning view. Take a moment to catch your breath and watch the terns and seagulls swoop and surf the air currents. The cliffs and water gave us major Meditterean vibes.
Camp Cove - The kiosk in Camp Cove made us squeal with joy, netted bags of oranges hanging on the side. This calm beach is one of our recommended snorkeling spots on the walk if you have your bathers on and your snorkel mask. Dry out with a cup of coffee or tea from the kiosk and forget you’re in a city and not a far-flung beach destination.
Parsley Bay - The bridge walk over Parsley Bay’s practically neon green waters makes it feel like you’re a million miles away from Sydney. This is another one of our recommended snorkel spots. If it’s a hot day and you’ve got your bathers on, head down to the beach and have a gentle swim. The area has a shark net with calm clear water and a local favorite for those who aren’t fans of waves or sand. Snorkel tip: swim to the shark net and you might see sea dragons.
Day 2: Rose Bay Wharf to North Sydney Wharf
Elizabeth Bay - Surrounded by Art Deco buildings, Elizabeth Bay stands out for not standing out. It’s a great park to sit peacefully or eat lunch with a nice kiosk for food or coffee. Stretch your legs and feel like one of the locals here before heading off for the rest of your adventure.
Rushcutters Bay - It’s easy to see why Rushcutters Bay was the homebase for sailing events at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. Home to hundreds of moored sailboats year round, you can have a bit of fun trying to pick your favorite sailboat name. The options run the gamut from hilarious to punny.
Royal Botanic Gardens - Is there a more iconic view of Sydney than standing in the Botanic Gardens looking out into the harbour at the Sydney Opera House with the Harbour Bridge behind it? The Botanic Gardens has so much to offer and it’s worth spending some extra time here. In spring, check out the famous spring walk and at all times year-round, a visit to the Calyx is worth it to see whatever free floral display is on. Our other favorites include visiting the Succulent Garden, looking for eels in the pond and making a quick stop to see if the Powerful Owls are home (check with the info booth for more information).
Sydney Harbour Bridge - Dubbed ‘The Coathanger’ by Sydneysiders, this bridge is the largest steel arch bridge in the world securing the title when it opened in 1932 and holding onto it for nearly a century. It’s arrival in Sydney heralded optimism during the Great Depression. The harbour water underneath it is deep and as your cross the harbour, you are crossing the deepest harbour in the world.
Day 3: North Sydney Wharf to Spit Bridge
Nutcote - Home to the beloved Australian icon May Gibbs, creator, author and artist of Snugglepot & Cuddlepie, May lived at Nutcote for 44 years. If you have the time and it’s during opening hours, you can take a break from walking to see inside her home, take a peek at her studio and learn more about her life.
Sirius Cove - Oh how we love Sirius Cove, previous home to a nudist art colony and current home to a dog beach and some of the best birdwatching on the trail. The path from the beach to Taronga Zoo is largely sheltered from the sun after a long stretch of walking in the open. It’s sweet relief to take shade under the eucalypts as you cross small wooden boardwalks and dirt paths on your way to the Taronga Zoo Wharf.
Sydney Harbour National Park - This National Park in the heart of Sydney offers jaw-dropping views of Sydney Harbour, Opera House and all as you walk past enormous red gum trees surrounded by Eastern Water Dragons basking on rocks in the sun. As you walk through the national park, completely immersed in nature, it’s only the site of the Opera House or skyscrapers across the harbor that will make you realize you’re still in Sydney.
Chowder Bay - Our favorite thing to do at Chowder Bay is to stop at the little kiosk for a coffee, sit at the reclining deck chairs facing the water and take a moment to enjoy being in such a beautiful setting. Chowder Bay is also one of our recommended snorkel sites and if you have your bathers and snorkel mask, it’s a great opportunity to explore the harbor. Just outside the public toilets are illustrations of various marine life you might encounter. It’s also a popular scuba spot and scuba teaching spot, so you might encounter classes of wetsuit clad divers.
Balmoral Beach - Pretty Balmoral Beach is great to visit any time of day. If it’s a bit later in the day, any of the venues make a great stop for a pint of local beer and if you time your trip to be here for a meal, there’s a great fish and chips place (get takeaway and eat on the beach) or visit the Boathouse for a beautiful meal. On your walk through Balmoral Beach, make sure to keep your eyes peeled. We’ve seen dolphins playing here. This beach is also one of our recommended snorkel spots and you’re likely to see colourful fish and bright seaweed, especially to the left of the island by the rocks.
Spit Junction - You’ve arrived at your final destination for the day! Keep a lookout for pelicans as this part of the walk is a favorite place for them to preen and bask in the sun.
Day 4: Spit Bridge to Manly Wharf
Clontarf Beach - If it’s a sunny day and you’ve got your bathers on you can go for a quiet dip at beautiful Clontarf Beach or, take a seat under the shade of the fig trees and enjoy the morning tea you brought.
Dobroyd Headland - Look across the harbour at Dobroyd Head, known for its sweeping vistas. Can you believe it? Just a few days ago you started on the Bondi to Manly walk aaaalllll the way across and then some from where you’re standing now.
Manly Wharf - You’ve arrived at famous Manly Wharf, full of hustle and bustle, but did you know it’s also home to Sydney’s only local penguin population? Fairy Penguins nest under the boardwalks here and spend their day in the water, returning to the beach at dusk during certain times of the year. If it’s penguin time, you might see signs and volunteers aiding to help the penguins remain undisturbed.
North Head - Can you feel it? You’re almost done! As you walk through this gorgeous coastal shrub reserve you’ll feel even farther from a major city than you thought possible. Salty air, New Holland Honeyeaters and the remnants of military forts, this part of Sydney also holds the large and historical quarantine station. If you have time to kill, you can take a walk around there.
Shelly Beach - This is one of our recommended snorkel spots and one of best places, hands down to snorkel in all of Sydney. Calm waters and an abundance of local marine life make for an exciting swim no matter what time of year it is. Shelly Beach is part of an aquatic reserve where fishing is banned and you might just see a Groper, Port Jackson Shark (not dangerous) or Mado Fish schools.
Best Snorkeling:
Camp Cove
Parsley Bay
Chowder Bay
Balmoral Beach
Shelly Beach
Best Birdwatching:
Macquarie Lighthouse
Botanic Gardens
Sirius Cove
North Head
What We Brought:
Full Water Bottles (re-filled along the way)
Sunscreen
Hats
Hand Sanitizer
Binoculars
Sunglasses
Snacks*
Extra Pair of Socks
Opal Cards
*We went during COVID and it was easier for us to bring our lunch and have a little picnic, but the route is chock full of local eateries you can enjoy :)
Our new Paradise Collection is based on our walk and captures actual moments we witnessed - a pelican flying into the sunset, a trio of cockatoos playfully flying by the clouds and a heron standing still surrounded by lush green plants in the bush.
See? We told you. You’re in paradise. This one happens to be right in the heart of the city, but it’s not just Sydney where paradise lives. It’s in all cities and all places; everywhere brims with nature and wildlife if you take the time to look because wherever there is nature, there is paradise.
if you do the walk give us a line and let us know what you loved about it.
Cheers,
S + A
PS - Some other photos below : )
