Top four trail running spots around the Northern Beaches
Look no further than the trails around the Northern Beaches to help train for upcoming running events. The Northern Beaches boasts Sydney’s most diverse scenery, ranging from national parks to world class beaches, this can all be explored through trails.
Here are our favourite trail running spots, where you’ll be able to explore the best that the Northern Beaches has to offer.
Narrabeen Lagoon Trail – Easy 8.6kms
There are very few spots in Sydney that are both accessible and offer a sense of tranquility.
Narrabeen Lagoon has long been a local favourite and you’ll easily fall in love with this simply gorgeous trail. The trail is an 8.6km circuit that runs around Narrabeen Lagoon. The trail is pancake flat and consists mainly of gravel and eco-friendly boardwalks and a couple of bridges over creeks. The trail is often frequented by runners throughout the week, as well as walkers and mountain bikers, making this a popular attraction for both locals and visitors.
One of the best aspects to Narrabeen Lagoon is that if you’re not already feeling flat out, there are plenty of additional loops nearby to extend your run! Along South Creek, you could add a few extra kilometres winding your way through Cromer.
If you’re feeling up to an even bigger challenge, you can access the Slippery Dip Trail from the North of the lagoon close to Deep Creek, which runs along a power line. The Slippery Dip Trail undulates a fair bit and can be quite rocky in places and is one of the most remote trails on the Northern Beaches. If you’re planning to take it on, you’re probably going to need a hydration pack and nutrition with you!
How to get there?
This trail can be easily reached by public transport and car. The 199 and B1 stops outside Berry Reserve, which is practically on the trail and allows you to go straight off the bus to running in no time! If you prefer to drive, there are two main carparks at Bilarong Reserve and at the bus stop at Berry Reserve.
North Head – Medium 9kms
Perhaps the most variable running spot in Sydney, North Head is also known as Sydney Harbour National Park. This beautiful area includes some seriously impressive scenery, intertwined with all sorts of trails depending on how you feel. North Head is easily accessible as it sits on the South-East tip of Manly and is popular with all trail runners, as it includes single trails and asphalt, as well as a substantial climb for those of you who love hills!
There are three routes to access North Head, all of which require you to take on the steep hill that runs near St Patrick’s estate. The first way to access North Head is to go via Shelly Beach. If you run up behind Shelly Beach, you’ll find a staircase that leads you up to a carpark. Once you’re up there, swing right and you’ll find the trail taking you up to North Head. This section is a single trail with about 50m of elevation and bear in mind that early on you’ll come across a wall with a small fence gate. If steep single trails don’t sound like your cup of tea, running up Darley Rd past St Patrick’s Estate is fairly straight forward. It’s still going to be steep, but it’s shorter and you can walk the initial steep section, eventually the hill up Darley Rd becomes more of a gentle slope.
Once you’re up the hill, there are a few loops that take you on rocky trails and you’ll see military fortifications, as well as an ANZAC memorial walk. The loop then takes you out to Fairfax lookout and provides sweeping views of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline, a fair excuse to stop for photos especially after that hill!
How to get there?
One of the greatest things about North Head is that it’s right on the doorstep of Manly! Once you’re in Manly, you can simply run up to North Head and immerse yourself. If you’re not too keen on the hill, you can take the 161 – North Fort bus straight up to the lookout and do a loop atop instead!
Manly Dam – Medium 7.3kms
This quintessential trail running is on the doorstep of the Northern Beaches. It’s tranquil, it’s undulating, it’s rocky and it’s muddy.
This 7.3km loop frequently features on the Sydney Trail Series and is a very popular with trail runners across Sydney. With lush vegetation, wildlife all around you and narrow single trails, it’s the perfect combination for a tranquil experience that feels anything but the city. The loop includes 250m of elevation and winds around Manly Reservoir. Further up along the trail you’ll find small waterfalls and creeks that will surprise you. Manly Dam never ceases to offer runners and walkers variety and of course that comes with a bit of mud! While not overly muddy, significant rainfall can render parts a bit boggy, so strap on those trail shoes and prepare to get a bit dirty!
How to get there?
Manly Dam requires a bit of jogging to get to if you don’t have a car, but there are bus services that take you near the King St entry. The 145 Bus leaves from Warringah Mall
Long Reef Headland – Easy 3.7kms
Long Reef offers spectacular coastal views across the entirety of the Northern Beaches. This short trail is great for anyone who wants a quick run with breath-taking sights!
Half the trail is on a sealed concrete path, which snakes up to the Long Reef Point Lookout, this path is known as the Bicentennial Coastal Walk and it offers amazing views towards the north of the Northern Beaches and the Central Coast. From the tip of the headland, you can take the stairs down onto the rock platform for more interesting views to the south and north.
The other half of Long Reef is on a gravel trail, that takes you through the Southern edge of Long Reef which looks out to Dee Why. The trail turns right through a bushy area along a few boardwalks.
How to get there?
The 199 and B1 buses stop close-by at the Collaroy B-Line stop. Both provide very frequent services and good connections to the rest of the Northern Beaches and the city.