6 coastal walks on the Northern Beaches
Walking is not only one of the best types of physical activity, scientists say it also makes us happier. Luckily the Northern Beaches has more than 30km of coastline to explore on foot and make you feel fit and happy. These 6 coastal walks have it all, from sparkling harbour-side views, scenic lookouts and historical sites.
Get walking on some of our best coastal walking trails.
Manly Scenic Walkway
The Manly Scenic Walkway (or Manly to Spit Walk) is an amazing opportunity to get your steps up and enjoy picturesque views of iconic Sydney Harbour. Along the way you’ll pass harbour-side beaches, Indigenous sites and stunning lookout points. If 10km isn’t enough for you, the track continues to North Head and is part of the Bondi to Manly 80km walking track.
To make the most of the view we recommend starting the walk from The Spit Bridge and heading to Manly Wharf. In this direction you have the glorious views in front of you, and if you end the walk in Manly you’ll have your pick of places to drink and eat when you arrive. Time it right to make it back for sunset and a happy hour drink.
Distance: 10km
Time: 2-3 hours
Type of trail: One way
Difficulty: Medium
Manly Beach to Dee Why Beach
Begin the walk at Manly Beach and head north past Freshwater and Curl Curl beaches before finishing at Dee Why Beach. The highlights of this walk are the breathtaking views at Dee Why Headland and the boardwalk that sits on top of the cliffs between Freshwater and Curl Curl. Along the way you’ll pass five beautiful beach rockpools that are the perfect spot for a mid-walk swim.
What are you waiting for? Grab some friends and start walking along the beaches!
Distance: 7km
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Type of trail: One way
Difficulty: Medium
Long Reef Headland
If you ask any Collaroy local they’ll tell you they love the Long Reef Headland walk. This 3km return walk begins at the southern end of Collaroy Beach and ends at beautiful Long Reef Beach. May to November is the perfect time to look out for whales that are migrating up and down the coast.
Distance: 3km
Time: 1 hour
Type of trail: Return
Difficulty: Easy (but steep)
Turrimetta Headland
One of our favourite walks is the Turrimetta Headland walk, which is part of the Bicentennial Coastal Walk stretching from Mona Vale to Queenscliff Beach. The walk begins at the northern end of Narrabeen Beach. After heading up a flight of stairs, you will be rewarded with magnificent views overlooking the beach and the entrance of the lagoon. Follow the bush path around the headland to Warriewood Beach and treat yourself to coffee or lunch at one of the many cafes and restaurants.
Distance: 2.5km
Time: 20 minutes
Type of trail: One way
Difficulty: Easy to medium
Narrabeen Lagoon Trail
Narrabeen Lagoon is the perfect spot for outdoor activities, such as bushwalking, fishing, jogging, stand-up paddle boarding, cycling and kayaking. The 8.6km walk winds around the foreshore of the lagoon where you’ll enjoy beautiful views, wildlife, cultural heritage and historical icons.
Distance: 8.6km
Time: 2-3 hours
Type of trail: Circuit
Difficulty: Easy
Barrenjoey Lighthouse
The Barrenjoey Lighthouse walk is a short walk with big rewards. Along the way you can expect amazing views of Palm Beach and Pittwater. We recommend you walk up the paved access track and down the more challenging Smugglers Track.
If you are interested in history, join a guided walk of the lighthouse operating almost every Sunday, with 30-minute tours starting on the hour from 11am to 3pm. Between the months of May and November, keep your eyes peeled for breaching humpback whales as they migrate up and down the New South Wales Coast.
Distance: 2.5km total
Time: 30 minutes
Type of trail: Return
Difficulty: Easy (but steep)