8 Nature Walks on the Northern Beaches

While the Northern Beaches is known for its stunning coastline, head slightly inland and you’ll discover beautiful bushwalking tracks scattered across the area, many of which also boast wonderful coastal views.

Here we’ve put together our top 8 favourite nature walks on the Northern Beaches.

Allenby Park

Discover one of the Northern Beaches’ best kept secrets, Allenby Park. Tucked between Brookvale, Beacon Hill and Allambie Heights, you’ll forget you’re in Sydney as you slip into this tranquil, stunning pocket of natural bush.

Distance: 2.5km of various trails

Time: 30 mins – 1 hour

Difficulty: Moderate

Elvina Trail

The Elvina Bay circuit is a beautiful bushwalk around Ku-ring-gai National Park. It features a swimming hole, waterfalls and picturesque views of Pittwater. To get there, either hop on a ferry from Church Point to Elvina Bay or drive to West Head and walk down from there.

Keep an eye out for swamp wallabies and lace monitors, as well as glossy black cockatoos, wattlebirds, honeyeaters and white-bellied sea eagles.

Distance: 5.3 km

Time: 2.5 hours

Type of trail: Return

Difficulty: Moderate to hard

Mackerel to Resolute Loop

This walk can be accessed via ferry from Palm Beach. Once you arrive, walk to the far north end of the beach and start the walk from there. Along the way you will enjoy secluded beaches, stunning views, native wildlife and even some historic Aboriginal sites. Make sure you pack food and drinks because there are no shops. Also, be sure to check the ferry schedule so you can time your return trip.

Distance: 5.4 km

Time: 3 hours

Type of trail: Return

Difficulty: Moderate

Manly Dam

The full Manly Dam walking circuit is 7.3km and takes about 2.5 hours. If you’re keen for a shorter walk, check out the new boardwalk.

Drive to the Nyrang Rd carpark in Allambie Heights and take a short walk down to the water’s edge.

Don’t forget your hat and a bottle of water. Get out there and love our beautiful natural environment.

Distance: 7.3km

Time: 3 hours

Type of trail: Return

Difficulty: Medium with some difficult sections

North Head

Head off from Manly Wharf, taking in The Corso, Manly Beach and Shelly Beach, before stopping on the headland to watch the surfers at famous Bower Break. Continue on through the native bushland to reach Fairfax Lookout at North Head. Here, you can look across the magnificent Sydney Harbour entrance towards South Head and across to the city. Continue on, taking in Australia’s Memorial Walk, the Third Quarantine Cemetery and Collins Beach before arriving back at the wharf.

Distance: 9km

Time: 3 hours

Type of trail: Circular

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

North Head is affected by closures occasionally. For more information check the National Parks website.

Seaforth Oval to Natural Bridge track

This walk, within Garigal National Park, combines beautiful scenery with history. Here you’ll discover native flora and fauna, including the threatened southern brown bandicoot as well as significant Aboriginal sites and historic places.

Distance: 3.4 km

Time: 1.5-2 hours

Type of trail: One way

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

The Basin Track

Start this walk at West Head Road before heading along the ridge top. Stop to explore the Basin Aboriginal art site. From here, follow signs to The Basin campground, and enjoy glimpses of Pittwater through the trees before descending to the campground, which is perfect for a picnic and a swim.

If you don’t fancy taking on the return trip to West Head Rd, ferries run between The Basin and Palm Beach.

Time: 2-3 hours

Type of trail: Return

Difficulty: Moderate

Warriewood Wetlands

The Warriewood Wetlands is the largest remaining sand plain wetlands in the Northern Sydney area. Take the 2.4km walkway through the heart of this unique and interesting area, home to a variety of native animals and over 80 species of birds.

Within the wetlands you can explore Irrawong Waterfall, which is a popular picnic spot. Keep in mind the the size of this clearing around the waterfall depends upon recent rainfall.

Distance: 2.4km

Time: 45 minutes

Type of trail: CIrcular

Difficulty: Easy