Four scenic bike rides on the Northern Beaches
Are you looking for a new adventure? Saddle up and explore the Northern Beaches on two wheels.
These cycling trails cover everything from beachfront boardwalks to tranquil lagoons, ensuring you have a great day out. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or new to bike riding, we have the track to get your blood pumping.
With this in mind, we’ve put together our favourite scenic bike trails on the Northern Beaches.
Manly Beachfront

This is a great bike ride if you want to skip the hills but still feel the wind in your hair. Starting from the western end of Manly Lagoon near Pittwater Rd, ride through Lagoon Park and onto the ocean promenade to Shelly Beach.
When you arrive at Shelly Beach, be sure to take a refreshing dip in the ocean or perhaps go snorkelling in the calm waters of Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve.
Length: 5km return
Duration: 1 hour
Skill level: Easy
North Head
The ride up to and around North Head will take you past some of Manly’s most iconic attractions, including St Patrick’s Estate, North Fort, North Head Sanctuary and Q Station.
There’s a steep hill to get there, but the stunning ride is worth the effort. Enjoy the beautiful native bush bike trail and marvel at the panoramic views of the ocean, harbour and city from various lookouts. We recommend either a bike with gears or an e-bike to make the ride go smoothly.
Length: 12km
Duration: 2 hours
Skill level: Intermediate
Manly Dam

One of the more popular mountain bike tracks in Sydney is the 8.8km Manly Dam track. We recommend a mountain bike for this ride, as there are jumps along the track and in parts it is quite rocky.
The best access points for bikes are at Gibbs St, Manly Vale; Upper Clontarf St, North Balgowlah; Kirkwood St, Seaforth; and both Roosevelt Ave and Nyrang St at Allambie Heights. A map of the mountain bike track can be found on the Northern Beaches Council website.
Length: 20km
Duration: 2-2.5 hours
Skill level: Intermediate/advanced
Narrabeen Lagoon

This 8.6km bike ride winds around the foreshore of Narrabeen Lagoon, with its wildlife, cultural heritage and historical icons.
The route is flat and consists of sealed paths, smooth gravel and wooden boardwalks. This cycle ride is perfect for kids and there are plenty of areas to stop for a picnic.
Length: 8.6km
Duration: 1-1.5 hours
Skill level: Easy