2 days
Perfect for those with limited time and a high level of fitness.
CONNECTING in with public transport so you can walk it over a weekend.
Day 1: Bondi Beach to North Sydney Wharf | 39.8km
Day 2: North Sydney Wharf to Manly Beach | 40.2km
DAY 1 : Bondi Beach to NORTH SYDNEY WHARF
39.8KM | 890M^ | 9-12 HOURS
Starting at Bondi Beach, you walk up the coast along the South Head of Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. Walking past Indigenous sites and other heritage and historical landmarks such as Macquarie Lighthouse and the Wreck of the Dunbar.
After passing Sydney’s the dramatic rock faces at The Gap, you’ll reach Hornby Lighthouse at the tip of South Head, before looping around to Watsons Bay Wharf. With stunning Harbour views, you’ll continue walking, through the Hermitage Foreshore Walk, passing many historical cottages, reserves, small beaches and bays.
The Walk continues along the coastline, passing many beautiful viewpoints with spectacular views before reaching The Domain, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, Farm Cove and The Royal Botanic Garden; all Heritage parts of Sydney. You’ll emerge from The Royal Botanic Garden at the iconic Sydney Opera House, then pass Circular Quay, and The Rocks.
To finish off the day, you’ll cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge, where you can take the perfect photo of Sydney Harbour from above. After reaching Milsons Point, you’ll pass Admiralty House, Kirribilli House and the Sub Base Platypus site, before reaching North Sydney Wharf.
getting there
The only way to access Bondi Beach on public transport is via Sydney Buses. Buses leave Bondi Junction train station to Bondi Beach at Stand A (Route 333) and Stand B (Route 380), which run, on average, every 10-15 minutes during the day.
For more information please visit https://transportnsw.info
Getting back
From North Sydney Wharf, there are ferries to Circular Quay every 30 minutes via the Sydney Ferry Route F5. At Circular Quay there are connecting buses, trains and ferries which link to the rest of Sydney.
For more information please visit https://transportnsw.info
Day 2 : NORTH SYDNEY WHARF TO MANLY BEACH
40.2KM | 844M^ | 9-12 HOURS
On Day 2 you’ll start by exploring parts of Neutral Bay, where May Gibbs’ Nutcote house is located, before continuing on to Cremorne Point Reserve. Passing one of Sydney’s most impressive seawater pools; MacCallum Pool you’ll reach Robertson Lighthouse which marks the end of Cremorne Point, and boasts magnificent views of Sydney Harbour - the perfect spot for a scenic picnic/lunch break.
Following the trail, you’ll find yourself at Taronga Zoo and then on to Bradleys Head, Georges Head and Middle Head; where you’ll find some of Sydney’s oldest defence systems of gun batteries and tunnels, dating back to the 19th century.
After walking down from Middle Head, you’ll reach Balmoral Beach where you can explore the various historical parts of the popular beach, such as the old tram sheds, the Rotunda and Rocky Point Island. Keep an eye out for the Aboriginal middens around Balmoral Beach.
Following on to Parriwi Head and The Spit Bridge, you’ll walk through the Fisher Bay Trail which leads to Clontarf Beach and Grotto Point Lighthouse.
Heading back towards Manly, the trail continues along the ‘Manly Scenic Walkway’ to Dobroyd Head, passing Indigenous Australian Rock Engravings and Heritage Sites. Along this part of the walk there are many viewpoints, such as Arabanoo Lookout, Reef Bay and Delwood Beach, all of which have glistening views of Middle Harbour and Sydney’s headlands.
Continuing to Manly Wharf, you’ll pass the Federation Point, Manly Walkway of Olympians and Manly Cove. From Manly Wharf, you walk up to the historic Quarantine Station at North Head, where North Head Sanctuary, The Barracks, Memorial Walk and Gun Emplacement Tunnels are located.
Following on from North Head, you’ll reach the quaint Shelly Beach, renowned for its small shells which make up a large portion of the sand. From here, it's a short walk to the finish, passing Fairy Bower Seawater Pool and Manly Surf Life Saving Club, and eventually ending at Manly Beach.
Getting there
Arriving at North Sydney Wharf can be done via Sydney Ferry Route F5, leaving from Circular Quay every 30 minutes.
For more information please visit https://transportnsw.info
Getting back
Buses home from Manly Beach operate from Manly Wharf/West Esplanade, Stand A, B, C and D. Buses also depart from Manly Wharf/Belgrave Street, Stand E, F and G.
For more information please visit https://transportnsw.info
For a more scenic route to the City (Circular Quay), the Manly Ferry (F1) departs from Manly Wharf every 30 minutes and takes 30 minutes to reach Circular Quay, where buses and trains connect.
For more information please visit https://transportnsw.info
DISCLAIMER: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, Bondi to Manly Walk accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage alleged to be suffered by anyone as a result of the publication of this map, or as a result of the user or misuse of the information provided herein. This information is sourced from the public web. Please make your own enquiries as information may have changed. Feedback and recommended corrections are welcomed.
