Ultimate guide to the 80km Bondi to Manly walk
The Bondi to Manly Walk is a spectacular coastal trail stretching approximately 80 kilometers between two of Sydney's most iconic beaches, Bondi Beach and Manly Beach. This stunning walk offers a unique way to explore Sydney's coastline and its rich cultural and natural heritage, showcasing a diverse range of landscapes from dramatic cliffs to tranquil harborside parks, and offering breathtaking views of the Sydney Harbour, Pacific Ocean, and the city skyline. The walk takes you through some of the city's most picturesque and historically significant suburbs, as well as national parks, harbor foreshores, and pristine beaches.
Key Points Along the Way
Bondi Beach Starting at the world-famous Bondi Beach, the Bondi to Manly Walk kicks off at the southern end, near the Bondi Icebergs Club. As one of Australia's most iconic beaches, Bondi boasts golden sands, a vibrant surf culture, and a bustling promenade lined with trendy cafes, restaurants, and shops. It's the perfect place to begin your coastal adventure.
Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk The walk continues along the rugged coastline, through the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk. This 2.5-kilometer cliffside trail offers panoramic ocean views, with several lookout points and photo opportunities, including the iconic Bondi Baths and the dramatic cliffs of Mackenzies Point. The path takes you past Tamarama and Bronte beaches, both popular spots for surfing and sunbathing.
Waverley Cemetery Continuing along the coast, you'll pass through the picturesque Waverley Cemetery, a heritage-listed site resting atop the coastal cliffs. The cemetery's serene atmosphere and stunning ocean views make it a unique and memorable part of the walk.
Clovelly Beach Heading further north, the path takes you to the calm waters of Clovelly Beach, a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling. The beach features a narrow bay with a unique rockpool-like swimming area, perfect for families and less experienced swimmers.
Coogee Beach Next, the trail leads you to the bustling Coogee Beach, offering a variety of cafes, restaurants, and shops. Coogee Beach is a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and beach volleyball, as well as a great place to grab a bite to eat or relax in the park.
South Maroubra Beach and Malabar Headland National Park From Coogee Beach, the trail heads south, passing by the rugged cliffs and rock formations of South Maroubra Beach and entering the Malabar Headland National Park. This national park boasts a variety of native flora and fauna and offers fantastic views of the coastline and the city skyline.
La Perouse The walk then heads north to the historic La Perouse area, named after the French explorer who arrived in Botany Bay in 1788. This area features the Bare Island Fort, a military fort built in 1885, and the La Perouse Museum, which showcases the history of the area.
Kamay Botany Bay National Park Continuing north, the trail takes you through the Kamay Botany Bay National Park, home to significant cultural and historical sites, such as Captain Cook's Landing Place and the Meeting Place, where British colonists first encountered the indigenous people of the area.
Kurnell After passing through the national park, you'll arrive in the suburb of Kurnell. Here, you can visit the Captain Cook's Landing Place monument and learn about the history of European settlement in Australia.
Cronulla Beach and Ferry to Bundeena Upon reaching Cronulla Beach, the walk transitions from the easternbeach to the northern side of Sydney. To continue the Bondi to Manly Walk, you'll need to catch a ferry from Cronulla to Bundeena. This scenic ferry ride crosses the waters of Port Hacking and provides fantastic views of the surrounding national parks and waterways.
Royal National Park From Bundeena, the trail enters the Royal National Park, Australia's oldest national park, established in 1879. The park is a haven for nature lovers, offering a diverse range of landscapes, from lush rainforests to rugged coastal cliffs. As you traverse the park, be sure to visit the famous Wedding Cake Rock, a unique white rock formation that resembles a tiered wedding cake.
Wattamolla Beach Continuing through the Royal National Park, you'll arrive at the idyllic Wattamolla Beach, a secluded spot with a calm lagoon, perfect for swimming and picnicking. The beach also features a picturesque waterfall and is a popular destination for birdwatching.
Garie Beach and North Era Beach The walk proceeds north, passing the pristine beaches of Garie Beach and North Era Beach, both of which offer secluded spots for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing in the pristine coastal environment.
Otford Lookout As you leave the Royal National Park and approach Otford Lookout, you'll be treated to panoramic views of the coastline and the Pacific Ocean. The lookout is a perfect spot to rest and take in the surrounding beauty.
Sea Cliff Bridge The trail then takes you along the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge, a 665-meter-long cantilevered bridge that curves around the coastline, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and cliffs.
Wollongong to Sydney Train Upon reaching the northern end of the Sea Cliff Bridge, you'll need to catch a train from the nearby Wollongong suburb of Coalcliff to Sydney's North Shore. This train journey takes you through the picturesque Illawarra Escarpment and along the coastline, providing stunning views of the ocean and surrounding landscape.
Spit Bridge to Manly Walk Once you arrive back in Sydney, the final leg of the Bondi to Manly Walk begins at the Spit Bridge. The Spit Bridge to Manly Walk, also known as the Manly Scenic Walkway, takes you along the harbor foreshore, passing through lush bushland and offering stunning views of Sydney Harbour, the city skyline, and the Northern Beaches.
Dobroyd Head As you make your way along the Manly Scenic Walkway, be sure to stop at Dobroyd Head, a vantage point that offers panoramic views of Sydney Harbour, the city skyline, and the ocean.
Reef Beach and Forty Baskets Beach Continuing along the trail, you'll pass the tranquil waters of Reef Beach and Forty Baskets Beach, both offering secluded spots for swimming and relaxing.
Manly Beach Finally, the Bondi to Manly Walk concludes at the iconic Manly Beach. Known for its surf culture, golden sands, and vibrant atmosphere, Manly Beach is the perfect endpoint for this incredible coastal adventure. Here, you can celebrate the completion of your journey by enjoying a meal or a drink at one of the many cafes, restaurants, and bars lining the beachfront promenade.