The Best Coastal Walks in Sydney - from Manly or Watsons Bay

If you have done the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, here are three lesser known walks.

1. Manly - North Head National Park
Start at South Manly, continue past Shelly Beach onto North Head trail. Proceed through old artillery stations, barracks to North Fort and Fairfax Lookouts (views to South Head and Sydney Harbour and skyline). Trail loops back via boardwalks to Manly. Total return distance from Manly is 5 - 7 km, depending on the trail you choose and side trips to tour fort and artillery stations.

2. Watson's Bay - The Gap - South Head
Take the ferry from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay (via Rose Bay). Try to ignore delicious smells from Doyle's fish and chips on Watsons Bay ferry wharf.
The Gap is 700 metres west from wharf). If travelling June - September, bring binoculars for whale watching. Follow tourist boats below.
South Head National Park walk is as spectacular as North Head but shorter distance. Follow signs from Watson's Bay ferry wharf. Walk past sheltered Camp Cove and Lady Bay (nudist beach) to get to 470 metre South Head loop. Great place for a picnic on rocks near Hornby lighthouse (bins provided before loop starts).

3. Manly - Freshwater Beach
Walk north, the length of Manly Beach to Queenscliff Beach, cross bridge, climb up, through suburban streets to Freshwater Beach (better surf than Manly).

Sydney public ferries are cheaper than private operators. All leave from Circular Quay

View looking back to Manly and Freshwater Beaches (from North Head trail)

North Head - views of Sydney skyline

Free maps of North Head available in boxes along the trail

South Head and historic Hornby Lighthouse

Freshwater Beach

Forget Sydney's Bondi Beach, Manly Beach is the place to go

Only 30 minutes from Sydney, Manly is a unique destination. A world class beach with consistent waves, towering Norfolk pines and two kilometres of white sand. Surf Lifesaving has its origin on Manly Beach.
Once off the ferry, stroll down The Corso (pedestrian mall) to the surf beach. Manly's plazas and laneway give it a village atmosphere, unlike Bondi's rather tawdry and touristy environs.

Manly Beach 1900
Source: Powerhouse Museum

Only a few minutes walk from the bustling Manly Beach is Shelly Beach. You could be on a deserted island, not suburban Sydney. Great snorkelling spot.

The view from Queenscliff, looking back towards Manly Beach

The best way to get to Manly is by the ferry (30 minutes from Circular Quay - adjoining Sydney Opera House and the International Passenger Terminal. A perfect day trip if you only have one day in Sydney.

The historic quarantine station on North Head is a 40 minute walk or a 5 minute bus ride from Manly Village (featuring colourful plazas and interconnecting laneways)

Sunset, looking back across the harbour to Sydney.

Unique accommodation in Sydney - Q Station

The Quarantine Station dates back from the 1880's. Situated in a National Park, it's part museum, part hotel and conference centre. Because of the heritage-listed buildings, not all rooms have bathrooms but the private bathroom is next to your room. These are termed Heritage rooms and suites. Deluxe rooms have connected bathrooms. Most rooms have spacious verandahs with water views. There are numerous public lounges spread throughout the property, decorated out in furniture and fittings from the period.

Less than a 10 minute bus ride from Manly Ferry Terminal (Sydney Ferries)

If you don't want to take the ferry and the bus, a privately run ferry delivers visitors directly to Q Station's pier (adjoining the private beach).

The sunset view from Room 27's verandah - probably the pick of the views. Ask for a room near Views Restaurant (used for breakfast). These 2 wings are the most central.

Take the 135 Bus from Manly Ferry Terminal, ferries run every half hour. (Sydney CBD is only 30 minutes on the ferry)

Q Station is divided into various precincts. A 24 hr shuttle bus is available but it is possible to walk around the grounds

Walk to dinner at the Boiler House Restaurant - over 200 steps (once a funicular railway)

The trip to Manly by ferry is spectacular, and a bargain to boot.