> Walking Guide

One of Manly’s best walks is the Cabbage Tree Bay Eco-Sculpture Walk, starting at the Manly Surf Club, South Steyne and following the stunning ocean foreshore to picturesque Shelly Beach. Gain an insight into Cabbage Tree Bay’s unique marine life, plants, animals, history and attractions by viewing eleven unique eco-sculptures at the Shelly Beach end of the walkway. The sculptures along this walk embrace the harmony and serenity of the surrounding natural beauty, each of them is representing a special feature of Cabbage Tree Bay.

Eastern Blue Groper
A protected species since 1969, up to 1.2m long, large friendly reef fish, males are blue, females usually browny-red and smaller in size

Cabbage Tree Palm
The bay was named after the Cabbage Tree Palm, typically found in rainforest gullies along the coast, once found scattered over the Shelly Beach area

Weedy Seadragon
Home to one of the largest colonies of protected Weedy Seadragons. Close relatives to the seahorse, reddish-orange with purplish-blue stripes, white spots and yellow markings

Gloomy Octopus
Up to 80cm long, the largest octopus in the Sydney area, grey and brown with a rusty red colour under their arms

Surfing
The Bower, a famous surf break, directly off Shelly Beach Headland, attracts many surfers in large southerly swells

Long-nosed Bandicoot
Endangered species, come out at night to find insects, plants and fungus to eat

Snorkelling and Scuba Diving
Cabbage Tree Bay is ideal for snorkelling and diving because of its sheltered, shallow environment and clear water

Little Penguin
Endangered species, smallest penguin in the world, up to 40cm tall, early risers, you might see them before sunrise in search of food

Highlights: The fishermen’s huts at Crater Cove, abandoned since the 1980s and the secluded Reef Beach, also known as ‘Pirates Camp’. Sydney is blessed to have some of the finest network of walking tracks in the world. One of the better known walks is the Manly to Spit Bridge Walkway, viewed by many as one of the most scenic harbour walking tracks in the world. The walk contrasts old and new Australia, taking you past modern harbour-side suburbs juxtaposed with Aboriginal sites, native coastal heath and pockets of sub-tropical rainforest.
A very memorable walk for young and old alike, encompassing panoramic views that have changed very little since the first fleet of British ships arrived in 1788. All flora, fauna, Aboriginal sites, rock formations and historic structures are protected. No dogs (or other pets) are allowed in the National Park, however, there is an alternative dog route. The 10km walk takes approximately 3 – 4.5 hours to complete. The walkway is well signposted with a number of entry points and information boards along the length of the track.

Manly to Spit Bridge:
4.5hrs (10km), grade: gentle to medium

Manly to North Harbour Reserve:
30mins (1.6km), grade: gentle to medium

Manly to Clontarf Reserve:
3.5hrs (7.2km), grade: gentle to medium

Manly to North Head:
4hrs (9.5km), grade: gentle to medium

Sydney Harbour National Park:
40mins (1.5km), grade: medium

Alternative Dog Route:
2hrs (2km), grade: medium

This Walk takes from 1.5 to 2 hours, passing by the former School of Artillery buildings and exploring much of the heathland. Highlights include the many flowering plants, diverse birdlife, military remnants and views of the city, harbour and ocean.

North Head Sanctuary opened to the public in 2007

Previously a School of Artillery where Army gunners lived and trained, the sanctuary now includes a visitor centre and walking tracks to explore. The future of North Head Sanctuary lies in protecting the natural environment while adapting former military buildings for new uses that are sympathetic to the site and its history, such as for environmental research, education and recreation.

Take the trip to North Head and grab a copy of the self-guided tour brochure from the Gatehouse Visitors Centre. Alternatively you can find a detailed walking map of the Sanctuary in the map section of the Manly Visitors Guide or download it below.