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Sydney · Route card

Manly Dam Circuit

Sydney's trail-running playground

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Terrain map of Manly Dam Circuit showing the real GPX route, kilometre markers and photo stops
Coral: GPX route · numbered circles: kilometres · A–H: photo stops · S/F: start and finish

Distance

7.31 km

Elevation

86 m

Time

45–60 min

Type

Loop · Hard

Course overview

Loops from 7 to 11 km around the Manly Dam reservoir — single track, bushland and water views, with short sharp climbs, creek crossings and a swimming reservoir at the finish.

  1. 0 kmPicnic area — Head anti-clockwise onto the loop track.
  2. 3.1 kmCreek crossings — Technical rock-hop section.
  3. 5 kmSouthern arm — The steepest climbs of the loop.
  4. 6.4 kmDam wall — Cross the wall and back to the start.
  5. 7.5 kmPicnic area — Swim in the reservoir to finish.

Photo stops on the map

  • AReservoir edge — Mid-morning

Local knowledge

Best time
Morning, and avoid the day after heavy rain — the rock gets slick.
Transport
Buses along King Street, Manly Vale, then 400 m to the trailhead.
Water
Tap at the picnic area only.
Toilets
Picnic area.
Parking
Free parking at the King Street picnic area.
Safety
Shared with mountain bikers — the loop runs one way for bikes, listen for them. Trail shoes essential.

Local tip: Swim in the reservoir afterwards; it's one of the few freshwater swims in Sydney.