← Back to Manly to Dee Why return

Sydney · Route card

Manly to Dee Why return

Beaches out, beaches back, North Head to finish

running2explore.com

Terrain map of Manly to Dee Why return 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

22.81 km

Elevation

364 m

Time

1 hr 55 – 2 hr 30

Type

Out and back · Hard

Course overview

An out-and-back from Manly to Dee Why past Queenscliff, Freshwater and Curl Curl, then a cliff-top loop around North Head to finish. Rolling headlands, ocean pools and one of the best long runs on the northern beaches.

  1. 0 kmManly — Set off north along the beachfront.
  2. 2 kmQueenscliff — First headland climb.
  3. 3 kmFreshwater — Beach, ocean pool and a short rise beyond.
  4. 5 kmCurl Curl — The flattest, fastest section of the run.
  5. 8 kmDee Why — Turn around and retrace the coast south.
  6. 15 kmBack at Manly — Through Manly and out towards the headland.
  7. 19.5 kmNorth Head — A cliff-top loop above the harbour entrance.
  8. 22.8 kmManly — Finish at the beachfront, close to the ferry.

Photo stops on the map

  • AQueenscliff — Sunrise
  • BFreshwater Beach — Early morning, before the surf crowd
  • CDee Why — Morning
  • DNorth Head — Late afternoon

Local knowledge

Best time
Early morning, when the beachfront paths are quiet and the light is best.
Transport
The Manly ferry and buses make the start and finish easy without a car.
Water
Taps at Queenscliff, Curl Curl and Dee Why.
Toilets
Public toilets at each of the main beaches.
Parking
Paid parking around Manly; arrive early on weekends.
Safety
Headland sections use the footpath beside traffic — take the crossings and be visible in low light.

Local tip: Treat Dee Why as the halfway checkpoint: refill, eat something and head back steady.