Sydney · Route card
Manly to Spit Bridge
Arguably Sydney's most beautiful trail run
running2explore.com
Distance
10.01 km
Elevation
128 m
Time
65–85 min
Type
Point to point · Hard
Course overview
Ten kilometres of harbour foreshore track linking Manly to the Spit — harbour views, quiet beaches, bushland, boardwalks and Aboriginal rock engravings most locals have never seen.
- 0 kmManly Wharf — Run west along the Fairlight foreshore promenade.
- 1.8 kmFairlight — Sealed path ends; the trail begins.
- 3.2 kmReef Beach — First beach drop, then a steep climb out.
- 5.1 kmDobroyd Head — Highest point of the route.
- 6.4 kmGrotto Point — Optional 600 m spur to the lighthouse and engravings.
- 8.7 kmClontarf Reserve — Water, toilets and shade.
- 10 kmSpit Bridge — Finish at the bus stop on Spit Road.
Photo stops on the map
- ADobroyd Head lookout — Late afternoon
- BCastle Rock Beach — Morning, high tide
- CGrotto Point engravings — Low, raking light — early or late
Local knowledge
- Best time
- Mid-morning — the trail is technical and needs light, but afternoons get hot.
- Transport
- Ferry to Manly from Circular Quay, B1 bus back from the Spit Bridge.
- Water
- Taps at Forty Baskets and Clontarf only — carry a bottle.
- Toilets
- Manly, Forty Baskets and Clontarf Reserve.
- Parking
- Free all-day parking near Clontarf, or park at the Spit and catch the bus to Manly first.
- Safety
- Rocky, root-covered singletrack with drop-offs. Trail shoes strongly recommended. Snakes in summer.
Local tip: Grab a coffee at Rollers Bakehouse in Manly before you start — it's the best in the north.