Sydney · Route card

Mona Vale to Palm Beach

North along the ocean beaches

running2explore.com

Terrain map of Mona Vale to Palm Beach 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

15.07 km

Elevation

391 m

Time

1 hr 20 – 1 hr 45

Type

Point to point · Hard

Course overview

A rolling coastal run north from Mona Vale, climbing over the headlands between Bungan, Newport, Bilgola and Avalon before the run out to Palm Beach. Short, steep rises and a beach view at almost every turn.

0 kmMona Vale — Set off north along the beachfront.
3 kmBungan headland — The first climb of several.
7.5 kmBilgola Beach — Steep down, steep up — the halfway test.
12 kmWhale Beach — The last headland before the finish.
15 kmPalm Beach — Finish at the top of the peninsula.

Photo stops on the map

ABilgola Beach — Morning, before the sun is high
BWhale Beach — Sunrise

Local knowledge

Best time: Early morning while the headland roads are quiet.
Transport: Buses run the length of the peninsula, so park at one end and bus back.
Water: Taps at Newport and Avalon beach reserves.
Toilets: Public toilets at the main beaches along the way.
Parking: Street parking around Mona Vale; easiest before 8am.
Safety: Several sections run on the road shoulder over the headlands — face the traffic and be visible.

Local tip: Save something for the last few kilometres — the climbs keep coming right to the end.