Sydney, Australia

Clontarf Reserve to Manly

Leg 4 of the Bondi to Manly route

Distance
16.98 km
Elevation
263 m
Time
1h 50 – 2h 20
Difficulty
Hard
Type
Point to point

The final leg. Foreshore trail from Clontarf through Balgowlah Heights to Fairlight and Manly Cove, out around Collins Beach and North Head, then back along the Manly beachfront to finish on South Steyne.

CoastalHarbour ViewsTrail RunningWeekend AdventureHard

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  • Printable terrain map
  • Public transport info
  • Photo-stop guide
  • Coffee + brunch suggestions

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The experience

Why you'll love this run

  • Foreshore trail, Collins Beach and North Head
  • Ocean cliffs and harbour views within a few kilometres
  • Finish with a swim at Manly
  • Leg 4 of the Bondi to Manly route

At a glance

crowds
scenery
adventure
technicality
accessibility

Route map

Every stop, mapped

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Printable illustrated route card

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StartFinishWaterToiletsTransportCafeBeachLookoutLandmark Photo stop

Route timeline

Kilometre by kilometre

  1. 0 km

    Clontarf Reserve

    East onto the Manly to Spit walk.

  2. 2 km

    Balgowlah Heights

    Trail, steps and small harbour beaches.

  3. 6 km

    Fairlight

    Back onto the sealed foreshore path.

  4. 8 km

    Collins Beach

    Boardwalk and the climb up to the headland.

  5. 10 km

    North Head

    Around the scenic drive and the lookouts.

  6. 14 km

    Manly beachfront

    Back down to the surf side.

  7. 17 km

    South Steyne

    Finish on the beachfront — ferries from Manly Wharf.

Route highlights

The parts you'll remember

2 km

Balgowlah Heights foreshore

Sandstone trail, steps and quiet harbour beaches on the Manly to Spit walk.

-33.8094, 151.2688

8 km

Collins Beach

A hidden harbour beach reached by boardwalk on the way up to North Head.

-33.8084, 151.2883

10 km

North Head

The loop around the headland, with ocean cliffs on one side and the harbour on the other.

-33.8131, 151.2943

Photo stops

Where to stop and shoot

Collins Beach

A quiet cove that feels a long way from Manly Corso, minutes away.

Best time
Morning
Photography tip
Shoot from the boardwalk steps so the trees frame the sand.
GPS
-33.8084, 151.2883

North Head

Cliff edges, heath and the whole harbour entrance below you.

Best time
Morning
Photography tip
Shoot back towards the city so the skyline sits behind the headland.
GPS
-33.8131, 151.2943

Local knowledge

Before you go

Best time to run
Early morning; North Head is exposed once the sun is up.
Sunrise
6:00am summer / 6:50am winter.
Sunset
Warm light on the harbour side of the headland.
Parking
Parking at Clontarf Reserve; Manly parking is metered.
Public transport
Buses to Clontarf, ferry home from Manly Wharf.
Water
Clontarf Reserve, Manly Cove and the Manly beachfront.
Toilets
Clontarf Reserve, Manly Wharf and North Steyne.

Safety

Steps and roots on the foreshore trail; the headland is exposed in strong wind.

Getting there

  • • Manly ferry wharf

1 water point · 1 toilet stop on route

Make a morning of it

Finish with a swim at Manly and take the ferry back to Circular Quay.

  • coffeeManly Wharf — Coffee, food and the ferry home at the finish.
  • swimShelly Beach — A short walk from South Steyne for a calm-water swim.

Ready to run Clontarf Reserve to Manly?

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