Sydney, Australia

Manly to Dee Why return

Beaches out, beaches back, North Head to finish

Distance
22.81 km
Elevation
364 m
Time
1 hr 55 – 2 hr 30
Difficulty
Hard
Type
Out and back

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.

CoastalSunriseNo Car NeededWeekend AdventureHard

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Get the complete route on your watch, plus the local detail that turns it into a memorable morning.

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

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The experience

Why you'll love this run

  • Four northern beaches out and the same four back
  • A cliff-top North Head loop to finish
  • Ocean pools, headlands and sand the whole way
  • Ferry access at Manly makes it a car-free long run

At a glance

scenery
accessibility
technicality
crowds
adventure

Route map

Every stop, mapped

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Printable illustrated route card

We'll email the free GPX file — drop it into Garmin Connect and send it to your watch.

StartFinishWaterToiletsTransportCafeBeachLookoutLandmark Photo stop

Route timeline

Kilometre by kilometre

  1. 0 km

    Manly

    Set off north along the beachfront.

  2. 2 km

    Queenscliff

    First headland climb.

  3. 3 km

    Freshwater

    Beach, ocean pool and a short rise beyond.

  4. 5 km

    Curl Curl

    The flattest, fastest section of the run.

  5. 8 km

    Dee Why

    Turn around and retrace the coast south.

  6. 15 km

    Back at Manly

    Through Manly and out towards the headland.

  7. 19.5 km

    North Head

    A cliff-top loop above the harbour entrance.

  8. 22.8 km

    Manly

    Finish at the beachfront, close to the ferry.

Route highlights

The parts you'll remember

2 km

Queenscliff

The first climb out of Manly, with the coast opening up ahead

-33.7878, 151.2878

8 km

Dee Why turnaround

The northern end of the run, beside the sand, before you retrace the coast

-33.7551, 151.2973

19.5 km

North Head loop

A final cliff-top circuit above the harbour entrance before the finish

-33.8193, 151.2971

Photo stops

Where to stop and shoot

Queenscliff

The best early view of the run, with the beaches lined up ahead.

Best time
Sunrise
Photography tip
Shoot north from the headland path so the beaches stack into the distance.
GPS
-33.7878, 151.2878

Freshwater Beach

A classic Sydney beach scene a few kilometres in.

Best time
Early morning, before the surf crowd
Photography tip
Include the ocean pool in the foreground and the headland behind.
GPS
-33.7805, 151.2901

Dee Why

The turnaround and a natural place to pause.

Best time
Morning
Photography tip
Shoot along the beach with the rock pool in frame.
GPS
-33.7551, 151.2973

North Head

Cliff tops and harbour entrance views in the closing kilometres.

Best time
Late afternoon
Photography tip
Stand back from the edge and use the sandstone cliffs for scale.
GPS
-33.8193, 151.2971

Local knowledge

Before you go

Best time to run
Early morning, when the beachfront paths are quiet and the light is best.
Sunrise
Sunrise is straight off the ocean for the whole route.
Sunset
Late afternoon is cooler and quieter, though the headlands are exposed.
Parking
Paid parking around Manly; arrive early on weekends.
Public 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.

Safety

Headland sections use the footpath beside traffic — take the crossings and be visible in low light.

Getting there

  • • Manly

3 water points · 0 toilet stops on route

Make a morning of it

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

  • coffeeDee Why — Cafés right at the turnaround if you want a halfway coffee.
  • swimManly ocean pool — A cold swim at the finish before the ferry.
  • transportManly ferry — The best possible way to end a long run.

Ready to run Manly to Dee Why return?

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