Sydney, Australia

Mona Vale to Palm Beach

North along the ocean beaches

Distance
15.07 km
Elevation
391 m
Time
1 hr 20 – 1 hr 45
Difficulty
Hard
Type
Point to point

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.

CoastalSunriseWeekend AdventureNo Car NeededHard

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  • Photo-stop guide
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The experience

Why you'll love this run

  • Ocean views from every headland between Mona Vale and Palm Beach
  • Steep, honest climbs that build real strength
  • Beaches, taps and cafés spaced right through the run
  • Buses make the point-to-point easy to organise

At a glance

scenery
accessibility
technicality
crowds
adventure

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

    Mona Vale

    Set off north along the beachfront.

  2. 3 km

    Bungan headland

    The first climb of several.

  3. 7.5 km

    Bilgola Beach

    Steep down, steep up — the halfway test.

  4. 12 km

    Whale Beach

    The last headland before the finish.

  5. 15 km

    Palm Beach

    Finish at the top of the peninsula.

Route highlights

The parts you'll remember

7.5 km

Bilgola Beach

A steep drop and climb around one of the prettiest beaches on the coast

-33.6431, 151.3331

Photo stops

Where to stop and shoot

Bilgola Beach

A postcard beach that most visitors never see.

Best time
Morning, before the sun is high
Photography tip
Shoot from the road above the beach and use the palms as a frame.
GPS
-33.6431, 151.3331

Whale Beach

The best view of the run, with the coast stretching north.

Best time
Sunrise
Photography tip
Shoot into the light with a runner silhouetted on the rise.
GPS
-33.6212, 151.3396

Local knowledge

Before you go

Best time to run
Early morning while the headland roads are quiet.
Sunrise
Sunrise comes straight off the ocean at every beach on the route.
Sunset
The headlands hold light late, but the finish is a long way from town after dark.
Parking
Street parking around Mona Vale; easiest before 8am.
Public 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.

Safety

Several sections run on the road shoulder over the headlands — face the traffic and be visible.

Getting there

  • • Palm Beach

2 water points · 0 toilet stops on route

Make a morning of it

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

  • coffeeAvalon Beach — Cafés a few steps from the route if you want a mid-run stop.
  • swimPalm Beach swim — Finish with a swim before the bus home.

Ready to run Mona Vale to Palm Beach?

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