Bondi to Manly Walk: A Scenic Coastal Adventure in Sydney

The multiday Bondi to Manly Walk is one of the best ways to explore Sydney on foot. With over 150 miles of breathtaking shoreline, Sydney is an ocean lover’s paradise. Its lush headlands offer stunning views, especially when dolphins and whales are around, providing a fantastic natural spectacle. Furthermore, the beachside neighborhoods pulse with local culture, making this urban trek truly unforgettable.

Overview of the Bondi to Manly Walk

The 50-mile Bondi to Manly Walk (commonly referred to as the B2M) is among the few urban coastal treks worldwide. This remarkable trail links the city’s favorite surf beaches and meanders around the iconic Sydney Harbour. Along the route, hikers will encounter breathtaking clifftop views, secluded coves, and architectural marvels like the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Additionally, important Indigenous sites such as the Aboriginal engravings at Grotto Point are accessible too. The B2M trail was officially opened in December 2019 and upgraded in 2022 with new attractions and experiences along the way, making it an essential part of any Sydney adventure.

How to Plan Your Walk

The complete trek requires four days to a week to finish, assuming a daily walking distance of 6 to 12 miles while indulging in various activities and swims. Various itineraries are available, presenting two- or three-day routes and shorter walks that can be conquered in an hour.

This trail has been crafted in collaboration with Local Aboriginal Land Councils and is marked with over 350 Aboriginal whale symbol signs. A digital walking app is available for hikers, enhancing navigation throughout the journey. As you will return to your hotel each night, carrying a large backpack is unnecessary, but don’t forget sun protection and plenty of water.

The journey is rated easy to moderate and includes sections accessible for individuals with disabilities and kid-friendly routes. Outdoor enthusiasts may choose to trek constantly or pause for engaging activities, from climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge with an Indigenous storyteller during BridgeClimb’s Burrawa Indigenous Experience to visiting the Art Gallery of New South Wales, which launched the groundbreaking Sydney Modern Project in December 2022.

Highlights Along the Way

The trek begins at Bondi Beach, one of Australia’s renowned surf beaches. Make sure to grab a coffee at Porch & Parlour and visit the historic Bondi Icebergs Club. The journey continues along the Eastern Suburbs’ coastline toward South Head, where sheer cliffs like The Gap offer stunning views of the Tasman Sea. After a visit to the heritage-listed Hornby Lighthouse, you will loop around to Watsons Bay, which is well-known for its delightful fish and chips at Doyles on the Beach Restaurant.

The following segment takes hikers past historic cottages and exquisite Victorian-era homes. Make sure to swim in Parsley Bay, one of several beaches along the way, before proceeding along the Hermitage Foreshore Walk towards Sydney Harbour. Don’t overlook Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, a bench carved into sandstone by convicts in 1810. New tours led by Aboriginal guides are now available, offering travelers a unique perspective of Sydney’s landmarks. You can partake in an Aboriginal Bush Tucker Tour in The Royal Botanic Garden or learn about the original inhabitants’ relationship with the Harbour on The Rocks Aboriginal Dreaming Tour.

Upon visiting the koalas at Taronga Zoo, you can admire the Aboriginal rock art at Reef Beach and Grotto Point. The final leg of the walk circles around Manly, one of Australia’s most stunning beachside locales. Make a stop at Shelly Beach, celebrated for its rich sea life, which has thrived due to initiatives to restore essential seaweed species. Get up close to the underwater forests on a snorkeling tour with Ecotreasures, or relax with a meal at The Boathouse Shelly Beach, a local hotspot, before taking the ferry back to Circular Quay.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal weather conditions occur from September to November and February to May, with temperatures ranging between 68 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit. The annual humpback whale migration occurs from May to November, peaking in July and September, making these months perfect for spotting these magnificent creatures from the shore or on a boat tour.

Where to Stay

Since Sydney enjoys excellent public transport connectivity, it’s advisable to choose accommodation near the Central Business District, providing convenient returns after each day’s trek.

In the trendy inner-city suburb of Surry Hills, the Paramount House Hotel presents a stylish hub complete with a wine bar, rooftop bakery, and the acclaimed Paramount Coffee Project, offering artful avocado toast and expertly crafted coffee. Closer to the water, the upscale Ovolo Woolloomooloo features chic loft suites housed within an industrial heritage building and boasts one of the city’s top plant-based restaurants, Alibi. Beyond unique historical attributes, the hotel provides perks such as complimentary minibar snacks and social hour cocktails for those looking to unwind after the day’s adventures.