Best Hiking Trails near Manly

"Named after William Bradley, a Royal Navy officer who participated in the First Fleet to Australia, Bradleys Head is quite a fascinating place to visit. The first thing you’ll notice is the huge mast that stands tall and proud at the edge of the cliff, overlooking Sydney Harbour. The mast was the foremast of HMAS Sydney, a light cruiser that was broken up on Cockatoo Island in 1929."

"The trail continues past Athol Bay and arrives at Bradleys Head, a unique and historical spot in Sydney Harbour National Park. The first thing you will notice is the huge mast standing tall and proud at the edge of the cliff, overlooking the Harbour. This used to be the foremast of HMAS Sydney, a light cruiser that was broken up on Cockatoo Island in 1929."

"Far less popular than the touristy Bondi to Coogee hike, the Spit to Manly Walk is a quieter alternative with more natural busy and varied views. A stunning day hike along the North Sydney harbor coastline that weaves its way through a mix of lush bushland and scenic harbourside trails with secluded beaches, indigenous rock carvings, and panoramic lookouts along the way. You can hike the 10km (6.2 miles) trail in 3.5 hours in a hurry, but I recommend you take your time and enjoy the sights and sounds."

"If you fancy stretching your legs, the walk from Manly to Spit Bridge is a pleasant 2-3 hour coastal walk with amazing views over the ocean. Catch the ferry to Manly harbour and head round the coast – make sure not to miss the ancient aboriginal carvings along the way. When it comes to free things to do in Sydney, this is one of the most popular for good reason."

"If your little ones love heights, they're going to love adventuring to new heights at Bonna Point Reserve. Bonna Point Reserve only opened in 2020 and is already exciting little adventure seekers with the playground's Sky-pods, a labyrinth of elevated rope walkways, and the epic 4.5m slide!. Location: 310-312 Prince Charles Parade, Kurnell"

"The incredible Paddington Reservoir Gardens is an award-winning public park sunken below Oxford Street in the inner eastern Sydney suburb of Paddington. Occupying a reservoir that was once a vital source of water for a growing Sydney, this park is an artistic transformation of the heritage-listed site that invokes comparisons with the ancient Baths of Rome and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. The original brick, timber, and iron components of the reservoir were rescued and seamlessly blended with contemporary and sustainable elements."

"Located below bustling Oxford Street is one of the best hidden gems in Sydney: the Paddington Reservoir Gardens. From the street, it looks like a hodge-podge of columns, plants and graffiti art. Upon closer look, travelers see the beauty of its $10 million restoration."

"The interior is decorated with innovative decor and blue walls. Aqua S is well known as an ice cream parlor with a strong soft serve game. Their menu includes the delicious ice creams with elderflower, blueberry, watermelon pear, Kinder Bueno, red velvet, mango passionfruit with sea salt, rum raisin, pineapple flavor, strawberry flavor, mango flavor, minion flavor, and hazelnut and pomegranate flavor."

"With a nod to its name, the ice cream here is blue in flavour and sea salt in taste. Yes, the sea salt soft serve has made this eatery a destination where desserts are done differently. Fairy floss envelopes signature blue ice cream, while toppings are the main game."

"Bringing sea salt soft serve from Okinawa, Japan to the heart of Sydney, this delicious spot has some of the most unique ice-cream mixes around (and crazy toppings like fairy floss and popcorn, too)."

"The perfect beachside location, Blackwood Pantry keeps it light and casual. This whole place flows from inside to the outside sitting area. Pop down for breakfast with classics like French toast or lunch with a chicken salad."

"For pizza and pasta worthy of Sydney royalty, take a visit to Queen Margherita of Savoy Neapolitan Pizzeria, on Surf Road in Cronulla. Stroll up from the golden sands of the beach and follow the tanta..."