Things to do along the Bondi to Manly Walk

28 August 2024
Words and photos Briar Jensen for the Open Road Magazine

The epic Bondi to Manly Walk offers a launching pad for a deep dive into Sydney’s harbour, history and culture.

Pick your beach

Bondi and Manly surf beaches get the glory but there’s a swathe of gorgeous lesser-known sandy spots. Parsley Bay is a pocket-sized paradise when not busy and Milk Beach is a slither of sand below the grounds of Strickland House, perfect for a picnic.

Walk to Castle Rock Beach or Reef Beach in the national park below Balgowlah Heights. If you prefer to get your gear off, then head to Lady Bay Beach, not far from lovely Camp Cove. Smaller alternatives at Manly are Shelly and Little Collins Beaches.

Image: Parsley Bay beach

Harbour from on high

For the best aerial perspective of Sydney’s glittering harbour you can’t beat the top of the ‘Coat Hanger’. Choose from BridgeClimb’s Ultimate, Summit, Insider and Burrawa Aboriginal Climb experiences.

If you don’t have a head for heights, you can still get awesome views from the south-east Pylon Lookout & Museum. It tells the story of the bridge’s construction which breathed life into Sydney’s economy from 1924 to 1932.

Take and Indigenous tour

Get a First Nations perspective on Warrane, the Indigenous name for Sydney. Join Dreamtime Southern X for a leisurely inner-city walk led by owner Margaret Campbell or one of her guides.

Experience the Indigenous connection to country or see the harbour from a Gadigal perspective on Aboriginal-guided tours of the Botanic Gardens. Learn about pre-colonial history and coastal life on a harbour cruise with Tribal Warrior or take the Burrawa Aboriginal Climb of the Harbour Bridge.

Get out on the water

There are myriad ways to get out on the harbour. Join a kayak tour or learn-to-surf lesson. Take a yacht charter for an afternoon or overnight getaway.

For thrills, spills and screams join a jetboat jaunt where a ‘360-degree view’ takes on a whole new meaning. The cheapest option is just to jump aboard a green and gold ferry and tootle around the harbour or visit to Cockatoo Island.

Delve into history

Wander through lavishly furnished Vaucluse House to see how wealthy colonialists lived or join a scheduled tour of Strickland and Greycliffe Houses.

Lovers of Snugglepot & Cuddlepie can visit author May Gibbs’ historic home Nutcote, offering a window into her artistic life.

Military buffs will love the Tunnels & Gunners Tour of Georges Heights, the Defence of Sydney tour at North Head and the Sub Base Platypus tour. Join a Ghost Tour of the Quarantine Station or learn about those interred on a tour of Third Quarantine Cemetery at North Head.

Waterside cafes

Enjoy coffee on the beach at colourful Camp Cove Kiosk. After a swim at Murray Rose Pool refuel at Red Leaf Café overlooking the beach.

Get pool, harbour and naval ship views at Oh Boy Sydney above Andrew Boy Charlton pool. Search out rustic Navy Bear at the Royal Australian Navy Sailing Association at Rushcutters Bay and Flying Bear at the Sydney Flying Squadron at Kirribilli, home of historic 18-footer skiffs.

Quirky Thelma & Louise squeezes over the water at Neutral Bay Wharf and Bella Vista offers expansive views from North Head Sanctuary.