Move over Bondi to Coogee, the Sydney’s North Shore has an ocean-side walk that will give you a run for your money. And dare we say it’s even more dog-friendly.
Many people don’t take their dog on the Spit to Manly walk because the official path passes through Dobroyd Head, where dogs are prohibited. But there is an alternative, dog-friendly route, which we think has even better views!
Here’s our guide to the dog-friendly Spit to Manly walk:
Start Point: Fisher Bay Walk (the North side of the Spit Bridge)
End Point: Manly Wharf
Distance: ~9km
Time required: 2 – 3 hours
Dog-Friendly Pit Stops: Clontarf Beach, Tania Park, North Harbour Reserve
The path starts on the north side of the Spit Bridge. Find the Fisher Bay Walk to the right once you cross the bridge, and follow it until you hit Sandy Bay Road.
Pit Stop 1:
Within minutes you will hit your first beach: Clontarf Beach, a popular dog hang out with crystal clear water.
Afterwards, find Monash Crescent, and follow it until it meets with Clontarf Track. Normally you would continue on this track along the coast. However, with your dog, you will need to take the back streets to avoid the National Park. Turn left at Castle Rock Trail and walk up to Cutler road. Continue along 3 more backstreet roads (Culter Road, Vista Avenue and Bareena Drive) and in a few minutes, you will reach Tania Park.
Pit Stop 2:
Give your dog a chance to let off some steam at the off-leash park while you soak in the amazing harbour views.
After the stop, follow Fisher Street and the zig-zags down to Forty Basket Beach. Here you have met back with the official walk. Continue along the coast, with the water on your right.
Pit Stop 3:
In just a few hundred metres you will come to North Harbour Reserve: a dog off- leash beach, where you can let your down cool off with a swim.
Now you just follow the trail along the coast until you hit Manly Wharf!
Now For A Bit About Us:
We’re Lyka Pet Food and we’re on a mission to help puppers live their best life here in Australia. We create a joyful life for your dog through a custom plan of nutritious, fresh dog food, delivered to your front door.