2026 WHALE TRAIL: Long Reef to Newport, a Coastal Stunner!

This session is easily in my Top 5 Hikes in Sydney... the bush, the beaches, the neighbourhoods, and a lush pub to finish. And? It's a star in our 2026 WHALE TRAIL series as we smash the coast spotting whales along the way. There's something very fahkin' special about those Northern Beaches, and Long Reef Headland to Newport is a 10/10 journey showcasting the best of the best!

THE HIKE. LONG REEF HEADLAND TO THE NEWPORT - 15kms.
We start at Long Reef Headland… one of the most stunning sections of our Sydney Coastline, from Palm Beach all the way down to The Royal National Park. We meet there in the grass by Long Reef Surf Life Saving Club.

Long Reef is 240million years old, and the views are unforgettable. We bend around Long Reef Golf Course and exit to a cute little beach walk at Fisherman’s Beach (we saw sting rays galore there last time) which finishes at Collaroy Rockpools… leading to Collaroy Beach.

Admittedly, the stretch of Narrabeen Beach is either torture on the legs in the sand or a boring-as-hell street walk, so we'll jump on a 5min bus (trust me, this works) to skip it. Hiking continues at Narrabeen Headland and gives the most stunning views south so you'll see it all.

Onward we go to Turimetta Beach (10/10 stunning) and Lookout… to the Turimetta Headland Reserve, Warriewood Lookout & Blowhole, Warriewood Beach (again gorgeous), then to Mona Vale Beach (voted 6th best in the world, Conde Naste)…

(QUICKLY... YOU MUST JOIN OUR WHATSAPP GROUP HERE AFTER YOU HIT ATTEND HERE ON MEETUP)

North of that? Basin Beach. Bungan Beach.... these two are absolutely stunning. Let's explore, then we'll make a left into Newport to easily one of the best bars in all of Sydney - The Newport. If you haven't been, you're going to be floored. If you have, it's probably why you're signing up to this hike!

15kms in total. Beach walk. Inclines. And all the rest. Fitness required for this one. The B1 bus / 199 bus are our friends all day to start, get home, and even provide some outs if you want to stop hiking and meet us at the pub. If you parked your car at the start (there is free parking) it's super easy to bus back south. Post-pub the 199 bus is literally out the front door running every 10minutes.

THE STARTING POINT.
Coming from North or South? B1 bus gets you close, but it’s an easy transfer to the 199 bus that drops you at the Collaroy at Pittwater Rd before Hay St stop. Cross the road there (be careful, look at pic for the stairwell), take the trail down, and the grassy bit is our meeting point (please see pics below). It’s a little tricky, but you’ll find it.

Drivers, there’s freebie parking around that area – DIY research please.
See you for one of my favourite Sydney hikes! MJ

| THE 2026 WHALE TRAIL | KMs |
| La Perouse Headland | 11.0 |
| Figure 8 Pool | 14.0 |
| Wattamolla, Eagle Rock | 14.0 |
| Bundeena to Wedding Cake Rock | 17.0 |
| North Head Manly | 12.6 |
| Malabar to Coogee | 11.2 |
| Coogee Watson's Bay | 16.6 |
| Long Reef to Newport | 15.2 |
| Cronulla to Kurnell | 14.9 |
| Dee Why to Manly | 10.9 |
| Macmaster's to Killcare | 13.5 |
| Patonga to Pearl Beach, Palm Beach | 14.0 |
| 12 HIKES THAT TOTAL | 165KMs |
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THE DETAILS.
WHATSAPP. You’re not 100% confirmed until you’re in the whatsapp group. Join it 'cause we love it, and we use it! Click on the link (above) – if not, sadly you’ll be removed from the event on MeetUP.
Cancels / No shows. Treat your RSVP like a restaurant reservation. No show / cancel on the day? That restaurant is my hiking group – you won’t be welcomed in the future. Respect and manners matter as I put my credit card down for your reservation. Double booked with another group? Come on… be kind.
Gratuity. $10 PayID or Cash.
Safety. Let’s chat, let’s have some laughs… but let’s be safe.
Fitness. Yup. Fitness matters for all of our hikes – especially if we are going into National Park.
Guests. Bring mates, dates, co-workers.
Good energy, smiles, and laughs… Bring ‘em all! You’re joining the most fun hiking group in Sydney.
In pressing the “Attend” button for this hike, you acknowledge that:
a) You are healthy and fit to complete the hike describe;
b) You have read and will follow NSW National Parks Bushwalking Safety Guidelines for this hike;
c) You have no chronic / underlying health issues that deter you from completing this hike;
d) You understand your host is just that – your host, not a professional hiker – and that you and you alone are responsible for your hiking health, safety, and wellness;
e) You’ve been advised to download the “Emergency Plus App” and
f) You’ve been advised to obtain individual hiking insurance from 1Cover.
g) Over 60yrs old, and new to the group? Send me a note first please.