8 Beaches Hike: Long Reef to The Harbord Hilton... to Manly Beach!

Is Long Reef to Manly Beach Hike better than Bondi to Coogee Hike?
Fuckin’ right it is… Let’s do it Saturday. Add drinks.

THE HIKE.
We start our journey at Collaroy Beach… a lovely little town with a gorgeous rockpool that connects to Fisherman’s Beach (if we’re lucky some friendly rays hang out there). From there we ascend Long Reef Headland (240million years old)—one of the prettiest views in Sydney, where we'll keep our eyes peeled to spot some whales (a few are still coming south)!

From there, we beach walk down onto Long Reef Beach which turns into Dee Why Beach and its heavenly rockpools, before pushing into the Dee Why Headland for some proper hiking with unforgettable views. This hike is 10/10 beautiful. Next, we hit Curl Curl Rockpool (perhaps my favourite in Sydney) and cross Curl Curl Beach, taking the boardwalk over to Freshwater Beach.

Just before Freshwater, I know I’ll hear it: “Hey MJ, how much further to the pub?” Sooooo, at Freshwater, we’ll take a break at the 10kms mark…

BEFORE READING FURTHER, AFTER YOU HIT ATTEND FOR THIS EVENT COME BACK HERE AND CLICK ON THIS LINK TO JOIN OUR WHATSAPP GROUP. IT’S A MUST TO COME ALONG. THANKS!

THE PUB.
The Harbord Hotel… aka Harbord Hilton is as classic a surf pub gets in Sydney. I love this joint. Art deco design, damn good food, and because it’s a 7iron away from Manly Beach it maintains a Northern Beaches more-locals-less-touristy vibe. They’ve hosted us many times even after some “You hikers are out of control” incidents… So? We love ‘em back by coming back. I did put my credit card down for our reservation.

Lunch. A drink. Another? Feel free to stay or peel away. The bus is right there to Manly Wharf. Or? It’s a 2kms walk over to Queenscliff Beach / Manly Beach – leave at any time. 12kms in total.

THE TRANSPORT.
B1 Bus Route is your friend. Whether coming from the city or Palm Beach, our starting point is right on the B1 Bus line. Post-hike, just ask me - I'll get ya where you need to go.

Great Saturday ahead… see you then! MJ

THE DETAILS.
WHATSAPP. You’re not 100% confirmed until you’re in the whatsapp group. Join it 'cause we love it, 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. $15 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.