Saturday Fitness Walk: Manly to Taronga Zoo 21KM (Medium)

Saturday Fitness Walk: Manly Ferry Wharf to Taronga Zoo Ferry Wharf – 21 km

From Manly Ferry Wharf we head west, skirt around the Manly foreshore and enter the scenic Manly-to-Spit walk. On gradual ascent, we head for the rugged beauty of Dobroyd Head, passing through Manly Cove, Key-Ye-My Point, Jilling Cove, Wellings Reserve and Forty Baskets Beach. After traversing the Headland, and enjoying the spectacular views into Middle Harbour, we descend to Clontarf Beach for a late morning tea break and bathroom stop.

Leaving Clontarf we follow local pathways to the Spit Bridge then go high on Parriwi road, before dropping into Rosherville Reserve and passing the little hidden gem that is Chinaman’s Beach. Another climb and we drop into Balmoral Beach where, now 15KM into our walk, we take a 45 minute lunch break, to relax and enjoy Balmoral Beach. If the weather is nice, we may extend our break to let the keen swimmers go for a dip!

After lunch the walk out of Balmoral Beach is a challenging set of stairs, leading to the Sydney Harbour National Park, George’s Head, Chowder Bay and Taylor’s Bay. There is much to see! The harbour is so photogenic and soon, the majesty of the Sydney CBD architecture, a certain well-known bridge and an opera house come into frame.

Pressing on we can hear the lively animals of Taronga Zoo, where we stop and wait for the ferry back to Circular Quay to conclude our day with a tasty beer!

We should arrive at Circular Quay by no later than 5:00pm.

Distance: 21 km

Type of Walk: Full day adventure of rich variety, from the beauty of our Emerald Harbour to pristine national parks and beaches. About one third is along local roads, two thirds through national park and harbour side trails.

Difficulty: Medium. If you are unsure about the distance but would like to test yourself this is a walk for you: there are plenty of get-out points.

Walking Pace: Steady pace all day and average 4.5 km per hour.

Meeting Place + Transport: We meet at Circular Quay, Wharf 3, Side B to catch the 9:30AM ferry to Manly. Or meet at Manly Ferry Wharf by 9:52AM. The ferry, from Taronga Zoo to Circular Quay, runs every 20 minutes.

What to bring: Walking shoes/boots; 1.5 litres of water, refill available; hydrolytes; snacks; lunch light rain jacket; sunscreen, cap/hat.

MEMBERS CAN BUY LUCH AT BALMORAL, IF DESIRED.

Suggested Donation: $10

Pub: Paragon Hotel, Circular Quay.

By RSVPing to this event, you (and your guests) agree to and are bound by the terms and conditions of SOMG which you can view here:

Sydney Outdoors Meetup Group Discussions

Questions? Please leave a comment below. I look forward to seeing you on this walk. I will post my mobile number closer to the day.

Ted :)