Day 6, Sunday 5th December: Balmoral to Manly

Turns out to be tricky to get a bus to Balmoral early on a Sunday morning. We catch the 247 bus at 07:39 from Wynyard, get off on Military road and walk down the hill to Balmoral. Great view of North Head from the hill

Have a strong flat white from one of the coffee shops at Balmoral and then set off towards the Spit. First stop is Chinamans Beach and then Parriwi Head where there are great views back toward Middle Head.

We walk along the road, where there is a good footpath, down the hill and over the Spit Bridge. Almost immediately there is the start of the path to Manly. The Spit to Manly walk is well known and the bulk of it is well paved and off road.

We first come to Fisher Bay, a large flat tidal beach, clearly popular with dog owners.

Then around Brady’s Point to Clontarf. Clontarf is a popular family beach. There is a large playground and many people setting up picnics. However, the sky is beginning to get grey.

We walk along the beach to Clontarf Point

Then up over the point into Castle Rock reserve. The walk here follows the coast very closely with many steps up and down.

Great views through the trees of Middle Head and Grotto Point. Quite thick bush on this side of the headland.

We take the turn off to Grotto Point to check out the lighthouse. Along the way we see a blue-tongued lizard.

We eventually arrive at the lighthouse at Grotto Point. It is a bit disappointing given the 2km diversion, except for the great view through the Sydney Harbour Heads.

After the detour, we head along the track, no in the Sydney Harbour National Park. Some great views of the harbour and North head as we walk. Weather definitely getting greyer.

The path here has been well laid out and is relatively easy walking. We begin to pass other walkers and runners. Bush here is much less dense than on the west facing side. No idea what Alex is doing in this picture!

Along the way here we pass the lookout to Crater Cove. Always wanted to come to this lookout as we see it from the Manly ferry.

From Crater Cove lookout there is a long series of steps and pathways around Dobroyd Head and ultimately down to Reef Beach at the entrance to North Harbour. Along the way, many opportunities for lookouts and for views towards the heads.

Reef Beach is pretty secluded being in the National Park and has views across North Harbour to Manly. Also an interesting seat with reliefs of various bush animals.

There is then a well paved track along the coast line to Forty Basket Beach

And then on to head of North Harbour before turning the corner toward Manly. The path from North Head Reserve is concreted and passes a built up area with various interesting houses.

From here we make our way to Manly Wharf to catch the Ferry. The weather is really closing in now. As we arrive at the ferry, the rain starts. We take the ferry from Manly back to Circular Quay. Now quite squally and wet weather. We look at the path we have walked all the way through the Harbour. I think we have walked around 20km today. Next week we will be out of the harbour and on our way Northwards. We have lunch, pizza, at the Rocks.