Collaroy to Manly Coastal Walk

The Collaroy to Manly Coastal Walk is a wonderful 5-kilometre walk from Collaroy Beach around Long Reef Headland.

The best time to do this walk is at low tide, so make sure to check the Long Reef tides before you start. The walk should take approximately half a day for the walk itself. It is perfect on a sunny day, and sea breezes normally keep the temperatures ideal for walking. Most of the walk is on hard surfaced paths, but there is a section of bush track as well.

The walk starts at Collaroy Beach, near the Surf Life Saving Club. Head south along the pathway and past the ocean pool. Walk across the rock platform and the sand to Fishermans Beach. Pelicans often gather near the boat ramp to get any scraps they can from fishermen. Walk along the base of the headland, which formed in the Triassic period 230 million years ago. Long Reef Headland is unique for its chocolate shales, ironstones and grey claystones, which often contain plant fossils. There is an abundance of bird and sea life, and tide pools contain a huge variety of organisms.

As you head towards Long Reef Point, look up the cliff face. Para-gliders often launch into the sky when the conditions are favorable. Take the trail that heads up to Long Reef Point lookout. From here, you can see spectacular views from Palm Beach in the north to Manly in the south. Also, during autumn and spring, migrating whales can be often spotted.

Take the pathway down the hill, with the golf course to your right and the ocean to your left. In the middle of an elevated boardwalk, stairs go down to Long Reef Beach