The BEST Walks on the Northern Beaches!

Feel like you’ve done all the walks you can think of in iso? Check out some of our favourite walks in the northern beaches. Your little ones will love these walks, whether they’re in a pram, on a scooter or walking with you!

Narabeen Lakes Loop

Narabeen lakes is the perfect place for a Sunday morning walk or bike ride with the family. There’s a whole lot of access points around the lake, so park where you can and get walking. The whole loop is around 8.5kms – taking about an hour and a half to complete. You’ll be sure to see all manner of cyclists, runners and families walking around, enjoying the beautiful nature. The track is mostly flat, which makes it accessible for just about anyone. 

Manly Dam Trails

Manly dam is SUCH a hidden treasure on the northern beaches, tucked in behind Manly Vale and Allambie. The dam has a whole bunch of trails that are perfect for families, or a walk with friends. We love the possums trail as a fun way to get in some exercise, and get out into nature. A great game to play with kids is ‘count the flowers’. How long does it take to spot 10 different flowers growing? With such a variety of plants, animals and terrains, Manly Dam really is a great spot for a bush walk. Just a heads up, most of the walks aren’t pram or scooter friendly! 

Curl Curl to Freshwater boardwalk

On a sunny day, you really can’t beat this beautiful walk from Curl Curl beach to Freshwater beach. Park up at north curly beach, and wind your way through the headland, around freshwater head, right down to freshie beach. Maybe even throw in swimmers, and jump in for a refreshing swim. This walk isn’t too long, and the views are just amazing. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of wales or dolphins in the crystal clear water during winter. The walk is mostly flat and is a combination of the pavement and boardwalk.

Manly to Shelly 

Okay – this might not be the beaches’ most secret walk – but we had to include it. What could beat a morning walk from Queenscliff beach, all the way to the beautiful Shelly beach?! There’s a dedicated walking path right along the beach. With a view of the water, this 5km round trip is the perfect way to start a weekend. The kids can also bring down their scooters or bikes, or can play at the different parks along the way. Stop by for brekky or a coffee in the corso and you’ll be set to head around the bend to shelly. You’ll see divers, surfers, and if you’re lucky, some dolphins! 

North Harbour reserve to Manly

As part of the spit to manly, we love this coastal walk down through Fairlight. This gorgeous walk takes about 30 minutes one way, and you’ll finish up in the centre of manly. Kids will LOVE this track, as there are hills and dips that are practically designed for kids on a scooter! Pop on some leggings, grab a coffee at Forty Beans at North Harbour, and set off on a stunning walk with you little ones. If they’re still in a pram, you might want to start just after North Harbour reserve as theres a few stairs at the beginning!

Mackerel Beach, West Head Loop

This beautiful walk takes you around some of the area’s most secluded beaches. While clocking in at 6kms, the whole track can take around 3-5 hours depending on the pace, as it’s a steep track! This is such a fun family outing. We recommended allowing plenty of time, and bringing some snacks and lunch with you, so you can stop along the way to enjoy the view. The track starts at either Resolute Picnic Ground, or can start at Mackerel Beach by catching the ferry from Palm beach. There are quite a few stairs and rocks along this walk, so we recommended it for families with older kids (or little ones with a BUNCH of energy). 

Feel like we’re missing any famous NB walks? Let us know what your favourite local walk is by contacting hq@parenthood360.com.au.