Fairlight Walk

The Fairlight Walk traces the harbour foreshore toward Manly Cove, and one rule shapes a visit with a dog. The path is fine on a lead, but the sand and the rockpools are off limits.

Lead rules

Northern Beaches Council allows dogs on the paved walkway on a lead. Dogs are not allowed on the sand or in the rockpools at Fairlight Beach and Delwood Beach, so stay on the path.

The walk

The path is paved concrete, with some uneven ground and stepped, hilly sections. Views take in turquoise harbour water, small sandy coves and the historic Fairlight Rockpool against Manly Cove.

It forms part of the longer Manly to Spit route, so you can keep going if your dog has more in the tank.

Water and parking

Bubblers, toilets and bins sit near the amenities block by Fairlight Beach. Street parking on Lauderdale Avenue, Fairlight Crescent and King Avenue fills up on weekends.

Max: The stairs and uneven patches can catch older dogs out. Take them slowly, and keep the lead short past the rockpool crowd.

Make a day of it

Let your dog off at LM Graham Reserve Fenced Dog Park, or carry on to the Keirle Park to Cabbage Tree Bay walk along Manly's promenade.

When to go

Weekday mornings dodge the parking crunch. The steps make it better for fit dogs than for seniors.