Keirle Park to Cabbage Tree Bay via Manly Beach Promenade

This 6.4 km promenade walk links Keirle Park in North Manly to Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve near Shelly Beach, tracing the full sweep of Manly Beach on a flat, easy path that suits most dogs and fitness levels. Budget 1 to 1.5 hours at an easy pace.

The walk. Start at Keirle Park/Hinkler Park on Pittwater Rd and head down to the North Steyne promenade. Follow the wide paved path south past Manly Beach proper, through South Steyne and Fairy Bower, finishing at Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve by Shelly Beach. It's a one-way route rather than a loop, so plan to walk back the same way or catch transport from the Manly end.

The rules. Northern Beaches Council requires dogs on-lead for the entire route, including inside Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. Dogs are not permitted on the sand at Manly Beach, Fairy Bower or Shelly Beach at any time, and the rocky shore within the aquatic reserve is off-limits too, since it's protected habitat for fairy penguins and eastern water dragons. Stick to the promenade and footpaths and you'll be fine.

Water. Bubblers with dog bowls are dotted along North and South Steyne, and public toilets sit at Queenscliff, North Steyne and near Fairy Bower. Waste bins and benches appear regularly the whole way, so there's no need to carry much.

Getting there. Paid parking is available at the Keirle Park lot and on-street along North Steyne. Alternatively, take the Manly Ferry to Manly Wharf and walk north to join the promenade, or catch bus 144.

Nearby with the dogs. If your dog needs an off-lead run before or after the walk, Hinkler Park sits right beside the start, with a fenced option at Hinkler Dog Park. Manly Lagoon Dog Park is another easy detour. For a shorter version of the coastal walk, try Shelly Beach via Queenscliff Beach. Stay close by at Manly Waves Hotel, Manly Pacific Hotel MGallery or Lotus Stay Manly Apartments.

When to go. Early morning is best in summer, both for cooler paving underfoot and lighter foot traffic on the promenade. Good for owners who want a proper stretch-of-the-legs walk with harbour and ocean views, so long as their dog is a settled on-lead walker.

Sources

• Dog parks - Northern Beaches Council · www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
• Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve - Northern Beaches Council · www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
• Keirle Park to Cabbage Tree Bay via Manly Beach Promenade · www.alltrails.com

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.