The Best Runs in Sydney’s Northern Beaches

The Northern Beaches is one of the easiest parts of Sydney to build a consistent running routine. You’ve got coastal paths, bushland trails, harbour-side routes and flat shared paths all within a short drive of each other. It’s an area that works just as well for easy recovery runs as it does for longer aerobic sessions or trail-focused days away from traffic.

Below are some of the most reliable running routes across the Northern Beaches, with notes on distance, surface and what to expect when you turn up.

Manly Dam Loop

Distance: ~10 km
Surface: Fire trail and single track
Difficulty: Moderate
Start / finish: Manly Dam car park (King Street or Bantry Bay Road)

The Manly Dam Loop is a full circuit around the reserve, combining wide fire trails with narrower dirt paths. The elevation rolls consistently rather than climbing sharply, with a handful of short hills that break things up without making the loop feel overly technical.

After rain, some of the shaded sections can hold mud, particularly around lower creek crossings, but most of the trail drains reasonably well. Compared to the beachfront routes, it’s noticeably quieter and offers plenty of tree cover, which makes it a good option on warmer days.

Trail Running Shoes are recommended here to tackle the technical trails that Manly Dam offers.

Logistics:
Toilets and water are available at the main car parks. The trail is shared with walkers and mountain bikes. Early mornings and midweek runs are generally the quietest.

Queenscliff to Shelly Beach Loop (via Manly)

Distance: ~5–6 km loop
Surface: Paved path and boardwalk
Difficulty: Easy
Start / finish: Pace Athletic Manly – 23 Sydney Rd (just off the corso)

This loop runs north towards Queenscliff before heading back past Manly Beach, South Steyne and around to Shelly Beach. The surface is fully sealed and the elevation is gentle, with a few small rises as you approach Shelly.

It’s a popular route and best suited to easy or recovery runs rather than uninterrupted tempo efforts. Exposure to sun and wind is constant, particularly in the middle of the day.

As this route is entirely paved, any road running shoe is recommended here. If keeping the pace nice and relaxed, have a look at the neutral daily trainers.

Logistics:
Very busy on weekends and sunny afternoons. Limited shade throughout. Toilets and water are available at Shelly Beach and along the beachfront.

Freshwater to Curl Curl (with Dee Why extension)

Distance: ~5 km return (Freshwater to Curl Curl)
Surface: Paved coastal path
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Start / finish: Freshwater Beach

This out-and-back follows the shared coastal path between Freshwater and Curl Curl. The route is mostly flat with a few short rises over exposed headlands, making it suitable for steady aerobic runs.

The path is popular with walkers and runners, especially near beach access points, and can be windy depending on conditions.

Also entirely paved, any road running shoe will be great here.

Extension option:
Continuing north past Curl Curl adds a section toward Dee Why Beach, taking the distance to roughly 8 km return. This extension introduces a little more elevation and busier sections closer to Dee Why but remains fully sealed.

Logistics:
Busy on weekends and public holidays. Limited shade. Toilets and water are available at Freshwater, Curl Curl and Dee Why beaches.

Spit Bridge to Manly

Distance: ~10 km one way
Surface: Paved path, stairs and bush track
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Start / finish: The Spit Bridge to Manly Wharf or Beach

This harbour-side route follows the foreshore from The Spit through Clontarf, around Dobroyd Head and into Manly. It passes a number of smaller beaches along the way, including Clontarf, Castle Rock and Forty Baskets.

The terrain is varied, with frequent stairs, short climbs and narrow bush sections. While it isn’t technical, the constant elevation changes make it more demanding than the distance suggests. After rain, dirt sections and steps can be slippery, so it’s better suited to relaxed trail runs rather than pace-focused sessions.

With a few tough climbs through some technical trail, trail running shoes or road to trail options will shine best here.

Logistics:
Toilets and water are available at Clontarf and Manly. Narrow sections can slow progress, and foot traffic increases significantly from late morning onward.

North Head Loop

Distance: ~8–9 km
Surface: Trail, gravel and paved sections
Difficulty: Moderate
Start / finish: North Head Sanctuary car park

North Head offers a mix of wide trails and headland paths with open views across Sydney Harbour and out to the Pacific. Elevation changes are gradual rather than steep, making it suitable for steady long runs or controlled trail sessions.

There’s also a fully paved option if you prefer road surfaces, though starting from Manly means tackling a significant climb up to the headland before settling into the loop. The area is exposed and shade is limited, but the surfaces hold up well after rain.

The shoes you pick will depend on which route you take. If you decide to tackle the trail loop, we would recommend trail running shoes for the added stability. If sticking to the paved option, any road running shoe will work well.

Logistics:
Wind exposure is common. Toilets are available near the main car parks. Generally quieter than the main coastal routes.

Narrabeen Lagoon Circuit

Distance: ~8.4 km
Surface: Mixed paved and trail path
Difficulty: Easy
Start / finish: Multiple access points

The Narrabeen Lagoon loop is one of the flattest and most consistent runs on the Northern Beaches. It’s ideal for tempo sessions, long easy runs and group workouts. The surface varies slightly but remains smooth throughout, and the loop is well shaded.

Some low sections can flood after heavy rain, though water usually clears quickly. Even when busy, the path is wide enough to keep moving without too much disruption.

Whilst a large amount of this route is off road, it’s mostly flat packed dirt and stable terrain. It doesn’t require a technical trail shoe — a road running shoe or road to trail option will work well.

Logistics:
Plenty of parking options. Toilets and water are available around the lagoon. One of the most reliable routes for pace-based training.

Planning Your Northern Beaches Runs

From exposed coastal paths to shaded trail loops, running on the Northern Beaches means dealing with changing terrain, sun exposure and weather conditions. Having footwear and apparel that suits the route you’re running helps keep training consistent across the week.

If you’re in the area, drop into Pace Athletic Manly to check out running shoes, apparel, nutrition and accessories suited to both road and trail running.