Check out the New Wildwalks site -- This site is no longer maintained and is just for archive

Home arrow Hiking near Sydney arrow Manly Dam Nature Trail     

Bushwalking track notes, photographs, maps and more for Manly Dam Nature Trail are found in each of the tabs below
Manly Dam Nature Trail
Time: 1 hr 30 mins Walking time
Includes the time for the return leg
Please allow extra time to rest and to explore
3.3 km WNW of Manly
Length: 3.2 km Walk Length
As this is a return style walk, the 3.2 km includes the return leg of this walk (ie back to the start)
Manly Warringah War Memorial Park (Manly Dam)
Climb: 150 m Total Climbing
This walk has a total cumulative climb of 150 m, this is the total of the elevation gains made in each of the walks uphill sections
There is car access and parking near the start and end of this walk There is a bus stop within 2km of the start and end of this walk
Style: Return
Track: Moderate

A short walk along the southern hill above Manly Dam, with great views and fantastic scenery. One of the few tracks in the Manly Dam area where you won't get run over by bike riders, this is a great walk for those looking for something short and peaceful. Look out for black snakes and goannas along the way, especially in the McComb Hill area. (open in app)


There are closures in Worimi State Conservation Area
Today's Fire rating
LOW MODERATE (No fire ban)
  Bushwalking track notes photographs, maps and camping spots for Manly Dam Nature Trail

Map of Walk

Location

                Sponsor of Manly Dam Nature Trail bushwalking tracknotes
Map of Manly Dam Nature Trail
Problem loading PDF Try here
Map Controls - Show Contours | Hide Path | Hide Distances | Hide Names
Map Scale 1 km
Manly Dam South Bank
Int of Water Reserve Bushtrack and Nature Trail
Int of Nature Trail and North Balgowlah track
Int of Nature Trail and Wildflower walk
Starting point for this hiking track: Int of Water Reserve Bushtrack and Nature Trail

Base maps are used under licence and is © Department of lands   Panorama Avenue Bathurst 2795   www.lands.nsw.gov.au

Maps that cover the walk area (please always carry maps of the area)

Print a map and track notes here
 Parramatta River 1:25 000 Map Series NSW-91303N 
 Sydney Heads 1:25 000 Map Series NSW-91302N 
 Sydney 1:100 000 Map Series 9130 

Photo Gallery

 
Looking down at the eastern end of the walk
 
Looking down at the eastern end of the walk +
 
This track is well signposted
 
This track is well signposted +
 
Example of infrastructure along the Nature Trail
 
Example of infrastructure along the Nature Trail +

 
A short set of rock stairs at McComb Hill
 
A short set of rock stairs at McComb Hill +
 
Manly Dam from the Southern Side
 
Manly Dam from the Southern Side +
 
A look at the intersection through the ferns
 
A look at the intersection through the ferns +

 
Passing King St
 
Passing King St +
 
Patersonia sericea
 
Patersonia sericea +
 
End of King St
 
End of King St +

Terrain


Please note: This is a 'return' style walk and therefore these graphs only show the terrain for the first half of the walk (until the turn around point.)

Cross sectional view of the Manly Dam Nature Trail bushwalking track

Cross Section of the Manly Dam Nature Trail bushwalking track



Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Manly Dam Nature Trail bushwalking track

Summary of the gradients over the the lenght of the Manly Dam Nature Trail bushwalking track

Overview of this walks Grading - Based on the AS 2156.1 - 2001
These details are new. This new feature still requires more testing and refining. Please use the 'Walker Feedback' for report specific issues. Please e-mail Matt if you have any general comments. Hope you find it helpful.

Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.
Length 3.2km
Time 1 hr 30 mins
.


Grade 3/6

Track: Moderate
AS 2156.1 Gradient Short steep hills (3/6)
Quality of track Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Signs Clearly signposted (1/6)
Experience Required Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
Infrastructure Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
*This summary of grading information is new and still in testing

Some more detail of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining the grading looking at sections of the walk.
Gradient
Around 920m of this walk has short steep hills, whilst the remaining 660m has gentle hills with occasional steps.

Quality of track
Around 1.1km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles, whilst the remaining 520m follows a clear and well formed track or trail.

Signs
This whole walk, 1.6km is clearly signposted.

Experience Required
Around 1.1km of this walk requires some bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 450m requires no previous bushwalking experience.

Weather
This whole walk, 1.6km is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation).

Infrastructure
Around 1.1km of this walk has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced), whilst the remaining 450m is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats).

Track Notes


Since this is a 'return' style walk once you have had enough of the walk, turn around and retrace your steps back to the start.
Catch the bus to Manly Dam South Bank
Public transport (bus) available to this Bushwalk You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
Use these links to plan your Bus (and train) trip to the end of this walk.
(Links currently not working sorry)
Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|
Drive to Manly Dam South Bank
You can drive or ride to this start of this Bushwalk A park entry fee is required for driving into the park.
You can drive or ride to the start of this walk
Use these links to plan your trip to the start of this walk.
Plan your trip from --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

(0 km) Manly Dam South Bank to Int of Water Reserve Bushtrack and Nature Trail
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 136 m Time = 3 mins
Climb = 12 m Descent = 0 m
From the south end of Manly Dam, this walk heads south through the park and crosses King St near the car parking area. The walk follows the bush track up the steps, following the signs 'McComb Hill Track' and 'Nature Trail'. A short way up the hill, the track comes to an intersection signposted as the 'Mc Comb Hill Nature Trail'.

(0.14 km) Int of Water Reserve Bushtrack and Nature Trail to Int of Nature Trail and North Balgowlah track
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 923 m Time = 22 mins
Climb = 60 m Descent = -37 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads west along the narrow bush track for approximately 100m before passing an intersection of the McComb Hill walk. (This is currently under revegetation and there are signs stating walkers should not take this route.) This walk heads west, passing by the small trails that lead up the hill south (these are not official trails and should be avoided), and climbs a number of rock staircases. Along the way, there are some good views over Manly Dam, and many signs offering information on the flora and fauna. The track passes close to a few cliff edges (due care required). After some time, the walk comes to an intersection marked with a green sign saying 'Balgowlah Track'.

(1.06 km) Int of Nature Trail and North Balgowlah track to Int of Nature Trail and Wildflower walk
Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 209 m Time = 4 mins
Climb = 1 m Descent = -20 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk heads north, gradually descending along the narrow bush track. There are many informative signposts and some good examples of the flora of the local area. Soon the walk comes to a very clear intersection signposted as the "Nature Trail / Wildflower Walk".

(1.27 km) Int of Nature Trail and Wildflower walk to End of King St Picnic Area
Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 311 m Time = 6 mins
Climb = 5 m Descent = -15 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk heads north along a narrow but well-maintained bush track, until coming to an intersection with a 'Wildflower Walk' signpost. (There is a small track off to the left heading up to Wakehurst Golf Course, ignore this). The walk continues to head north-west along the bush track until coming to an intersection just to the north of the end of the King St and a picnic area.

Catch the bus from Manly Dam South Bank
Public transport (bus) available from this Bushwalk You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
Use these links to plan your Bus (and train) trip from the end of this walk.
(Links currently not working sorry)
Plan your trip to --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|
Drive from Manly Dam South Bank
You can drive or ride from this end of this Bushwalk Parking fees apply in the area.
You can drive or ride from the end of this walk
Use these links to plan your trip from the end of this walk.
Plan your trip to --> Castle Hill|Chatswood|Dural|Epping|Gosford|Hornsby|Katoomba|Manly|Parramatta|Penrith|Strathfield|Sutherland|Sydney|

Getting there

Plan your trip to the start of the walk and back from the end of the walk

Public Transport links currently not working, sorry
Public Transport Timetables

To the start of the walk

From
Castle Hill
Chatswood
Dural
Epping
Gosford
Hornsby
Katoomba
Manly
Parramatta
Penrith
Strathfield
Sutherland
Sydney
From the end of the walk

To
Castle Hill
Chatswood
Dural
Epping
Gosford
Hornsby
Katoomba
Manly
Parramatta
Penrith
Strathfield
Sutherland
Sydney

Driving Directions
To the start of the walk

Drive from:
From the end of the walk

Drive to:


Near by



Nearest know Outdoor Stores near the start of this walk
Store Address Phone Distance (straight line)
Kellys Camping & Outdoors 826 Pittwater Rd , Dee Why (02) 9972 0061 3.9 km
Kangaroo Tent City & BBQs 165-167 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood (02) 9884 9199 5.8 km
Larry Adler Ski & Outdoor 77 Archer St , Chatswood (02) 9412 4777 6.6 km
Mountain Equipment 72 Archer St , Chatswood (02) 9419 6955 6.7 km
Mountain Designs Shop 16/ 9 Spring St , Chatswood (02) 9415 4566 6.7 km


A list of the nearest UHF CB repeaters I found to Manly Dam Nature Trail.
Channel Call sign
(more info)
Site Distance and dir from Manly Dam Nature Trail
Click to re-center search
5 SYD05 Sydney Adventist Hospital 185 Fox Valley Rd WAHROONGA
Emergency use only
15 km (to the WNW)
6 VMB7 CB Repeater Site 16 Alan Rd BEROWRA HEIGHTS 22 km (to the NNW)
1 SYD01 12/14 Ormonde Parade HURSTVILLE 25 km (to the SW)
7 SYD07 7 Glamorgan St BLACKTOWN 32 km (to the W)
8 MDC08 Gencom Site Lot 6 Wakefield Close KARIONG 38 km (to the N)

Weather and Park info

Fire Danger
This walk passes Greater Sydney Region fire area which currently has a LOW MODERATE rating and No fire ban in place.
(Tomorrow the Fire Danger Rating is LOW MODERATE, No fire ban.) (Downloaded 7 years ago)
Please Note: Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.

Weather and Climate
Weather and Climate summary detailed weather and climate information here
°C (feels like °)
km/h from the
% humidity     (as at )
A graph displaying the average daily temperature range for the year

Manly Warringah War Memorial Park (Manly Dam) In 1892 the CUrl Curl creek was dammed to for a water reservoir for Manly village, over the years the wall was raised till it held 2 mega litres. Now a War Memorial Park it boasts a series of picnic areas along the western shoreline, with children play areas and other facilities. There are also a number of walking and cycling tracks around the lake. The lake is used by powered and unpowered boats, and can be quite busy on hot weekend days.
Region: Sydney & surrounds
I am not aware of any closures in this park at the moment.

Walker Feedback

Comments
Add NewSearch
Julian - Mr IP:166.64.1.xxx | 2013-05-06 22:35:44
Matt,

Nice enjoyable walk. Thanks for providing the information about it. Did it at dusk last night which wasn't the wisest move but no issues. Didn't see any wildlife but heard some large mammals, presumably kangaroos or wallabies. One suggested walk not on your list is a favourite of mine - Mt Kembla Summit Track. 3.2km return but hard grade. Awesome views at the end.
Only registered users can write comments!
 
Loading the images not too much longer now :)


-server web1.wildwalks.com- Page was generated in 0.049922 seconds Copyright | Privacy | About us | Disclaimer | Contact Us | Sponsorship | Newsletter