When it comes to kicking off your Spit to Manly trek you have a few options. The first decision you need to make is which side of the Spit Bridge you want to start on. Starting on the south side has a few benefits. One is that you can use the toilets at Spit West Reserve. Another is that you can grab a coffee and/or snack at Grumpy's Wharf Cafe or any of the other places brewing up takeaways. Then you'll walk across the footpath on the west side of the Spit Bridge. Once you reach the other side, follow the path that winds you under the bridge. There'll be signs so you know you're on the right track. Once you reach Ellery's Punt Reserve and you're on your way.

Following the Fisher Bay Walk portion of the Spit to Manly for about 1.5km will take you to Clontarf Reserve and Clontarf Beach. But make sure you don't speed past the Indigenous cave shelter on your left about 700m into your stroll.

Clontarf Beach and Clontarf Reserve are a lovely spot to spend an afternoon, and they can also give you plenty of space and comfort to get your bearings before tackling the rest of the walk. Use the toilets, grab a coffee and some food from Clonny's on the Beach and fill up your water before heading off.

If the tide is low and you don't mind the sandy stuff, stick along the coast to continue your trek. However, if the tide is high, you will eventually come to a section that is unmanageable on foot. If this is the case, just divert to Monash Crescent (you'll see a sign pointing you in the right direction). You'll rejoin the track at the end of the street.

As you follow the Clontarf Track, in about 700m you'll come to yet another beach – Castle Rock Beach. If it's super toasty and you want a little cooldown after your first few kms, feel free to jump in. It's quite secluded and also bare bones in terms of beach – just sand and water. However, you'll also be treated to an ancient Aboriginal rock carving and, if there's been enough rainfall, a mini waterfall.

This is for those who really want to maximise their time on the track, as it's not officially part of the Spit Bridge to Manly Walk. However, for those interested in a rewarding little detour, just make a quick right onto the Lighthouse Track and take it to the end to see the Grotto Point Lighthouse. After gazing out at the Harbour, you can turn and head back up the one-way track to rejoin the Spit to Manly walk.

Washaway Beach, a detour off the detour to the left, can be unsafe for swimming and occasionally (as the name suggests) is washed away completely. However, if you do venture down you’ll be treated to a great view of and through North and South Head.

Sydney is home to hundreds of sites that preserve and celebrate Aboriginal culture. One of the finest examples is the Grotto Point Aboriginal Engraving site on the Spit to Manly track. Located just a few hundred metres past the Lighthouse Track detour, this is an amazing place to check out sandstone carvings believed to have been created more than 1,000 years ago. See if you can spot an engraved boomerang and collection of animals.

Just after Grotto Point is Crater Cove, which offers up some delicious harbour scenery. This is an excellent spot to take a load off and refuel with some snacks and a view.

For many, this is the best lookout on the whole walk. Before you take the stairs down toward sea level, make sure you enjoy this mesmerising vantage point, which serves up your first full look of Manly. It might just be the motivation you need to keep on walking.

As you continue on the walk, you'll have two more opportunities to stop and enjoy a spot of swimming before you finish off the Manly Scenic Walkway. The first of these is Reef Beach, located once you descend down the stairs at Dobroyd Head. Enjoy similar North Harbour views, but from closer to sea level. Another 5-10 minutes down the track you'll find Forty Baskets Beach, where you can swim and the kids can have a swing.

Soon after Forty Baskets Beach, you'll pick up the North Harbour Walk portion of the track. There are a couple of high tide spots here, so if required you'll head up onto some paved roads. If necessary, go left onto Gourlay Ave, a right onto Clarence St and then a right onto North Harbour street to get down to the reserve. Follow the signs as you hug the coast to Fairlight Beach, home of a popular rockpool that offers a little something different for trekkers looking to splash around a bit.

At this point, you've just about made it. The final kilometre is straightforward, hugging the coastline as you make your way toward storied Manly Wharf. At that point it's time to reward yourself for a job well done. Walk down the pedestrian-only Corso for a range of cafes and takeaway joints. Or grab an outdoor seat and a drink at Manly Wharf Hotel, 4 Pines Brewing Company or The New Brighton Hotel, one of the best rooftop bars in Sydney.

If you're staying in the city, don't pass up the chance to enjoy the Circular Quay to Manly ferry route to get back to your accommodation. Otherwise, if you need to return to where you started at the Spit Bridge, just hop on a bus at one of Manly Wharf bus stops. The official NSW Trip Planner can help you map out your journey.