Due to Extreme Fire Danger all Manly Dam tracks and trails and most picnic areas will be closed on Saturday 9 December 2023. Picnic Area 1 will be open for public use.

The bush surrounding Manly Dam is a special place that includes remnants of Aboriginal camps. It is home to a wide diversity of flora and fauna, including a number of threatened species. Please respect the bush and minimise your impact by staying on marked tracks and washing soil from your boots before entering the park.

Park Circuit Track

Distance: 7.3km

Time: 3 hours

Grade: Some steep sections, mostly easy walking. This track is shared with mountain bike riders.

Access: Section 1, Dam Wall or Section 4 picnic area

Attractions: Waterfalls, rockpools, wildflowers, birdwatching, frog spotting​​​​​​

Wildflower Walk

Distance: 0.35km

Time: 15 min each way

Grade: Gentle slope, easy walking

Access: Road next to Section 3 carpark

Attractions: Thick woodland and seasonal blooms

Nature Trail

Distance: 1.5km

Time: 40 min each way

Grade: Some steep sections, mostly easy walking

Access: 100m inside the main gate, next to interpretive map

Attractions: Scenic views, sandstone cliffs

McCombs Hill Track

Distance: 1km

Time: 25 min round trip

Grade: Some steep sections, mostly easy walking

Access: 100m inside the main gate, next to interpretive map

Attractions: Excellent views of surrounding district

Curl Curl Track

Distance: 2km

Time: 1 hour circuit

Grade: Some steep sections, mostly easy walking

Access: Intersection of Circuit Track and Curl Curl Creek

Attractions: Rockpools, cool wet forest, echidnas

Eva’s Track

Distance: 2km

Time: 1 hour circuit

Grade: Gentle slope, easy walking

Access: From the section of fire trail linking the Circuit Track to Allambie Heights

Attractions: Rock platforms, views over Manly

Heath Track

Distance: 1km

Time: 25 min

Gulgadya Muru – Aboriginal Self Guided Walk

Grade: Gradual climb, generally easy walking

Access: Via fire trail next to tennis courts on Roosevelt Ave, Allambie Heights

Attractions: Spectacular views and wildflowers

The Gulgadya Muru, or Aboriginal self-guided walk, gives everyone the opportunity to see Manly Dam through the eyes of its original inhabitants.

You can see evidence of Aboriginal life including rock engravings and paintings as well as axe grinding grooves. You may also be lucky enough to discover the remains of ancient camp sites such as stone tools, baked clay, fire blackened stones and charcoal.

The full Gulgadya Muru brochure, including information about stops along the track, can be picked up at Council's Civic Centre, Libraries and the Manly Dam Office.

Walk Type: Circuit

Distance: 350m to 8km.

Duration: 20 minutes to 3 hours.

Grade: Nature Trail only - easy. Park Circuit track - hard.

Facilities available: Toilets, barbecues, picnic tables and playgrounds.

Potential Hazards: Uneven surfaces, tree roots and rocks. Be wary of vehicles while walking along the road.

Dogs and related information

• Dogs are not permitted in the picnic areas, internal roads, carparks and the lake (waterbody) at any time.
• Dogs are permitted on-leash under control on the tracks and trails in the bushland and are not permitted anywhere else in the bushland.
• Penalties apply.
• Please be aware that the mountain bike trail and the walking tracks are very well used particularly on weekends and holidays.
• During fox baiting periods dogs are not permitted at Manly Dam as per signage on-site.
• Please be mindful that Manly Dam is a Wildlife Protection Area.