Spit to Manly Walk

One of Sydney's finest harbour walks — 10km of sandy beaches, bushland, Aboriginal rock engravings, and knockout water views. Dogs can't do the full official route (the Dobroyd Head section passes through Sydney Harbour National Park, where dogs are prohibited), but there's a well-signed alternative dog-friendly route that detours through the back streets of Balgowlah Heights, rejoining the coast at Forty Baskets Beach.

Dogs must stay on-lead for most of the walk, with off-leash sections at Tania Park and North Harbour Reserve. Keep dogs leashed near Esplanade Park — a small colony of Little Penguins breeds there. Start at the Spit Bridge, finish at Manly Wharf with a beer. Bus to the start, ferry home.