Mona Vale to North Narrabeen
This coastal trail on Sydney’s Northern Beaches traverses three headlands, providing spectacular views along the way.
It’s not a long walk and it can easily be done in under an hour, though you might want to take your time to enjoy the views or to have a swim at one of the beaches en route. It’s not a difficult walk but there are steps and a few steep ups and downs making it unsuitable for wheelchairs and prams.
If you’re not in a hurry you could return the way you came. But if you’re pressed for time, the 155 bus will get you back close to the start in less than ten minutes.
View to Mona Vale from Warriewood
To start
The walk starts at the south end of Mona Vale Beach and ends at the North Narrabeen Rockpool (or vice versa). In Mona Vale, there is free parking in some of the streets near the golf course or metered parking near the beach (Northern Beaches residents exempt) .
At the beach end of Golf Avenue take the Bicentennial Walkway on your right. to begin.
Mona Vale to Warriewood Beach
The path hugs the golf course to begin with and you’re warned to watch out for stray balls. The golf course is a pretty one and the lilly-filled creek, visible from the path attracts many water birds.
Mona Vale Golf Course
The path opens up as you reach the headland reserve which is named for former mayor and active community member, Robert Dunn.
This is a popular dog off-leash area and a launch site for paragliders. A steep sandy path leads down to Bongin Bongin Beach (South Mona Vale) or you can just watch the waves break from on high. To your left you can see over to North Mona Vale Headland with Turimetta Headland to your right.
Leaving the reserve, the path continues along Narrabeen Park Parade for a hundred metres or so before veering off to the left down steep stairs to Warriewood Beach.
Warriewood Beach is a small beach with weekend patrols in the summer months. It’s a bit hidden away down a side road and feels very much like a locals’ beach, popular with school children and tradies on hot summer afternoons.
There is a kiosk attached to the surf club with tables overlooking the water. Toilets are nearby.
Just beyond the surf club and kiosk, take the path leading up to Warriewood Beach Reserve.
To Turimetta Head
Warriewood Beach Reserve is a small grassy reserve with fabulous views. Its elevated position also makes it a popular launch site for hang gliding and paragliding.
At the end of the reserve near the lookout, take the steps leading up to Turimetta Head.
There are two paths around the headland. The one to the right, indicated by the Bicentennial Walkway sign is shorter and higher. The one on the left heading down the hill is steeper and slightly longer, but has better views. This is the one I took.
The sandy path is hemmed in by native vegetation attracting a variety of lizards and things with wings, including many little birds and butterflies.
From the lookout on the south side of the headland you can see south to North Narrabeen and beyond to the Dee Why headland with North Head in the distance. And if you’re lucky, you might see as I did an Osprey, or Kestrel floating on the ocean breeze.
Looking toward Turimetta Headland
Beyond the lookout the path soon leads to a small reserve above Turimetta Beach.
This is a pretty little beach, largely unknown outside the local area. It is only 350 metres long and its narrow stretch is backed by cliffs up to 30 metres high. Turimetta is popular with local surfers. It is unpatrolled and known for strong shore breaks and rips.
At the end of the small grass reserve, follow the Coastal Pathway signs around to the clifftop path. You’ll be walking in front of a row of houses that must have some of the best sunrise views in Sydney.
The drop down to the beach is sheer and unfenced and the wind can get quite strong. Hang on to your hats, and your kids if you’ve brought them, as you make your way to Narrabeen Headland
To Narrabeen
Approaching the headland from the north you’ll be able to see the edge of the rockpool and the rocky shore of Narrabeen Head Aquatic Reserve. If the tide is low enough you could go down to the beach and walk around the rocky base of the headland. Otherwise, continue along the sandy path which takes you around the top. Nearing the end of the trail, you’ll come to a steep stairway that leads you down to the water’s edge.
From the top of the stairway you can see Narrabeen Beach stretching south, with surf on one side and the lagoon on the other. This northern end of the beach is widely known for its barrel waves and it attracts surfers from all over. The calmer waters of the lagoon attract families and fishermen.
Narrabeen Head Aquatic Reserve
At the bottom of the stairs, turn left and follow the roadway around to the aquatic reserve and the end of the trail.
This is one of those hidden gems, loved by locals but not so well known outside the area.
There is a rock pool, two in fact, one used primarily by lap swimmers and the other for splashing around. Both lie sunken in among the rocks, their waters ebbing and flowing with the tide. The surrounding waters and rock ledges provide home for a variety of marine life and a food source for many shore birds.. The view from the pool, looking out toward the ocean and back to the headlan, is sublime at any time of day. But if you can get there at sunrise it’s glorious.
If you’re after refreshment at the end of your walk the walk there is a cafe nearby across from the bus stop and plenty more back in Mona Vale. There are also some great places to relax with a picnic at either end and of course, plenty of places to cool down.
Other walks in the area
The Northern Beaches has many great walks stretching from Palm Beach to Manly along the coast and inland to beautiful bays and bush.
If you’ve enjoyed this walk and want to continue along the coast you could extend it by heading south to Collaroy, Dee Why or even Manly, along the Bicentennial Coastal Path. In the other direction, you could walk from Mona Vale to Avalon in a couple of hours or even as far as Palm Beach, though that will take quite a bit longer.
A little further inland, the Narrabeen Lagoon Walk begins not far from here as does the walk around Warriewood Wetlands. And the walk from Church Point to Bayview is another pretty walk nearby.
