By the Wild Women Team
Welcome to Sydney’s Northern Beaches – where golden sand meets rugged headlands, the coffee is strong, the ocean is bluer-than-blue, and the coastal lifestyle is very real.
This stretch of coastline isn’t just another Coastrek location – it’s where it all began. Seventeen years ago, Coastrek took its very first steps right here in Sydney. Fast forward almost two decades, and we’re still lacing up, chasing sunrises, and lucky enough to now call the Northern Beaches home – yep, our Coastrek HQ lives right here. Pinch us.
From the iconic sands of Palm Beach to the buzz of Manly, this route is bold, beautiful and not here to mess around. Whether you’re playing local tourist or travelling in, we’ve mapped out the ultimate Coastrek long weekend – equal parts sweat, salt, recovery and seaside indulgence.
Thursday – Arrive, Exhale & Eat Well
Arrive early, drop your bags and take that first deep breath of salty air. Palm Beach has a funny way of slowing your nervous system down the second you arrive – which is exactly the vibe we’re chasing pre-Event Day.
For a nourishing (but still boujee and exciting) pre-event dinner, book a table at Barrenjoey House. Coastal, cosy and effortlessly chic, it’s perfect for a feel-good carb load that doesn’t leave you feeling like you need to roll home. Think fresh seafood, seasonable produce and food that fuels tomorrow’s big effort.
More of a keep-it-casual trekker crew? Grab takeaway from The Boathouse Palm Beach and wander down to the sand for a sunset stroll. Fresh, simple, iconic – just like this coastline.
Tonight’s mission: eat well, hydrate, double check your kit and get to bed early. Tomorrow, you hike!
Friday – Event Day!
It’s go time.
The alarm is rude, the coffee is essential, and the sunrise over Palm Beach? Worth every second of lost sleep.
From the first step, this route delivers – dramatic headlands, hidden beaches, bush tracks and endless ocean views. It’s challenging, breathtaking and unapologetically Northern Beaches.
Need caffeine before you kick off? We’ve got you covered – hot coffee and immaculate vibes will be flowing at the start line. Along the way, you’ll move through iconic beachside pockets like Avalon, Newport, Freshwater and Curl Curl – each bringing its own energy boost when your legs start asking questions.
And then… Manly.
The cheers. The Finish Line. The emotional oh wow, we actually did that moment. Immerse yourself in the Coastrek Woohoo Tent - sip a celebratory prosecco or mocktail, refuel, hug your teammates and soak up that hard-earned, post-trek glow.
You showed up. You pushed through. Icon behaviour.
Saturday – Recovery Mode: Activated
Sleep in. No alarms. No schedules. Just you and those very deserving tired legs.
In Manly, ease into recovery with breakfast at Girdlers or Rollers Bakehouse (their famous pastries are a must try). Think nourishing menus, excellent coffee and a laid-back beachside buzz that feels like a warm hug.
Next: gentle movement only (we repeat: gentle). A barefoot wander along Manly to Shelly Beach is perfect for loosening things up while keeping the ocean close. Feeling brave? A dip at Shelly Beach is the ultimate reset – cold, crisp and wildly refreshing.
For next-level TLC, book yourself into Nimbus Co. Wellness or RCVRI Manly. Think massage, sauna, compression boots and slow stretches – recovery, but make it luxe.
Later, meander though Manly’s boutiques, grab a smoothie, or jump on the ferry to Circular Quay for the world’s most scenic leg shake-out. Sydney Harbour never disappoints.
Saturday Afternoon – Long Lunches & Well-Deserved Wines
If there was ever a time for a long lunch… this is it.
Pull up a seat at:
- Hugos Manly – waterfront vibes, Mediterranean flavours and celebratory energy
- The Pantry Manly – elevated beachside classics with uninterrupted ocean views
- Garfish Manly – relaxed, seafood-forward and perfect for post-trek appetites
Order the good stuff. Share the plates. Toast the team. You’ve earned every bite.
Sunday – One Last Dip & Iconic Detours
Start your final day with sunrise at Manly Beach – or an ocean swim if your body gives you the green light. There’s something deeply satisfying about getting back in the water after walking the coastline a few days before.
For your farewell breakfast, try Ruby Lane or Calibrate Coffee Manly – ideal for one last slow, nourishing mean before real life calls.
Not ready to leave just yet? We get it.
- Head to North Head Scenic Lookout for sweeping views and a quiet moment of reflection
- Visit Freshwater Beach, the birthplace of Australian surfing
- Or simply sit on the sand, shoes off, replaying the highlights of your Coastrek journey
Coastrek Weekend: Officially Conquered!
From sunrise starts in Palm Beach to Finish Line celebrations in Manly, Sydney’s Northern Beaches route is Coastrek in its purest form. It’s tough, spectacular, emotional – and a little bit iconic.
It’s also home – where Coastrek began and where our HQ still lives today. We’re pretty lucky like that.
You will walk far. You will dig deep. You will do something extraordinary.
You are amazing. And Sydney? We know she’ll show off – just for you.
Don’t miss out on your opportunity to discover why the Palm Beach to Manly route is one of the most iconic coastal walks you’ll ever conquer.
