My last day off in January 2023 took me on a short hike that I had done two or three times before. It went again with the ship from Sydney Circular Quay to Manly and then on foot along the North Head back to Manly.
Some adventures are planned under blue skies, while others unfold in unexpected weather â and sometimes, those rainy days create the most unforgettable memories. In this video, we take you on a hike from North Head to Manly, one of Sydneyâs most beautiful coastal walks, experienced in the soft drizzle and moody skies of a rainy day. This is not just a walk â itâs a journey that reveals a different, more intimate side of Sydneyâs coastline.
Our hike begins at North Head, a dramatic headland at the entrance to Sydney Harbour. Normally, its cliffs and lookouts offer sweeping views across the Pacific Ocean and back towards the city skyline. But in the rain, the atmosphere transforms. Low clouds drift across the horizon, the sea turns a deep, restless grey, and waves crash harder against the rocks below. The rain softens the landscape, bringing out the rich colors of the coastal vegetation and the scent of eucalyptus rising from the wet earth.
From here, the trail winds through the North Head Sanctuary, an area filled with native bushland, historic military sites, and stunning coastal views. The drizzle creates a rhythm â the patter of raindrops on leaves, the crunch of damp gravel underfoot, the distant roar of the ocean. It feels quieter, more reflective, as if the rain has hushed the usual bustle of walkers and wildlife. The heritage gun emplacements and tunnels along the track take on a ghostly atmosphere, a reminder of the headlandâs role in Sydneyâs defense during wartime.
As the walk continues, the path curves along the cliffs and descends gradually toward Manly, one of Sydneyâs most iconic beach suburbs. Along the way, glimpses of sheltered coves and sandy inlets appear, their waters shimmering under raindrops. Beaches like Collins Flat and Little Manly Cove seem almost deserted, transformed into secret hideaways under the misty weather. The rain turns the sand darker, the rock pools brighter, and the whole coastline feels like it belongs only to you.
Arriving in Manly, youâre greeted by the wide sweep of the main beach, waves rolling in under a brooding sky. Surfers, undeterred by the weather, carve through the waves, their silhouettes blurred by rain. CafĂ©s and shops provide welcome shelter, the warmth of coffee and food contrasting beautifully with the wet walk outside. Sitting here, looking out at the ocean while the rain falls, is the perfect way to end a coastal hike that feels both raw and rewarding.
Hiking in the rain is not about chasing perfect conditions â itâs about embracing the moment. The damp weather reveals textures and moods that sunshine often hides: the sparkle of raindrops on spider webs, the earthy scent of wet bushland, the way the ocean swells with energy under stormy skies. On the North Head to Manly track, the rain enhances the sense of solitude and discovery, turning a well-known walk into a fresh adventure.
Practical tips: The hike from North Head to Manly is about 10 kilometers, depending on your chosen route, and takes 2â4 hours. In the rain, wear waterproof clothing and good shoes with grip, as parts of the track can get slippery. Carry water and snacks, but also be ready to enjoy the cozy cafĂ©s at the end in Manly. If the rain is heavy, be cautious near exposed cliffs and avoid any flooded areas.
This hike is more than just a coastal walk â itâs a reminder that nature is beautiful in every weather. Sunshine paints the coastline in gold, but rain reveals its hidden depths, its moods, its quieter side. From the windswept cliffs of North Head to the sandy shores of Manly, walking in the rain transforms the familiar into the extraordinary.
đ If you enjoyed this rainy day hike from North Head to Manly, donât forget to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and hit the bell icon for more travel and adventure stories. Have you ever hiked in the rain and discovered a new perspective on a familiar place? Share your stories in the comments â weâd love to hear them!