Washaway Beach: is this Sydney's best secluded beach?

Washaway Beach is stunning, with a huge sweep of sand and gorgeous harbour views, yet it remains one of the quietest beaches in Sydney. It’s located just off the ever popular Spit to Manly Track, but as it’s not signposted, people walk right past the turnoff without ever realising that one of the best beaches on Sydney Harbour is just a few hundred metres away.

When you climb down the rocks and onto the sand it feels like you’ve been let into a well kept secret.

Here’s how to find Washaway Beach and what to expect when you do.

The walk to Washaway Beach

The stats

Distance: 500m each way
Elevation gain: 50m
Difficulty: Easy, with one scramble or use of a ladder

Summary: There are two ways of reaching Washaway Beach, the longer route is via the Spit to Manly Track, which is a must if you haven’t done it yet (the full one way walk is just under 10km). Washaway Beach is located 3.6km along the trail when starting at the Spit.

The quickest route is the one we’re sharing in this guide and that version is just 1km return.

Note that if you want to see the beach at its biggest, it’s best to visit a couple of hours either side of low tide. At high tide the beach is significantly smaller.

The trail

The walk begins at the end of Barrabooka Street and heads into the bush on a narrow dirt track. After an 80m leisurely stroll through the bush you’ll come to a junction with the Spit to Manly Track.

Cross over the trail and continue following the path straight on, this is now the Lighthouse Track. The track continues for another 130m before arriving at a fork.

You want to take the path on the left which is not signposted. From here the trail gets rockier and can be pretty muddy after rain. It is eroded, but it’s not slippery when dry.

After 90m it gets a little steeper and there will be some bigger rocks to climb over, it’s not difficult, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend flip flops.

After another 80m heading downhill (380m into the walk) you’ll reach a large rock platform overlooking the beach and harbour. This is a gorgeous spot to take in the views.

You can reach the sand to the left and right of the rock platform, but the left side is easier. Access via the right side is slightly quicker, but you have to climb down quite a large bit of cliff wall with footholds carved into it.

If you want to take the easier route continue left, all the way to the far end of the rock shelf (70m from where the trail ends) and then head down the gully.

This bit is easy. After 10m you’ll come to a small ladder which helps you navigate a slightly bigger drop down.

The ladder is not fixed to the wall, it’s more like a little painters ladder than the sturdy metal ones you see on official trails. You can hold it in place with your weight.

Once you’re down the ladder the rest of the rock shelf is tiered gently and you’ll be at the sand in just 40m (500m from where you parked).

The rock is very grippy when dry and there is no climbing, only walking, but watch out for any wet rock which can be slippery.

Washaway Beach

Washaway Beach is much bigger than you might expect for a harbour beach, with a large sweep of sand and lots of shade at the back of the beach due to the overhanging rock shelf.

It’s absolutely beautiful and you can look out to the heads and watch all the sail boats and ferries bobbing along the water.

The waves are relatively big, so it’s a better place for a dip than an actual swim. It’s the kind of beach you can sit on for hours and listen to the rolling waves - it sounds exactly like one of those meditation soundtracks!

It’s such a peaceful spot and the fact there’s natural shade means you can stay for as long as you like, even on the hottest of days.

It’s worth noting that the beach is an unofficial clothing optional beach, but you’ll find a good mix of people with swimsuits and without and it’s not awkward if you prefer to have your bathers on.

It’s a very quiet beach and midweek you’re not likely to see anyone, but when we’ve been on weekends it tends to have a natural divide.

When you’re ready to leave the beach you can retrace your steps back to the car park, or continue on the walkway to Manly.

If you don’t want to do the full Spit to Manly Track you could walk a little further to a couple of nearby points of interest.

The Grotto Lighthouse is 500m away, however the best view is 150m before you get to the lighthouse, up close it’s not as picturesque as from further back. To reach the lighthouse you head back to the junction where you turned left to the beach, before the track became eroded and turn left (right would take you back to the Spit to Manly junction).

You can also see some Indigenous engravings which are 125m away. Turn right when you reach the part where you cross the Spit to Manly Track. It’s uphill and the engravings aren’t in fabulous condition, but you can make several of them out and it’s worth a look.

Keep them wild

Please remember to take all rubbish with you and keep these places wild and pristine - as with anywhere in the outdoors. It’s important to leave them exactly as you found them so they will remain beautiful for generations to come.

Litter tends to breed litter, so if you do spot any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the area, it will go a long way to keeping the area clean.

Parking for Washaway Beach

Assuming you don’t choose to walk from The Spit or from Manly, the nearest parking is at the end of Barrabooka Street. It’s a residential street which is free to park on and has no time limit. Please park respectfully as it is a residential area.

It’s located 16km and a 30 minute drive from Sydney CBD and 4km and a 10 minute drive from Manly.