Manly Dam (Manly-Warringah War Memorial Park) is an extensive, tranquil bushland valley containing Sydney’s largest freshwater lake created by the damming of Curl Curl Creek in 1892.
A popular spot for walking, mountain biking, water skiing, swimming and fishing, there are also walks of varying lengths and also indigenous-themed walks.
You can either follow the shoreline of the lake to connect with the circuit trail, or you can choose to follow the Nature Trail and Wildflower Walk. These two trails form part of the Manly Dam circuit walk which is marked as Park Circuit Track.
As you continue your walk around the lake, you will reach the wetlands that were artificially created by the damming of the creek. Now they form part of a very important local ecosystem.
Enjoy the little waterfalls and footbridges as you stroll through this picturesque area. You may even spot some of the local residents, such as black swans, swamphens and freshwater fish.
The official 7.3-kilometre-long Manly Dam circuit walk starts at the end of King Street. There is parking available, or you can catch the 142 bus from Manly.
There's also the Heath Track, a 1km loop offering sweeping views across the dam.
