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Sydney's Northern Beaches are already home to some of the city's best coastal walks – the beloved Spit to Manly being a case in point. And now, a newly opened section of the Northern Beaches Coast Walk (a 36-kilometre coastal trail that will eventually stretch all the way from Shelly Beach to Barrenjoey Headland) has just opened between Newport Beach and Bilgola – complete with dedicated off-road path, scenic boardwalks and dreamy lookout points along the way.
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How far is the Newport to Bilgola Beach coast walk?
The newly opened section of the Northern Beaches Coast Walk is 750 metres long, connecting Newport Beach with The Serpentine at Bilgola Beach. The three-metre-wide shared pathway runs alongside Barrenjoey Road, providing an off-road alternative to walking beside the steady stream of soccer mom Land Rovers that patrol the area. It also connects with existing walking and cycling paths, including the Bicentennial Path near Newport Beach and Eric Green Reserve.
How long does the Newport to Bilgola Beach coast walk take?
According to the team at Northern Beaches Council, you should allow around 10–15 minutes to walk the new 750-metre section at a leisurely pace – or longer if you want to stop at the lookouts and take in the views. The path is relatively short, making it an easy addition to a beach day rather than a full-day hiking commitment. You can also extend your outing by exploring Newport Beach, wandering through Eric Green Reserve or continuing along connecting paths towards Bilgola Beach.
When did the Newport to Bilgola Beach coast walk open?
The new section officially opened on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. The 750-metre path is part of the Northern Beaches Council's broader Connecting Northern Beaches initiative, which aims to create a continuous coastal walking route between Manly and Palm Beach. This latest link improves connections between Newport and Bilgola, but some sections of the wider Coast Walk are still in the waiting line for upgrades and construction.
Where is the best place to park for the Newport to Bilgola Beach coast walk?
Newport Beach car park is a pretty convenient starting point, with access to the new pathway near the northern end of the beach and a connection to Eric Green Reserve. Alternatively, you can start from the Bilgola end, near The Serpentine. Parking is available at both beaches, but spaces can fill quickly on sunny weekends and public holidays. Check the signs for applicable time limits and fees, because parking conditions vary.
What are the highlights of the Newport to Bilgola Beach coast walk?
The biggest draw is the chance to explore this stretch of the Northern Beaches on foot without having to share the roadside with passing cars. The new three-metre-wide path features elevated boardwalks, lookout points and native landscaping, with handrails and a non-slip surface designed to make the journey safer and more accessible for walkers, cyclists and people using mobility aids. The route also passes through Eric Green Reserve, adding little pockets of greenery to the coastal journey.
It's worth remembering that the new section is a shared path, so cyclists and pedestrians will need to look out for each other.
How do you get to the Newport to Bilgola Beach coast walk from Sydney?
Driving is the easiest option from central Sydney. Head north towards the Northern Beaches via Spit Bridge and follow the main roads towards Newport, with the journey taking around 40–60 minutes depending on traffic. If you're travelling by public transport, bus is your best bet. The B-Line runs between Wynyard and Mona Vale, stopping at Newport, where you can connect with local services or walk towards the beach. Check the Transport for NSW Trip Planner for the most convenient route and current departure times before setting off. We’ll see you on the trail.
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