This may seem like an odd question, but is it possible to ride a bicycle on the spit bridge to manly walk?

My husband has a broken toe, and I thought that might be a way for him to do it.

Hi again! I just thought of a further question. I'm thinking that even if bikes are allowed, maybe that would be too much trouble (we want to take the ferry back, and then we'd have to bring the bike back on the ferry--and return it to wherever we got it . . .).

So, my new thought is: maybe if his foot starts to hurt in the middle of the walk, he could take a taxi into Manly and I could keep walking and meet him there. Does the walk go near enough to streets that we could call a cab at the spur of the moment and have him get a ride?

I haven't been on that walk but this link to Sydney Ferries has a downloadable map of the key harbour walks that might help to work out the logistics.

http://www.sydneyferries.info/explor...ur-walks-2.htm

Hi Caligirl56

I haven't done Manly to the Spit for years but I wouldn't be in a hurry to try it by bike. There are a few steps along the way. I'd also expect that bikes could be prohibited due to the sensitive nature of the Sydney National Park.
Sorry if your dog is still smiling about the race around the house ha ha.
You can catch a cab at a number of spots along the walk so that's a good idea.
Your husband could catch a cab at Gourlay Avenue in a suburb called Balgowlah Heights (pronounced phonetically) as in BALloon GOWn L UHH. Google earth 33 48.00 151 15.59
As well as a number of other spots along the walk. The walk actually goes along Gourlay avenue for a little bit before going down to Forty Baskets Beach (don't know the origin of the name) if you're going Manly to Spit direction that is.
The most scenic part of the walk, I think, is the part in the Sydney National Park so this would allow him to see that part at least.
Regards

http://www.creativespirits.info/ozns...getomanly.html

Thank you, both, for the answers and the links.

nevets: yes, the dog IS still smiling. I think we will do the cab option. I'm assuming we can just call one up on the mobile phone, and they can drive him to Manly. Maybe it will make sense to meet somewhere along the Corso??? I don't really know--but that's what sounds like the sort of central street.

you can't do it by bike...well not unless you are a world class mountain bike rider.

You can shorten the walk up and use a taxi to bail out by...

catch the ferry to Manly from circular quay
walk across the road from the ferry wharf to the taxi rank
get a taxi to clontarf reserve
get the mobile (cell) number of the cab driver-explain your situation.

there are several points where a cab can connect with you

don't miss the aboriginal enravings on the walk

get a guide/map from the sydney harbour national park office at cadmans cottage at the rocks...ask the ranger about the walk.

john,
Thanks. That's what we'll do. I hadn't thought about getting the taxi driver's mobile #--good idea! And who knows--maybe my husband's foot will take a dramatic turn for the better in the next couple of days!

Just an idea--if your husband's foot isn't up to doing the walk, he should think about kayaking in the harbor instead. (You might want to join him!) It's not THE WALK, but you can take the ferry to Manly and rent a kayak at the little wharf just to the right of where the ferry docks. Beautiful kayaking in and around the harbor, and easy on the toes! Then he can have lunch at a fish restaurant off Manly Beach while he waits for you to taxi back from Spit Bridge after you finish the walk. The Corso seemed kind of tacky and not our preference, but we had a good fish lunch in a cafe on a nearby street and enjoyed strolling along the beach. (We ferried, kayaked, ate, walked on the beach, visited the art gallery, AND did the walk to Spit Bridge before taking the bus back to the Rocks--long day, but fabulous!)

aprillilacs,
Wow! Sounds like you had a wonderful day. I'll keep the kayaking in mind. Definitely would help him save his toe! Thanks!

Caligirl, I remember when you first started planning your trip. How exciting, it must be just around the corner now.

I forget, how long ago will the broken toe have occurred when you plan to do the walk? And which toe was it?

I am somewhat experienced with broken toes, having now broken 5 out of 10 of them, one of them twice It does make a difference which one is broken. A couple of years ago I did one of those "team-building" exercises in Switzerland only 2 weeks after having broken a little toe, and it was really fine. The big toes, on the other hand, were painful a lot longer.

I think the idea of getting the taxi driver's mobile number with some potential spots to pick up is a great idea.

Just to add...

it is important to get the cab at manly and walk back to manly.

the drivers at the rank in manly have a much better idea of the area than those from the city etc.

toucan and john,

Thanks for the thoughts.

He broke his toe about 4 1/2 weeks ago--and we're leaving in 2 days!! (excited)! Unfortunately it was his big toe. The doctor re-xrayed it and said he can do whatever he wants--it's healing well. However, it won't fit into a hiking boot or even a normal shoe yet. Guess he needs to ice it more to get rid of the swelling!

We're in Sydney for just one day at the beginning--and I'd thought the Spit to Manly walk would be good to "unwind". (we have 6 more days in Sydney at the end). We go straight to Ayers Rock and Alice Springs after that. He can probably just walk as far as he wants there, and then turn back.

Either way, we're happy just to be going!

As others have said, the Spit to Manly walk is quite close to accessible roads for quite a bit of its length, so calling a taxi is a viable way out.

But if you're just looking for a way to unwind after the flight, there are many other enjoyable options that are easier than Spit to Manly:
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/Na....aspx?id=N0039

Or how about taking the jetcat to Parramatta, where there's a pleasant walk up to the park and the old government house, and in the other direction is Australia's oldest surviving house.

Even the botanical gardens near the opera house can provide a number of enjoyable walks.

someotherguy,
Thanks! We'll certainly consider those options. We'll be back in Sydney at the end of our trip--so we can be sort of flexible about what we choose to do on any given day!

I'd honestly save Manly to the Spit, or vice versa, till you return to Sydney. It is lovely, but graded moderate I think.

To unwind and still have the thrill of a ferry on your first day, why not take one to Cremorne Point? There are several walks you can take from there with nice views and trees, and some plaques about the history of the area. Go up the side of Shell Cove and back; or continue by cutting across the top of the peninsula over to Mosman Bay, and catch a ferry back from South Mosman wharf. Alternatively head across the tip of the peninsula as soon as you get off the ferry and just walk around Mosman Bay

This is my favourite area for short walks and for accessibility from the city you can't beat it!

Map attached in case of interest.

http://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/re...lking_map4.pdf

Thanks very much, afterall! I wasn't aware of any of that! We're leaving in just 10 hours. Thanks to everyone for all their help!