The picturesque Manly Dam trail has been upgraded with a 400-metre-long raised boardwalk and several viewing platforms, making the popular reserve more accessible.

Manly Warringah War Memorial State Park, also known as Manly Dam, is Sydney’s largest freshwater lake and one of the Northern Beaches best kept secrets.  

Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said the new elevated boardwalk along the foreshore represents a significant benefit for both the environment and visitors.

“With a unique landscape, natural biodiversity and a rich Aboriginal history, Manly Dam is a very special reserve for local residents and visitors,” Mayor Heins said.

“In the bush surrounding Manly Dam you can find remnants of Aboriginal camps and wide diversity of flora and fauna, including a number of threatened species.

“Extensive works to upgrade and improve the recreational trail will protect flora and fauna, while improving accessibility between popular picnic areas.

“This makes the trail easier and safer for older adults, children and people using wheelchairs and the viewing platforms are a great addition for soaking up the beautiful surrounds.”

The trail has been designed to fit with the terrain and is sensitive to the existing natural environment.

The community was given the opportunity to comment on the concept design, with general support for the proposed link trail. Most respondents supported a safer pedestrian path separate from the road. There was strong support for an approach that was sensitive to the existing natural environment and landscape.

The Manly Dam trail upgrade and boardwalk was proudly funded by the NSW Government’s NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program and the Metropolitan Greenspace Program 2019-2019 in association with Northern Beaches Council.

Manly Dam is a peaceful, bushland setting for walking, running, bike riding, picnics, swimming as well as memorial services.  Earlier this year, Council installed a new shelter to memorialise former and existing defence force members.

Additionally, construction of a water access platform on the shoreline of Section 1 Picnic Area (adjacent to the playground) will commence this month and completed in time for the summer holidays. This will allow safe entry and exit into the water for all paddlers and swimmers and offer an option for people with reduced mobility to enjoy the lake.

Also, part of these works, will be a new accessible pathway that will link the water access platform to the accessible amenities and parking bays. See more information about this project.

For more information about Manly Dam visit Council’s website or the project page.