Sunrise: Long Reef Headland to Shelly Beach (10km)

Feel the fresh coastal breeze on this iconic stretch of Sydney's Northern Beaches coastline. Walking side by side with a small group of women, we will take in sweeping headland vistas, wide sandy beaches and quiet ocean lookouts.

📍 Meeting Point: Long Reef Headland Carpark

📅 Date: 14 November 2026

🕘 Time: 6:00am - 10:00am

📏 Distance: approx 10kms

🥾 Difficulty Level: Moderate

👣 Group Size: 3 to 5 Sistas, plus Kirsty

✨ Highlights

• Panoramic ocean views stretching across the coast from Long Reef Headland

• Tracing the golden sands and coastal paths linking Dee Why, Curl Curl and Freshwater

• Stopping along the trail to share a warm cup of tea or coffee together

• Rounding the headland past Fairy Bower to finish at calm Shelly Beach

• Watching for seabirds and marine life along the open water

  
  

🫶 Why You'll Love This Hike

Starting on the high ground of Long Reef Headland, we set off along grassy bluffs as the sun keeps rising with open views across the Pacific Ocean. Our path follows a mix of sandy beach stretches, timber boardwalks and headland tracks linking Dee Why, Curl Curl and Freshwater. Midway through the morning, we take a break overlooking the surf to share a warm tea or coffee together and catch up. We continue around the rocky bend past Fairy Bower, finishing at the quiet cove of Shelly Beach where the Seek Sista van will be waiting for us to transfer us back to Long Reef and/or other drop off points mentioned below.

👣 Difficulty Level

Moderate

The 10 to 11km route covers paved footpaths, timber boardwalks, sandy beach stretches and stone steps over the headlands. A steady walking pace and good general fitness are needed to complete the full distance comfortably within four hours.

🚗 Getting there

For a comfortable return trip in the Seek Sista Shuttle Van, choose from two pick-up points. Exact locations are texted upon booking:

Pick-up Point 1: St Ives

Pick-up Point 2: Gordon Station.

A convenient midpoint along the route. Join the shuttle here if it's easier for you.

Driving yourself?

Paid parking or time-restricted council parking rules apply at both Long Reef and Manly. The exact meeting location is texted upon booking.

✅ Inclusions

• Led by Kirsty, your friendly, experienced and first aid trained guide who personally hikes every route in advance

• Licensed and insured to operate within NSW National Parks

• Small group experience (max. 5 women) for connection and support

• Tea or coffee served during the hike

  
  

🚫 Exclusions

• Lunch, personal snacks and additional beverages

• Travel insurance (recommended but not included)

  
  

🎒 What to Bring

• 1.5 to 2L of water

• Hiking shoes with good grip

• Lightweight clothing layers

• Hiking poles (recommended)

• Hat and sunscreen

• A small daypack for your essentials

• Swimmers and a small towel

  
  

📑 Event Policy

Group size and minimum numbers 

This experience is small by design, with 3 to 5 Sistas plus your guide Kirsty. The event proceeds with a minimum of 3 participants. If the minimum is not met, we will contact you at least 48 hours before the event to offer a full refund or a transfer to another date. Booking Your spot is confirmed once your booking is complete. Places are limited and are held on a first come, first served basis.

Cancellations and transfers

You'll receive a full refund if you cancel at least 72 hours before the experience. Cancellations within 72 hours are non-refundable, but you're welcome to transfer your spot to a friend. Please let us know the name of the person taking your place. Postponement or cancellation by us If we cancel due to weather, track conditions or safety concerns, you'll receive a full refund or the option to transfer to a new date. We make the call on the day or in the days before, and we'll contact you as soon as we can.

Weather

We hike in most conditions, so please dress for the day. Light rain: the event usually runs. Kirsty makes the final decision on the day based on safety, and may change the route if needed.

Health, fitness and safety Please choose experiences that suit your fitness level, using the Difficulty Level section as your guide. Let us know before the day about any injuries, medical conditions or allergies we should be aware of. Kirsty is first aid trained, and may adjust the pace or route, or ask someone to sit out a section, if it's in the best interest of the group.

Waiver

Once you've booked, you'll receive a follow-up email with a link to our digital waiver form. Please complete it before the morning of the event. Anyone who hasn't completed the waiver can't take part and the booking is treated as a late cancellation.

Getting there

Shuttle pick-up locations are texted upon booking. Please be at your pick-up point on time, as the van can't wait for late arrivals. If you're driving yourself, you're responsible for any park entry or parking fees.

Pre-trip communication

You'll be invited to our event WhatsApp group for final coordination, real-time updates, and the chance to meet your hiking buddies before we hit the trail.

Looking after each other

We keep the day relaxed and friendly, and we expect everyone to look after each other and the bush. Please stay with the group, follow Kirsty's directions on the trail, take all rubbish with you, and leave no trace.

Photos

Kirsty will take photos on the day for Seek Sista's website and social media. If you'd prefer not to be included, let us know and we'll respect that.

Insurance

Travel and personal insurance is recommended but not included.