The Manly Warringah War Memorial Park (otherwise known as Manly Dam) used to be the main water supply for Manly before the war.

By 1930 the surrounding population had grown so much that Pymble reservoir was brought into service and Manly Dam entered its current life as a public park.

Surrounded by 375 hectares of bushland with 4 different picnic areas and a number of walking tracks, the park is now a much-loved picnic spot.

The best way to get there is by car, entering the park at the end of King Street.

There is a large picnic spot at the entrance, or you can drive further into the park to find less formal spots further along.

Here is a map of the park showing the different parking and picnic spots. It's possible to reserve a table for $40 to $50 (see this page for more information), otherwise remember to bring a picnic blanket. There are also BBQs available, however it can sometimes be busy on weekends.

Parking within the reserve costs $7 and the gates open at 7am and close at 8.30 pm during daylight saving.

There are also seven different walks to explore, the main one being the Park Circuit Track (map) which will take about 3 hours. Just right to work up a good appetite for your picnic lunch.

If it's hot you can also go for a swim (except in the designated water skiing area) so don't forget your swimmers.

For more information on the park here is the official Manly Dam webpage.


Why? Nice bush walk -> swim -> yummy food -> kip on the grass.

From WeekendNotes for Friday the 31st of October 2008

WeekendNotes is a free email newsletter for Sydney sent each weekday, giving you a new fun or interesting thing to do on the weekend.

We let you know about the best concerts, restaurants, cafes, pubs, theatre, shopping, sport and whatever else makes the grade.

To subscribe enter your email address below and we'll send you our most recent issue.