Manly Dam Picnic Area
Manly Dam Picnic Area is a picnic and recreation spot at Manly Dam in Allambie Heights NSW 2100, set between the shore and bushland of Manly Dam War Memorial Park. Its standout feature is the 7.3km Park Circuit Track, a walking route shared with mountain bike riders, alongside picnic tables and electric and wood barbecues.
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About Manly Dam Picnic Area
Park Circuit Walking Track at Manly Dam Picnic Area
Manly Dam Picnic Area connects to the Park Circuit Track, a 7.3km walking loop that takes about 3 hours to complete. The track is shared with mountain bike riders, so walkers should watch for cyclists along the route. Access points include Section 1, the Dam Wall and the Section 4 picnic area, so visitors can start the loop from the picnic grounds. The route passes through the bushland around the dam reservoir, making it the park's main walking feature.
Playground at Manly Dam Picnic Area
Manly Dam Picnic Area has a playground for children, which makes the park a practical stop for family outings. Accessible lead-in pathways connect to the play area, so visitors with prams or wheelchairs can reach it. Picnic tables and barbecues are available nearby, which lets parents stay close to the play equipment while cooking or eating. Families can combine play time with a picnic or a walk on the park's trails.
Electric and Wood Barbecues at Manly Dam Picnic Area
Manly Dam Picnic Area has barbecues in two formats, electric and wood, so visitors can choose how they cook. Picnic tables are available alongside the barbecues, giving groups a dedicated spot to eat together. The Section 4 picnic area has also hosted braai gatherings, where sites with a table have been booked for an event fee of $80.
Facilities at Manly Dam Picnic Area
Visitor tips for Manly Dam Picnic Area
- ✓Pack a rug, a chair and food to share, as the picnic spots suit relaxed group gatherings.
- ✓The picnic spots in Section 1 sit close to the entrance, so you can unload gear without a long walk.
Getting to Manly Dam Picnic Area
Manly Dam Picnic Area is on King Street, Allambie Heights NSW 2100, and the Section 4 picnic area is on Sir Roden Cutler VC Memorial Drive. Buses B1 and 145 run to the park from the north or the CBD. Parking is free on the streets outside the entrance, with paid and disabled parking inside the park gates at the War Memorial or a little further along at the Section 1 sign. A car park with a designated accessible bay sits beside the toilet block.
Open in Google Maps →Nearby Allambie Heights
- 📍Manly Vale
Frequently asked questions about Manly Dam Picnic Area
Can I bring my dog to Manly Dam Picnic Area?
Dogs are not permitted during fox baiting periods, as shown on the on-site signage. Rules outside those periods are not confirmed, so check the signs on arrival.
Is there a playground for kids at Manly Dam Picnic Area?
Yes, the park has a playground, and accessible lead-in pathways lead to it.
Are there BBQs available at Manly Dam Picnic Area?
Yes, the park has both electric and wood barbecues, with picnic tables available alongside them.
Where can I park at Manly Dam Picnic Area and is parking free?
Parking on the streets outside the entrance is free. Inside the gates there is paid and disabled parking at the War Memorial or near the Section 1 sign.
Are there any events or markets held at Manly Dam?
Past events have included a braai at the Section 4 picnic area on 5 April 2025 and a winter picnic on 17 August 2024. No markets were found.