World-class walking track linking 2 iconic beaches opens in Sydney

SYDNEY -- An 80-km scenic walking track linking two of Australia's most famous beaches, Bondi and Manly, was officially opened to the public on Sunday.

Enthusiasts describe Bondi to Manly Walk as one of the world's most spectacular journeys, with a series of Aboriginal "whale symbol" markers, guiding walkers along the Sydney foreshore, past the Opera House, across the Harbor Bridge and through bushland tracks and footpaths on the city's idyllic north-shore.

"For anyone visiting Sydney, Bondi and Manly are two of its greatest attractions," Minister for Energy and Environment Matt Kean said.

"Linking these two iconic Australian gems will provide public access to a world-class walk through Sydney's national parks, teeming with natural wildlife and fauna."

Advice on the walk's website suggests that the journey should be broken up into four, five or seven day stints -- either returning to a hotel every night via public transport, or booking homestay accommodation along the way.

Alternatively walkers can choose only to complete a section of the track, which can easily be broken up to fit any schedule.

Visitors can honor Sydney Harbor's original indigenous inhabitants, known as the Eora people, who lived, fished and cared for the land tens of thousands of years before European settlers arrived.

"The Bondi to Manly Walk will quickly become an icon that invites thousands of locals and visitors to explore Sydney every year," Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.

"No other urban walk can offer the significant historic, scenic and cultural wonder of this track, which connects two extraordinary beaches."