A safer, dedicated pathway connecting Newport Beach to The Serpentine at Bilgola Beach has officially opened, marking the completion of the latest section of the Northern Beaches Coast Walk.
The newly constructed 750-metre, 3-metre-wide shared path sits adjacent to Barrenjoey Road, separating pedestrians and bike riders from heavy vehicle traffic along the main corridor.
In Short
- Off-Road Link Opens: A new 750-metre, 3-metre-wide shared path now safely connects Newport Beach to The Serpentine at Bilgola Beach adjacent to Barrenjoey Road.
- Upgraded Infrastructure: The route features boardwalks, scenic lookouts, native landscaping, and durable marine-grade materials including stainless-steel handrails with timber accents.
- Complementary Works: Upgrades also include a newly concreted 200m section on the Bicentennial Path at Newport Beach's northern end, connecting to Eric Green Reserve.
- Jointly Funded: The project was delivered by Northern Beaches Council with funding support from the NSW Government.
Key Project Features
- Safety & Accessibility: Provides an off-road buffer for walkers, cyclists, and community members with mobility limitations along Barrenjoey Road.
- Infrastructure Design: Built using marine-grade, corrosion-resistant materials including on-grade concrete, fibre-reinforced decking, concrete piers, and stainless-steel handrails finished with timber accents.
- Coastal Amenities: Features scenic lookout points, elevated boardwalk sections, and native bushland landscaping.
- Bicentennial Path Upgrades: Complemented by a newly concreted 200m section along the northern end of Newport Beach, direct links to Eric Green Reserve, and upgraded stairways.
Community & Active Transport Impact
Northern Beaches Council Mayor Sue Heins and NSW Transport Minister John Graham highlighted the link as a key milestone for regional active transport. By offering a safe alternative to driving between local beach precincts, the infrastructure aims to ease local traffic pressure along the peninsula while expanding the broader Manly-to-Palm-Beach Coast Walk network.
The project was jointly funded by the NSW Government through the Transport for NSW Cycling Infrastructure Fund, Infrastructure NSW Restart NSW Fund, and the Stronger Communities Fund.