Northern Beaches

Surfing & beaches

Surfers make a beeline for the National Surfing Reserves of Manly, Freshwater and North Narrabeen, which hosted the World Surf League Championships in 2021. If you want to learn what it takes to ride a wave, sign up for surfing lessons at Manly Surf School or Manly Surf Guide.

North Narrabeen Beach, North Narrabeen

For those who prefer calm, sheltered bays to big waves then head to the delightful Shelly Beach in Cabbage Tree Bay, Manly. This protected marine reserve is perfect for snorkelling and diving, the crystal-clear waters are warm, and the area is teeming with colourful fish such as blue groper and cuttlefish.

Cabbage Tree Bay, Manly 

Things to do

The ocean isn't the only waterway on the Northern Beaches. There's Narrabeen Lagoon, which is popular with families, kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders. There's also a 9km walking and cycling trail around the edge of the lagoon.

Narrabeen Lagoon, Narrabeen - Credit: Northern Beaches Council

The Pittwater foreshore, just inland from Avalon Beach, is a wonderful place to explore if you like bushwalking.  Enter via Australia’s second-oldest national park, Ku-ring-gai Chase and take the Red Hands Cave walking track which meanders to ancient Aboriginal ochre hand paintings.

West Head, Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park

This is perfect whale-watching territory, with scenic lookouts dotted along the coast from North Head to Barrenjoey Head, Sydney’s northernmost seaside point. Tour options of the Northern Beaches include EcoTreasures' wildlife discovery and Flamin’ Galah's Home and Away adventure.

Eat & drink

The Boathouse started at out Palm Beach and its particular blend of casual, café cool is now at Shelly Beach as well as Whale Beach. Manly is an eating-and-drinking hub with a range of casual options and the next suburb over you'll discover fine-dining Italian at Pilu at Freshwater.

The Boat House, Palm Beach

The Newport is a destination pub, people from all over Sydney take a daytrip to this sprawling, beautifully renovated heritage property right on the Pittwater foreshore. It's got pizza and pub fare downstairs and fine dining at Bert's, upstairs. Nearby at Whale Beach, is Jonah’s another fine dining venue and boutique accommodation with outstanding views.

The Newport, Newport

Getting there

If you want to explore the Northern Beaches from top-to-bottom, the best way is to drive. It takes about 90 mins to get from the CBD to Palm Beach. A ferry will take you from Circular Quay to Manly and busses go all the way north. You can also cross Pittwater on the Palm Beach ferry and arrive at the Basin. Or, if you want to splash out, catch a seaplane from Rose Bay.