Northern Beaches, NSW
Sydney’s Northern Beaches is a stunning stretch of coastline that offers a perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Located just 30 minutes from Sydney’s CBD, this region combines natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and a relaxed lifestyle.
Known For
- Surf-friendly beaches
- Scenic coastal walks
- Vibrant café culture
Spanning the area just north of Manly to the tip of the peninsula at the mouth of the Hawkesbury River, Sydney’s beautiful Northern Beaches and Pittwater offer you relaxation and recreation side by side. The area encompasses kilometres of open coastline along laid back seaside suburbs including Curl Curl, Dee Why, Long Reef and Avalon.
Sydney’s Northern Beaches
With over 20 pristine beaches, the Northern Beaches is a haven for anyone who loves the ocean.
Popular North Sydney Beaches
Manly Beach, one of Sydney’s most iconic beaches, is the perfect place to start. Renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, Manly offers excellent surfing conditions, family-friendly swimming areas, and a bustling Corso filled with shops and dining options.
Heading further north, you’ll discover Palm Beach, famous for its golden sands and panoramic views from the Barrenjoey Lighthouse. This area also serves as the backdrop for the popular Australian TV show Home and Away. Don’t miss Shelly Beach, a tranquil cove ideal for snorkeling and paddleboarding, surrounded by lush native flora.
Where To Stay
Culinary Delights and Local Vibes
The Northern Beaches isn’t just about sun and surf; it’s also a culinary hotspot. Local cafés like Boathouse at Palm Beach and Girdlers in Dee Why serve up fresh, locally sourced dishes with a beachside flair. Enjoy a sunset dinner at Jonah’s, a luxury restaurant perched high above Whale Beach, known for its contemporary Australian cuisine and stunning ocean views.
For a more laid-back experience, Manly Wharf offers a variety of casual dining options, perfect for grabbing a bite after a day in the sun. Markets, such as the Frenchs Forest Organic Market, add to the charm, showcasing local produce, artisan goods, and live entertainment.
Outdoor Adventures Await
For those who enjoy nature and exploration, the Northern Beaches is a treasure trove of activities. The coastline is dotted with scenic walking trails, such as the Manly to Spit Bridge walk, which offers breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour and secluded bays along the way.
If you’re a water sports enthusiast, Narrabeen Lagoon is the go-to spot for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and fishing. For a unique perspective, charter a boat in Pittwater to explore the hidden coves and secluded beaches only accessible by water.
Beyond the beaches, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park provides an incredible backdrop for hiking and picnicking, with its dense bushland, Aboriginal heritage sites, and views of Pittwater’s crystal-clear waters.
A Blend of Relaxation and Activity
The beauty of the Northern Beaches lies in its ability to cater to every type of traveler. Whether you’re looking to unwind at a spa retreat, such as Q Station in Manly, or prefer an active holiday filled with surfing and bushwalking, this region has it all. Boutique accommodations, including beachside cottages and luxury resorts, make it easy to find the perfect place to stay.
From its world-class beaches to its rich culinary scene and outdoor activities, the Northern Beaches of Sydney offer an unparalleled travel experience that leaves visitors eager to return.
You can catch a seaplane to a riverside restaurant from Palm Beach; the last beach on the peninsula where hit series “Home and Away” is filmed. With a number of popular surf breaks lining the region, it is inevitably imbued with a strong surfing culture. Great seaside dining is on offer from all of the Northern Beaches.
On the other side of the peninsula is Pittwater, which runs along the thriving native bushland of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. For one of the best views of Pittwater, have a pub lunch at the Newport Arms Hotel’s waterfront beer garden. You can participate in any number of water activities in Pittwater including kitesurfing, canoeing, sailing and fishing.
With its pockets of rainforest, rivers, creeks and waterfalls, rugged sandstone headlands and wonderful examples of Aboriginal rock art, Ku-ring-gai Chase is a fascinating place to bushwalk.
Northern Beaches Highlights
- Take a scenic coastal drive to Palm Beach and walk the headland to Barrenjoey Lighthouse for views of Pittwater and the Ocean.
- Join a ferry at Palm Beach to explore Pittwater’s secluded bays.
- Stop off at the quaint seaside village of Avalon and explore the shops within.
- Internationally famous as the home of Skippy the Bush Kangaroo is Waratah Park Earth Sanctuary, where you can go on a night prowl for wildlife.
- The Bahai Temple, one of only seven in the world, welcomes visitors from all faiths.
- Indulge yourself and stay a night at one of the wonderful B and B’s or hotels in the area.
- Shop at Australia’s largest indoor/outdoor shopping centre, Warringah Mall, comprising over 280 specialty shops and 5 major department stores.
- Challenge yourself with a round of golf at one of six courses open to the public.
- Take a luxury tour encompassing the area with Palm Beach Experience or Walkabout Tours.
Experiences
- 18-35's
- Active
- Caravan and Camping
- Food and Wine
- Honeymoon
- Indulgence/Luxury
- Nature based
- Relaxation
- Romance
Popular Activities
- Adventure
- Beach
- Bush Walking
- Canoeing
- Cycling
- Driving
- Fishing
- Fishing - Beach
- Fishing - Estuary
- Food and Wine
- Golfing
- Horse Riding
- Kayaking
- Mountain Biking
- National Park
- Nightlife
- Sandboarding
- Scenic Flight
- Seakayaking
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Skating
- Snorkelling
- Surfing
- Swimming
- Wind Surfing
About Northern Beaches
- Locality: Region
- State: New South Wales
- Region: Sydney
- Latitude: -33.79851
- Longitude: 151.28895
- Timezone: Australia/Sydney