NORTHERN BEACHES
Nestled on the north-eastern shore of Sydney and home to the entire eastern coastline from Manly to Palm Beach you have the Northern Beaches. Best known for some incredible scenic viewpoints, surf beaches, and eateries - it’s a place known for a fantastic quality of life. Unlike beaches on the east, the coastal suburbs of the Northern Beaches provide a more secluded vibe with more houses and smaller town centres. Therefore, a weekend trip to the Northern Beaches is the perfect mini-getaway that you and your mates need!
Manly, being the most direct point to the city, is a bustling scene of independent coffee shops, surf shops, pubs, and great beers (4 Pines Brewery being located on the Wharf). With the main stretch of sand bearing the full force of the open Pacific, Manly beach is an excellent spot to learn how to surf with multiple companies offering lessons for beginners and intermediates alike. Surfing isn’t the only sport you can learn at Manly though, be sure to check out a few of the beach volleyball schools situated along the row of nets towards the north side of the shore! Programs run by Beachvolleyball.com.au include two beginner levels which will allow you to graduate into a beginner squad. There is also a bike path that runs along the promenade, allowing you to cruise by the crowds of pedestriants whilst admiring the view of the ocean. Swing by the Corso after your day in the sun for quality coffee and eats. Notable places include Side Room Healthfoods for their delectable acai bowls and Market Lane Coffee for artisan espresso. Trips to Manly from the city are frequent (inclusive of weekends), and you can catch the fast ferry from Manly Wharf into Circular Quay in just 20 minutes. Although known and referred to as being somewhat of a ‘bubble’, it’s very easy to both see and understand why, as you have absolutely everything you need and more!
DISCOVER
If you’re looking for a beach suburb that’s more low-key than Manly, look no further than the next beach up the coast - Freshwater! Nestled in between some seriously stunning coastal estates, Freshwater is a simple yet beautiful inlet, perfect for a beach picnic with friends. You can also embark on a scenic walk along the rockpools towards the iconic Manly Wormhole for some great pics.
Another iconic spot on the Northern Beaches that is defiantly worth the long drive is a trip to Avalon and Palm Beach. Avalon is a suburb like no other in Sydney due to its relaxed beachy culture and plethora of holiday homes. On the way up to Palm Beach, be sure to stop for a bite at either Sunset Diner for high quality burgers and shakes or Alma for authentic Mexican cuisine. If you’ve seen the infamous Aussie soap drama, Home and Away, you will immediately recognise the view of Barrenjoey Head and the boutique-lined streets of the city centre. Palm Beach lies just above Avalon and takes up the rest of the Northern Peninsula. When hiking up to the lighthouse, you can choose a long route or short route. Despite sounding easier, the ‘short route’ is actually an old smuggling trail composed of steep, jagged stairs that will be sure to give your glutes the workout it needs. The longer trail on the other hand is a stone trail that will have you climb at a gradual pace, making it perfect for older patrons and children. Despite walking uphill for almost half an hour, the view at the top of Barrenjoey is well worth it. You will have access to a stunning vista of Pittwater and the expansive ocean whilst also getting up close to the sandstone lighthouse built in 1881! Reward yourself for the perilous journey with a dip at Whale Beach below and some hot chips at the Boathouse to top off a brilliant day at Sydney’s most northern point.
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Take a surf lesson on Manly Beach - one of the best spots for waves in the city
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Take a day trip up to Palm Beach for the scenic, natural views, and enjoy some chips at The Boathouse
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Walk from Manly beach to Shelly Beach and take in the view from another angle
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Grab a cold one at 4 Pines Brewery on the Wharf, and watch the sunset over the boats
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Explore the local area, starting with the Bluff Lookout and Flat Rock Beach
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Checkout the beaches at North and South Curl Curl, and give the coastal walk to Dee Why a go
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Grab a coffee in the dark at one of Manly’s manor coffee shops, and enjoy it with an unforgettable sunrise on Manly Beach
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Explore Sydney Harbour National Park, and see the famous International College of Management
OUR HIGHLIGHTS
If travelling from the city, there are two key modes of transportation over to the Northern Beaches: bus and boat. Travelling from the CBD or Lower North Shore (North Sydney), a bus may be the preferred option, taking a little under an hour. Alternatively, at a slightly higher cost but for a much swifter and more enjoyable route, you can take the ferry from Manly! With regular departures daily, and the option for both a slow or fast boat (only 20 minutes!), it’s a great way to travel and arriving at Circular Quay having passed the Opera House and Harbour Bridge never gets old.
Ferry:
The F1 Ferry is a fantastic alternative to that pesky Military Road traffic that can crop up during the weekends. Departing from Circular Quay every half hour, the journey only takes 20 minutes and will provide you with iconic views of the Harbour and North Heads to add some spice to your commute. The Fast Ferry also operates in tandem with the regular ferry at a higher price.
Bus:
The B-Line bus is a unique route that aims to connect the far northern suburbs to the inner city. Beginning at Wynyard, the double-decker bus travels through suburbs such as Manly Vale, Dee Why and Collaroy all the way up to Mona Vale so commuters can get from the city to the Northern Beaches at an efficient speed. There are other local bus routes such as the 166 Frenches Forest bus that goes to Manly via Dee Why. Like most suburbs, the amount of route combinations seems endless!
Car:
Like many northern areas, driving is extremely beneficial due to the distance and accessibility between suburbs. Parking at popular beaches such as Manly and Collaroy can be a bit challenging and expensive, especially on hot days, therefore we encourage you to explore some of the neighbourhood streets in a bid to get a lucky all-day parking spot for free!