Northern Beaches

Stretching from Manly to Palm Beach, Sydney’s Northern Beaches offer a laid-back coastal lifestyle with stunning surf, national parks, and charming seaside villages. This is where locals escape the city buzz for world-class waves, coastal walks, and alfresco dining with ocean views.

Highlights & What to See

• Manly Beach – The gateway to the Northern Beaches, with a vibrant promenade, surf breaks, and the scenic Manly to Spit Bridge coastal walk.
• Palm Beach – Iconic for its golden sand and lighthouse, known as the setting for TV’s “Home and Away”; hike to Barrenjoey Lighthouse for panoramic views.
• Dee Why Beach – A favourite for families and surfers, with a long stretch of sand, rock pools, and a buzzing café scene.
• Shelly Beach – A sheltered cove near Manly, perfect for snorkelling in the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve.
• Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park – Bordering the northern edge, offering Aboriginal rock art, bushwalks, and water views from West Head lookout.
• Freshwater Beach – A smaller, less crowded surf beach with a historic surf club and a relaxed vibe.

Suggested Time to Spend

To truly experience the Northern Beaches, allow at least two full days. Spend one day exploring Manly and its coastal walk, and another day driving north to Palm Beach with a stop at Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. If you’re short on time, a day trip from Sydney’s CBD can cover Manly and a quick visit to Dee Why or Freshwater.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Sydneyf="/travel/au/nsw/sydney/harbour-bridge">Sydney Harbour Bridge – Combine a visit with a ferry ride from Circular Quay to Manly for spectacular harbour views.
• The Rocks – Start your Northern Beaches adventure with a morning in Sydney’s historic district before catching the ferry.
• Taronga Zoo – Located on the harbour foreshore, it’s a convenient stop between the city and Manly via ferry.
• Barangaroo – A revitalised waterfront precinct with great dining and walking paths, easily linked to a Manly ferry trip.
• Bondi Beach – While on the opposite side of the harbour, Bondi offers a contrasting beach culture and can be combined for a longer coastal tour.

Please check official sources for current details.