Many beautiful beaches can be found in the north across Sydney harbour. Starting with Manly Beach, just a 30 minute ride on the Manly Ferry or 15mins by Jetcat.
The bonus is you get to enjoy stunning views of the city and Sydney Harbour as well as visit some of the more beautiful places in Sydney. There are bus services for beaches further north and a tourist information center at Manly Wharf.
Manly Beach
Manly Beach, being over 3km long, has actually 3 named beaches, North and South Steyne, and Queenscliff. Lined with Norfolk pines giving it another world feel, Manly has long been considered Sydeys’s Seaside Resort and has a good variety of eateries, dining restaurants and night life.
Shelly beach and Ferry Bower are a short enjoyable oceanside walk south east from South Steyne and has BBQ and picnic facilities, with a rock pool along the way.
Getting to Manly Beach
Easily accessible by ferry or Jetcat from Circular Quay across the ever beautiful Sydney Harbour. There are also regular buses from Wynyard. See more on Manly Beach Sydney.
Mona Vale Beach
Popular with surfers and swimmers alike, but also fishing and windsurfing. Nearby to Mona Vale shops and golf course. Has rock baths, parks, playgrounds and reserves. Close to access for Kuringai National Park. For getting to Mona Vale Beach take Manly Bus 157, Wynyard Bus 185.
Narrabeen Beach
On the northern end of a 3km beach, known by surfers for it’s surf. The beach is backed by Narrabeen Lakes, great for fishing, canoeing and windsurfing. Lots of scenic walking tracks around the various parks and reserves. Fine Dining restaurants, various eateries and shopping available at Narrabeen. How to get to Narrabeen Beach: Manly Bus 155 or 157, Wynyard Bus 182 to 190 in the city.
Newport Beach
Great swimming and body and board surfing as well as picnic facilities. Also popular with divers and snorkellers as there is Little Reef, a 1km long sandstone reef populated with diverse marine life. There is a playground and picnic and BBQ facilities. Nearby is the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, Royal Motor Yacht Club, and the Newport Arms Hotel. There are a number of cafes, shops and restaurants in Newport itself. 35 km north of the CBD on the Northern Beaches. How to get to Newport Beach: Wynyard Bus 187.
Palm Beach
At the tip of the Northern Beaches, lies Palm Beach. Stretches from Barrenjoey Lighthouse in the north to Careel Bay in the south, some 2.3km long. Beautiful lookout from the lighthouse area. Nearby is Pittwater, with fishing, waterskiing, kayaking, sailing, swimming, ferry trips, cruises and scenic flights, and you can hire windsurfing equipment and catamarans at Governor Phillip Park. In the park there are barbeque facilities and a kiosk, as well as a golf course. Off Barrenjoey Road, How to get to: Wynyard Bus 190.
Turimetta Beach
Backed by a recreation reserve, below a steep cliff is Turimetta Beach. Untouched by development and near Narrabeen, it is a relatively small beach and can get rough with strong currents. Not patrolled by lifeguards. How to get to Turimetta Beach: Manly Bus 157.
Warriewood Beach
A 500m long beach and good for swimming, nestled between Mona Vale and Narrabeen beaches, it is only a short distance from either. There are wetlands to explore and is protected by Turrimetta Head from the southerly elements. Off Pittwater Road. How to get to Warriewood Beach: Manly Bus 157.
Whale Beach
Between Palm Beach and Avalon Beach, scenic and good for body and board surfers, swimming, with a rock pool. Avalon Village, a short drive away, has delightful cafes and eateries, patisseries, restaurants, bookstores and boutiques. A whale beaching in the 19th century gave it its name. There are BBQ facilities and picnic tables. How to get to Whale Beach: Wynyard Bus 190. Off Barrenjoey Road.
Palm Beach
Palm Beach, a scenic beach located at the north tip of the Sydney Northern Beaches Peninsula. There is a surf club on the south end of the beach and a rock pool, while the North Palm Beach surf club is situated about half way up the beach further north.
Barranjoey Lighthouse is a 20-30 minute walk away, offering grand views of the Hawkesbury River outlet to the ocean, Broken Bay and the Pittwater. The historic lighthouse, situated on Barranjoey Head is surrounded by an Aquatic Reserve while Barranjoey Head is part of the Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park.
Northern Beaches Map
Map shows beaches from Manly Beach to Palm Beach - See Northern Beaches Map. Also shows Whale Beach, Avalon Beach, Bilgola Beach, Newport Beach, Bungan Beach, Mona Vale Beach, Warriewood Beach, Turimetta Beach, Narrabeen Beach, Collaroy Beach, Dee Why Beach, Curl Curl Beach, and Freshwater Beach.
