A day trip to the Northern Beaches: What to see, eat & do
Man enjoying the surf at North Narrabeen Beach, North Narrabeen
Stretching up the coast to Palm Beach, the Northern Beaches make for one of Sydney’s best day trips. With a car, you can visit glorious beaches, local villages, and enjoy water sports, shopping, dining and coastal walks galore – all in a single day.
Day trip at a glance
Day trip at a glance
Highlights
Highlights
Morning: Find your seaside vibes
Start your sparkling day on the Northern Beaches with a relaxing breakfast at Oceans Narrabeen. Just a short stroll from the beach, this casual diner is open all-day with a massive menu that caters to all tastes. There’s also Girdlers, a Northern Beaches institution that specialises in nourishing whole foods that are as tasty as they are good for you. Dig into the organic buckwheat and banana pancakes, topped with fresh berries, maca crunch and a scoop of coconut ice- cream.
Next, wax up the surfboard and take your first dip of the day at the iconic Narrabeen Beach, where world champion surfers have taken on its foamy peaks. If you’re not a seasoned surfer, make your way to the nearby Narrabeen Lagoon for some wild-life spotting on a bushwalk, or take a moment to rest before hitting the road again up to Palm Beach.
North Narrabeen Beach, North Narrabeen
Afternoon: Leisurely lunch and waterside activities
Wander along the TV-famous beach from Home and Away, which curves from Little Head up to Barrenjoey Head for 2.3km. Continue the trail to the heritage-listed Barrenjoey Lighthouse and take in panoramic views of the coast. If you’ve worked up an appetite, you can’t beat a leisurely lunch at Barrenjoey House. Located on the ground floor of a century-old guesthouse, expect a menu packed with seafood, from premium platters to a caviar service and lobster pizza.
Barrenjoey Lighthouse walk, Palm Beach
If you’re ready to get back into the water, hire a kayak or stand-up paddle board from Paddlecraft and glide out onto Pittwater to better explore the stunning area.
Prefer to stay on land? Now’s your chance to squeeze in a spot of retail therapy. There’s a collection of beautiful boutiques in Avalon Village that will have you loaded up with stylish finds. Shop tailored everyday pieces at chic spaces such as Kristina Brenke and Peggy Concept Store; grab a takeaway sweet treat from one of the artisan cafes and stroll the streets; then pick up some new coastal-luxe threads from Deesse Boutique or French-style MamaPapa.
Pittwater Kayak Tours, Palm Beach
Evening: Sunset views by the water
As the sun sets on a stunning Northern Beaches day trip, one of the best places to enjoy a meal at golden hour is The Newport. Find a seat in the sprawling beer garden shaded by trees and edged by the ocean vistas of Pittwater, and select your favourite feast from among plentiful options in the outdoor food marketplace. You can have freshly shucked oysters from the Seafood Market, crispy and tasty Neapolitan pizzas straight from the wood-fired oven at Vinnie’s Pizza or classic fish and chips from The Shack.
The Newport, Newport - Credit: Merivale
Getting there
Getting there
Go with a guide
Go with a guide
Plan your trip
FAQs
How do I get to the Northern Beaches from Sydney CBD?
How do I get to the Northern Beaches from Sydney CBD?
The easiest way to get to the Northern Beaches from Sydney CBD is with a car and the drive to Manly takes around 30 minutes or about an hour to Palm Beach. You can also take the B1 bus from Wynard Station and change at Dee Why for the local 199 bus which continues to Palm Beach, with stops in Narrabeen and Avalon.
How long does it take to drive from Sydney to Palm Beach?
How long does it take to drive from Sydney to Palm Beach?
It takes roughly one hour to drive to Palm Beach from Sydney CBD.
Can you do a Northern Beaches day trip without a car?
Can you do a Northern Beaches day trip without a car?
Yes, but without a car you should focus on Manly and the southern Northern Beaches rather than the entire region. Take the 20-minute Manly Ferry from Circular Quay, then buses go all the way north.
What should I do on the Northern Beaches if it rains?
What should I do on the Northern Beaches if it rains?
Visiting on a rainy day? Instead of beach hopping, head to Manly for your choice of a tasting tour at Manly Spirits Co. Distillery, a history or ghost tour at Q Station or a walk around Manly Art Gallery and Museum. There’s plenty of places to eat and drink in Manly including Noon for coffee to go, Cibaria for authentic Italian and Anita Gelato for dessert.
If you’ve ventured up a little more north, Avalon is a great place to explore on a rainy day with an eclectic line-up of shops and activities including an art gallery and yoga classes for all experience levels at Paradise Yoga.
