10 Adventures on Sydney’s Northern Beaches

Explorer Francesca has spent many a weekend traversing the trails and waterways of Sydney’s Northern Beaches, and she’s narrowed down her top ten adventures for a day in nature (when you can’t leave the city).

We Are Explorers acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Countries on which these adventures take place who have occupied and cared for these lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Sydney’s Northern Beaches is home to plenty of microadventures. From Manly to Palm Beach there’s no shortage of nature escapes you can easily pack into a weekend. And when you haven’t got time for a full send into the wilderness, they’ll help scratch that outdoors itch.

Let me guide you through some top activities to keep you entertained from summer all the way into winter with these adventures in Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

Read more: Every Rock Pool on Sydney’s Northern Beaches

1. Snorkelling Cabbage Tree Reserve

Location: Shelly Beach, Manly
Essential gear: Mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit, camera
Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate

Manly might be known for its surfing beaches, but a short walk from the main stretch of sand is the famous Shelly Beach. A secluded shell-shaped bay with a host of marine life across all seasons. From the perspective on the beach, the bay is split down the middle into two sections.

The left takes you over shallow kelp fields where you can find critters hiding under rock gutters or in the weeds. Taking the right over the sand flats and sea grass eventually leads you to a rock wall of boulders. Here you might be lucky enough to splash across one of the elusive Grey Nurse sharks that sometimes visit the bay, but most of the time it’s the local Gatorade-blue Eastern blue gropers that are found here.

The seasonal highlights include Juvenile Dusky whalers from March to May, Giant cuttlefish from April to September, and Port Jackson sharks from July to August. There have also been a few sights of Green Sea turtles over recent months, so be sure to look out for resident Billie and friends.

Read more: Meet the Underwater Residents of Cabbage Tree Reserve

How to Get to Shelly Beach

Coming from the city you can take the iconic Manly Ferry – 20 minutes on the water and you arrive in Manly. Walking in a straight line from the wharf will take you through the Corso, lined with shops and cafes. Once you hit the Main Beach, marked with flags, take a right and follow the yellow fence all the way to the end and you’ll arrive at the shelled bay of Shelly Beach and Cabbage Tree Aquatic Reserve.

2. Kayaking Manly’s Harbourside Beaches

Location: Manly Wharf to Store Beach
Distance: 2km
Duration: 1 hour round trip
Essential gear: Hat, sunscreen, water, camera, picnic lunch
Difficulty: Intermediate

While taking the ferry to Manly, you may notice a host of sandy bays that you can access from the wharf on foot – all except one. Store Beach is a long sandy bay situated between Little Collins Flat and the Quarantine Station.

By hiring a kayak or paddleboard from Manly Kayak Hire you can head out and explore all the bays to the east of the wharf with ease. It’s a short paddle over to Store Beach where you can sit and watch the sunset with a beer or cuppa, depending on the season.

3. Kayak Narrabeen Lagoon

Location: Narrabeen
Essential gear: Hat, sunscreen, water, camera
Difficulty: Beginner

Looking for a new body of water to explore? Then head up to Narrabeen, the lagoon is 2.2km² of clam flat, beginner-friendly water with plenty of inlets, creeks, islands, and sandbanks to explore. Hire a kayak from Pro Kayaks and head out towards the hills where you can peel off the main lagoon and explore Deep Creek or head towards the coast and jump out for a dip at Narrabeen Ocean Pool. The lagoon feels like its own little paradise, despite the two main roads that circle it.

Kayaks are available to hire from 1-3 hours for a full day around the lagoon. If you want to fit in as much exploring and time for a picnic lunch at Deep Creek Reserve or even Sanctuary Island, I recommend going out for three hours to avoid a rushed paddle back.

How to Get to Narrabeen Lagoon

You can take the 199 bus from Manly to the Narrabeen B-line stop that sits directly in front of the Lagoon or drive up and park directly behind the stop. From here it’s a short walk to Pro Kayaks.

4. Walk Around the Wetlands at Warriewood

Location: Warriewood
Distance: 2.5km
Duration: Half day
Essential gear: Hat, sunscreen, water, camera, binoculars
Difficulty: Beginner

The busy Pittwater Road cuts through the Northern Beaches, but tucked behind an unassuming industrial park in Warriewood sits a little nature oasis, full of water birds, bats, and the critically endangered Swift parrot.

Boardwalks and gentle nature tracks will have you so immersed in the life and sounds of the wetlands, you’ll forget how close to human infrastructure you are. It’s a pocket of nature bursting with life, perfect for a short stroll around the boardwalks with a coffee and pastry.

The walk is split into two sections, the wetlands and swamp walk which crosses over into Irrawong Reserve, where you’ll find a little surprise waterfall tucked away behind residential streets. It’s the perfect place to stop and soak it all in.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

How to Get to Warriewood Wetlands

Take the 199 bus or drive from Manly to Mona Vale. From here take a left from Pittwater Road onto Jackson Road. If you go on foot it’s a short walk and if you take a car you can leave it in the Warriewood Mall car park.

You can complete a loop that’s connected by Watergums Drive and Green Street. Taking a left on Green Street will bring you to the Swamp Walk and back to the starting point. If you want to extend the loop, take a right crossing Green Street and follow signs for Irrawong Reserve or Jim Revitt Walk.

5. Sunrise Swim at Mona Vale Rock Pool

Location: Mona Vale
Essential gear: Swimwear, towel, camera, hat, sunscreen, water, coffee cup
Difficulty: Beginner

Love a good sunrise spot? Then the Northern Beaches have you covered. With over 20 beaches in this area of Sydney alone, you can certainly find a place to watch the sun rise up out of the ocean. If you’re keen on dramatic silhouettes, then the northern point of the beaches has some amazing spots for a sunrise swim.

Mona Vale offers two beaches sandwiched between an ocean pool that extends out to the horizon like an infinity pool.

If like me you’re a winter swimmer, the shower block offers a little surprise relief on those mornings when the air is 9℃. Stop in and have a coffee at any of the local cafes or pack your camping gas stove and make a brew with a view.

How to Get to Mona Vale Rock Pool

Take the 199 bus and jump off at Mona Vale. It’s a short walk down Golf Avenue to the beach. Alternatively, you can drive and park up in front of Sunrise Cafe.

6. Day Hike to Elvina Falls

Location: Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Distance: 1km to 15km for the top of the falls
Duration: Half day / All day
Essential gear: Hat, sunscreen, water, camera, binoculars
Difficulty: Intermediate

Looking for drop falls that aren’t in the Blue Mountains? Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park has that box ticked. The falls sits in its own little pocket of tropical vegetation, and you might feel like you’ve stumbled into a jungle. The base of the falls is rocky with perching points to sit and take in the view, but sorry no swimming at the base of the falls.

To reach the top of Elvina Falls and Lovetts Pools where you can take a plunge, retrace your steps back to the wharf and head up the Elvina Track. The top of the pools is the perfect place for a picnic or a plunge with views all the way across Pittwater.

How to Get to Elvina Falls

The ferry ride from Church Point to Elvina Bay is a pleasant trip with stunning views of Pittwater. Jump off at the little blue wharf marked ‘South Elvina’, and follow Wirringulla Ave to the left as you wind behind people’s homes.

You’ll come to a rough marked track that leads to the base of the falls. This is around a 15-minute walk. To reach the pools, follow the same track that winds up a gravel fire trail and walk almost to a car park situated on West Head Road. Before you reach the end of the Elvina Track there’s a concealed right turn through the bush. This isn’t a maintained trail and is rough in places.

This loop is much longer and will take you almost all day, so make sure to pack enough water and keep a copy of the ferry timetable to avoid getting stuck.

7. Mackerel Beach to Resolute Beach Day Hike

Location: Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Distance: 5.4km
Duration: Half day / Full day
Essential gear: Hat, sunscreen, water, swimmers
Difficulty: Beginner

If you’re keen for a hike that isn’t too strenuous but still feels like an adventurous day out, then head to Mackerel Bay where you can walk around the headland that connects Mackerel Beach with Resolute Beach.

The walk isn’t too technical, with a few rock scrambling sections before you’re gifted with aerial views of Resolute Beach and views back to Palm Beach and the Barrenjoey Lighthouse. If you visit in summer you might find yourself sharing the track with some reptilian friends. Just remember to give them space.

How to Get to Mackerel Bay

Starting from Manly you’ll need to get the 199 bus or drive all the way to Palm Beach Wharf. From here you can park up or jump off the bus and join up with the little wooden ferry that’ll take you on a scenic trip before jumping off at Mackerel Bay. Ferries are frequent but finish service around 6pm so make sure you’re keeping an eye on the time if you spend the day on Resolute Beach.

8. Take a Dip in Upper Gledhill Falls

Location: Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Distance: 1km
Duration: Half day
Essential gear: Hiking shoes, water, hat, swimmers
Difficulty: Beginner

Looking for a waterfall that’s easy to access for a summer cool off? Situated at the top of McCarrs Creek Road is Gledhill Falls, a little tumbling falls with a plunge pool at the bottom.

This little grotto feels like a world away from the road it’s hidden behind. As you descend the rocks surrounded by ferns you’ll forget you’re not deep in the wilderness. This palace is another magic oasis you wouldn’t know is there when you drive past.

How to Get to Upper Gledhill Falls

Driving is the best way to get here, following Pittwater Road. The easiest way to access the falls is to park at Duck Holes Picnic Spot and walk along West Head Road, or if you’re lucky, you can park in the bay opposite the rocky descent down to the falls (if no one beats you to it).

9. Kayak from Scotland Island to Lovett Bay

Location: Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Distance: 1.6km
Duration: All Day / Overnight
Essential gear: Hat, sunscreen, water, camera and a food shop if you stay on the island
Difficulty: Beginner

Picture this, you’re looking for a quiet escape close to home and have stumbled upon a quaint house that was once an old boatshed on Scotland Island in Ku-ring National Park. The humble waterfront cabin feels like it’s floating, it’s that close to the lapping waves of Pittwater. Inside is everything you need for a few days nestled in the residential bush lands of the island. A small kitchenette and a loft bed with views down to the sparkling waterfront deck.

The island is tiny with no real roads or shops, just a cluster of homes that can become cut off from the mainland in poor weather. There are a few little boat sheds-turned-accommodation on the island, much like this one, that have kayaks to use or you can hire them from a few locations on the wharf.

There are inlets and bays to explore, and from Scotland Island, it’s a short paddle over to Lovett Bay. Paddling a kayak at sunset is truly a must do, or wait till morning to watch the waterways buzz with commuter traffic.

Watch the bin boat do its rounds while you sit on the deck and watch the world come to life on the Pittwater Waterways.

How to Get to Scotland Island

Taking the ferry from Church Point, it’s a short boat trip alongside the island locals to Scotland Island. The island has no real pathways and everyone is okay with locals and visitors walking right through each other’s backyards and decks. A surreal experience the first time you visit.

10. Camp with Wallabies at The Basin

Location: Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
Essential gear: Full camping set up, hat, sunscreen, swimwear, camera,
Difficulty: Beginner

At the top end of the Northern Beaches sits a little inlet that’s only accessible by boat. Taking the small quaint Woodend Ferry across from Palm Beach Wharf, you’ll cross over into the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park to The Basin.

The Basin is a beautiful grassy oasis surrounded by water, with a lagoon sectioned off for swimming and paddleboarding. The campground and picnic area is complete with gas BBQs, a cold shower, bathroom block, and plenty of space to pitch a tent with a group of mates for the night. And if you can’t convince anyone to join you, you’ll have plenty of wallabies for company.

If you get really lucky you’ll have a view of the Milky Way above the lagoon and may even see bioluminescent algae at the same time.

How to Get to The Basin

Starting from Manly, take the 199 bus or drive all the way to Palm Beach Wharf. From here, park up or jump off the bus and join the little Woodend Ferry that’ll take you on a scenic trip all the way to the Basin. Ferries are frequent but finish service around 6pm.

Northern Beaches Adventures FAQs

What to do on the Northern Beaches in the rain?

Swimming and diving are still a great options, after all you’re going to get wet anyway

You can also visit Manly’s Art Gallery, take a tour of one of the many breweries or distilleries in Brookvale, or join a yoga class for the afternoon.

Can you swim at the Northern Beaches?

For sure, there’s a wide variety of beaches. In Manly you have both the east-facing ocean beaches but also the sheltered bays for more protected and calm swimming conditions.

There are also ocean pools at almost every beach from Manly to Palm Beach if the surf isn’t your thing.

How many beaches are there in the Northern Beaches?

There are over 20 beaches on the Northern Beaches

Where is the beach no one goes to in Sydney?

A personal favourite beach that sits a little further north of Manly is Bilgola Beach. It’s a tiny little pocket with two cliff tops each side and a small saltwater sea pool.

How far are the Northern Beaches from Sydney?

The northern beaches sit seven nautical miles from Sydney with Manly being the first stop on the ferry. If you are driving from the city it’s 14km.