Things to do in Mona Vale

Mona Vale is a beachside enclave surrounded by the natural beauty of a surf beach on one side and the calm waters of Pittwater on the other. Check out our list below of activities, restaurants, cafes and beaches to visit during your stay in Mona Vale.

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Things to do

Head to the beach

Mona Vale has effectively two separate beaches, joined by a broad ocean rock platform featuring a 25m ocean-feed lap pool with a smaller pool for children. The bay to the north of Mona Vale proper is called The Basin, which is more sheltered than the main beach. When swimming at the southern end, make sure you swim between the flags, as there can be a strong shore break at times. This beach often has great surf for more experienced surfers.

Check out the local brewery

If drinking beer is your scene, then head to Modus Operandi Brewing Company, located in the industrial area, just behind Pittwater Place. Enjoy their passionately produced craft beer. After a long day at the beach, it will taste even better!

Enjoy a scenic walk

Mona Vale has plenty of wonderful walking tracks where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Northern Beaches. Hike up to the headland at the northern end of the beach. The view overlooks the surfers and the rolling waves of the Pacific Ocean. On the Pittwater side of Mona Vale, you can take a waterside walk from Winnererremy Bay to Church Point where you will enjoy views of the water, Ku-ring-gai National Park and small waterside bays.

Spend the day shopping

In the town centre of Mona Vale, you will find plenty of locally run businesses selling coastal homewares and clothes. Pittwater Place Shopping Centre has a variety of fashion, gifts and homewares, located only a short walk from the beach.

Check out the local playgrounds

Mona Vale has plenty of fantastic playgrounds and parks that will keep the kids entertained for hours. Apex Park, right across from the beach, has great playground equipment, a bike track and large grassy areas, suitable for cricket and ball games.

One of the most popular playgrounds on the Northern Beaches is at Winnererremy Bay adjacent to the sparkling Pittwater waterways. More commonly known as the Flying Fox Playground, it presents hours of fun for kids of all ages with a giant climbing net, flying fox, swings, slides, themed jungle gyms, bike/scooter tracks and more. Beyond the playground, there is an adventure trail with stone carvings of sea creatures such as crabs, fish, dolphins and starfish. There is also a café right next door to the playground serving delicious coffees, snacks and meals.

Play a game of golf

Playing golf by the sea has attracted golfers to Mona Vale Golf Club for 90 years. It is an idyllic location to enjoy the game, get some fresh ocean air and later on, soak in the views from the clubhouse. Mona Vale has a Group 1 Championship golf course with spectacular ocean views and a parkland setting with lush fairways heavily lined by trees.

Eat + Drink

In Mona Vale, cafes and health food stores await exploration in back streets and arcades, offering a taste of local charm and culinary creativity.

Close to the beach, Armchair Collective stands out as a quirky café with an impressive food and drinks menu, while Banana Blossom tempts with fresh, organic Asian salads for a satisfying lunch. Overlooking the beach, The Basin Dining Room within Mona Vale Surf Club invites diners to savour unparalleled views and a seasonal menu curated by dedicated chefs and sommeliers. Brightside Cafe, a collaboration with Nine Yards Coffee, offers locally roasted coffee, fresh meals and convenient take-away options.

Genuine European flavours and traditional wood-fired pizzas are brought to the heart of the Northern Beaches at Curuso’s Woodfired Pizzeria, while passionately crafted beers are brewed and enjoyed at Modus Brewing Company.

For a pub experience with a twist, Park House features a newly renovated space serving up pub classics inspired by Mexican, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, while Toro Nero offers rustic Italian charm with their delicious pastas, woodfired pizzas and exquisite wines.

On the beautiful Pittwater side of Mona Vale, Flying Fox Café is great for a delicious meal, or simply relax with a coffee while the kids enjoy themselves in the nearby play park.

For a broader culinary adventure, Aussie Night Markets Mona Vale showcases an eclectic mix of global cuisines, inviting visitors to indulge in the flavours of diverse cultures all in one place.

How to get there

Mona Vale is 17km (10.5 miles) from Manly and 30.9 km (19.2 miles) from Sydney’s CBD.

Travelling on public transport?

• Catch a 199 bus from Stand G in Manly.
• Catch a B1 bus from Wynyard to Mona Vale

Further afield

Looking for more things to do nearby, get inspired with our blogs on things to do in Warriewood, Church Point and Narrabeen.