Things to do in Dee Why
Dee Why is located in the heart of the Northern Beaches and is a great spot to spend a relaxing day on the sand or in the waves.
The majority of restaurants, cafes and bars are located along The Strand looking right over the beach, making it a great destination for a day out.
Dee Why has a popular surf beach and hosts a number of events such as Australia Day, Christmas Carols, the Sun Run, The Cole Classic, as well as New Year’s Eve fireworks.
Here is a list of our favourite spots to visit, eat and stay, as well as activities to enjoy whilst you are visiting Dee Why.
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Things to do
Visit the beach
Dee Why Beach is a beautiful 1.8 km (1.1 mile) beach and a great spot to soak up the sun, swim or just sit back and enjoy a picnic. It is a popular beach with families, thanks to a fenced children’s playground and at Ted Jackson Reserve, you will also find a funky outdoor table tennis table so don’t forget to bring your own ball and paddle. Dee Why Beach is a popular surf beach with swells at Dee Why point holding up to four metres in the right conditions.
The waves are lower inside the point, making it a great spot for beginners. Why not sign up for lessons with Manly Surf School, catering to all ages and abilities. The southern end of the beach boasts a 50 metre rockpool and childrens pool, and at the northern end you will find Dee Why Lagoon Wildlife Refuge, a wildlife sanctuary for birds since 1973.
Go for a scenic walk
Dee Why has plenty of stunning walks, one of our favourites being the Dee Why Headland walk. This walk begins at the southern end of the beach from the Dee Why Surf Lifesaving Club. It is a stunning trail along the cliff tops, heading towards North Curl Curl and giving you access to the picturesque North Curl Curl rockpool. Another great walk inland from the beach is within the Stony Range Regional Botanical Gardens. These beautiful gardens are famous for their spring floral displays and wild orchids and are a shady refuge from the sun during summer.
Challenge your friends and family to a game of 10 pin bowling
Zone Bowling is located underneath the Dee Why RSL and is a great spot to challenge your friends and family to a game of 10 pin bowling. They also have a new fun Spin Zone Bumper Cars and around 70 arcade games.
Eat + Drink
Diners in Dee Why are really spoilt for choice. Along The beachfront you’ll find an eclectic mix of restaurants and cafes, including Masala Kitchen, which provides an authentic take on modern Indian cuisine crafted with the freshest ingredients.
The food philosophy at Jah Bar, a Spanish tapas bar, is that fresh food is already beautiful so they allow the produce to speak for itself. They also have a no-waste policy and prioritise locally and ethically sourced ingredients.
With its tropical-luxe interiors and fresh, bold flavours, Girdlers is like a wellness retreat for food. Stella Blu serves contemporary Italian cuisine, while Beach Burrito combines Aussie beach vibes, Miami art deco and European charm to create an immersive Mexican experience. Chill out under the umbrellas in the outdoor courtyard with a frozen margarita in one hand and a burrito in the other while the kids play in their Burrito Teepee.
For a beachside cocktail, Corretto Dee Why boasts a vibrant day-to-night café and cocktail spot. Enjoy chili scrambled eggs or zucchini fritters in the morning, signature cocktails and share plates in the evening and bottomless brunch on weekends.
Stepping back from the beachfront, you will find even more dining options. On Pittwater Rd, Dee Why Hotel features a standout brasserie, which is perfect for watching your favourite live game, grabbing a bite to eat or enjoying a drink from their extensive menu.
Grill’d Dee Why is a great spot for tasty, fresh, healthy burgers, while The Dodgy Indian is celebrated for its authentic and diverse culinary offerings, from fiery curries to fragrant tandoori creations.
Dee Why RSL is a true entertainment hub with seven bars and restaurants, each offering a different culinary experience. Live music, trivia nights and high tea events add to the vibrant atmosphere. The venue also features a bowling alley and laser skirmish, providing a variety of entertainment options for patrons of all ages.
Rashays is your go-to destination for a delightful array of Australian favourites, from burgers and pizzas to T-bone steaks and seafood baskets. They also have an extensive range of gluten-free and vegetarian options.
How to get there
Dee Why is 7.3km (4.5 miles) from Manly and 22.9 km (14.2 miles) from Sydney’s CBD.
Travelling on public transport?
- Catch a 199 bus from Stand B in Manly to the Dee Why town centre
- Catch a 166 bus from Stand A in Manly to arrive at Dee Why Beach
- Catch a B1 bus from Wynyard to Dee Why
Further afield
Looking for more things to do nearby, get inspired with our blogs on things to do in Collaroy, Curl Curl and Freshwater.