Activities beyond the beach

The Northern Beaches has some of the most amazing beaches in Sydney, although it’s not just about sand and sunscreen. If you’re looking for more adventure, there are plenty of amazing hiking trails, coastal bike tracks and ways to explore the area out of the water. Or if you’d prefer to relax and spend time enjoying the waterfront restaurants or hidden bars, there are plenty to choose from.

We’ve put together a list of our favourite things to do beyond the beach.

Attend a paint and sip class

Get your creative juices flowing with a glass of vino and create a masterpiece that will brighten up any home. Pinot and Picasso have 2 locations on the Northern Beaches and with a variety of painting sessions to choose from.

Catch a sunrise or sunset!

Start or finish the day with a picture perfect sunrise or sunset. Check out the exact sunset or sunrise time and make sure you arrive 15-20 minutes to secure your spot. If it’s cloudy, don’t stress – the clouds can make sunsets more interesting.

Cool off at the Manly Waterworks

Manly Waterworks is the perfect place for the kids to cool off during the warmer months. With 3 fun waterslides and a heated pool, it is a great way to keep kids busy for an hour or two.

Eat and drink your way around the Northern Beaches

Foodies will love the amazing selection of food and drink options across the Northern
Beaches. Enjoy fantastic coffee or indulge in delicious pastries while you take in the stunning beachside views. Our locals did the hard work for us and have made some recommendations in our live like a local guides.

Explore the Northern Beaches on a bike

Leave the car at home and explore the Northern Beaches via our amazing cycle paths. Some of our favourite scenic rides are the Manly beachfront, Narrabeen Lagoon, Manly Dam, North Head and Narrabeen Lagoon. For more information have a read of our Northern Beaches bike guide.

Go for a paddle

Discover more of the Northern Beaches from the water on a stand-up paddle board or kayak. Bring your own kayak, hire one or join a tour, where knowledgeable and energetic guides will teach you the basics of kayaking before you set off.

The most popular areas to explore on the water are Pittwater, Palm Beach, Manly and Narrabeen Lagoon.

Have a go on a Fliteboard

Glide along the water and explore the beautiful waters of Church Point with Fliteschool Manly. A Fliteboard is a motorised surfboard that sits atop of the water, and you feel like you are flying. Fliteschool Manly runs tours 3 times a day at Church Point.

Immerse yourself in nature

There is nothing better than exploring the Northern Beaches by foot. Take in the amazing coastal views, immerse yourself in nature or a stroll beside one of our world-famous beaches. For more inspiration have a read of our coastal and nature walking guides for the Northern Beaches.

Learn to throw an axe

Practice your aim at one of the Northern Beaches newest extreme sport indoor axe throwing at either Kiss my axe or Lumber Punks. Learn from one of the experienced coaches before you battle it out with your mates to see who can get the axe the closest to the bullseye.

Play a round of Golf

Keen golfers will want to book a tee time at one of the many beachside golf courses. Mona Vale and Long Reed Golf Clubs are both set in idyllic locations. Enjoy the game, inhale some fresh ocean air and later, soak in the views from the clubhouse.

For a fun day out with family and friends, play a game of pirate themed mini golf at the Pittwater Golf Centre.

Sample the local beers and spirits

There is something special about tasting beer or spirits where it is made. Northern Beaches is home to 10 breweries and 3 distilleries, most of these are based in Brookvale, but there are others spotted across the Northern beaches.

Read our brewery and distillery guide for more information on these amazing businesses.

Spend the day on Pittwater

You can escape overnight or just for a few hours on a luxury cruise. Enjoy 360° waterfront views of Pittwater whilst relaxing on deck with a glass of your favourite bubbly. Michael from Taylor Made Escapes will accompany you to skipper the boat, ensuring there’s nothing for you to do except enjoy your experience.

Palm Beach has a small wharf and an iconic ferry to take you to small-secluded spots on Pittwater or various small beachside villages on the Central Coast

Visit local art galleries

Immerse yourself in the local art scene with a visit to the Manly Art Gallery & Museum. Their changing exhibitions are exceptional and always worth a visit. It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon and perfect for a rainy-day activity.

Treat yourself!

Enjoy a little bit of retail therapy while on the Northern Beaches. We have a wide range of stores with local, bespoke homewares and handmade clothes, as well as global retail stores. For more inspiration read our local shopping guide and local market guide.

Uncover Sydney’s history from the locals

Meet the regions’ first inhabitants, hear their stories and take a guided tour of the Ku-ring-gai National Park with Guringai Aboriginal Tours. Join a free history and heritage tour of Manly with the Manly Visitor Information Centre or book into a history tour of Q Station, Manly.

Get spooked on a ghost tour of the Q station. Grab a lantern and listen to the 150 years of misfortune and untimely deaths at one of Australia’s most haunted sites. Tours depart daily at 8pm from the Visitor Centre at the Q Station.

Watch live music

Support local artists and hear the voice of emerging and established musicians. The live music scene is thriving in Manly, from smooth jazz to hip-hop, grunge and indie rock—whatever floats your boat, we have the best live music bars for your gig-going pleasure.