Discover the Northern Beaches by bus
Make like a kangaroo and hop your way along the Northern Beaches for a fully immersive exploration of our magical region.
With more than 20 beaches and myriad little villages making up this 32km stretch of coastline from Manly to Palm Beach, a hop-on hop-off tour of your own design aboard our 199 public bus is the perfect day – or perhaps two – out.
Arrive in Manly early to give yourself a full day for exploring. Head to Stand B on West Esplanade and board the 199 bus, which runs every 10 minutes during the day.
Now let’s get started with our suggested jump-off points.
Brookvale
Where to get off: ‘Warringah Mall, Pittwater Rd’ stop
If you’re in the mood for shopping, you’ll love Westfield Warringah Mall, a large, modern, semi-open-air shopping centre with more than 200 stores, from designer boutiques to department stores. They also have a nice selection of eateries, such as Girdlers.
If it’s treasure you seek, of the second-hand variety, Brookvale is also home to three large op shops where you can hunt for bargains.
Cross the main road and dive headlong into the vibrant neighbourhood of Brookvale, home to a thriving craft brewery and distillery precinct that also supports a flourishing café culture boasting some of the best coffee roasters on the Northern Beaches.
For more of Brookvale, have a look at our guide.
Collaroy
Where to get off: ‘Pittwater Rd opposite Griffith Park’ stop
For every beach we have a headland. And the impressive promontory squeezed skyward between Collaroy and Long Reef beaches is definitely worth a visit. Known as Long Reef Headland, it hosts a lovely scenic walk flanked by a verdant golf green course on one side and the brilliant blue ocean on the other.
To get there from the bus stop head east along Anzac Ave and continue past the golf club until you summit the headland. Stop and admire the views and, if you’re lucky, the thrill-seeking hang gliders swooping from the clifftop. Down below surfers will be carving up the waves, while during May to November they will be joined by migrating humpback whales a little further out to sea.
If a food stop is calling, head back down to Long Reef Golf Club, situated on Fishermans Beach, for a scenic seafood plate or a scrumptious sandwich.
Continue north on foot to Collaroy’s beautiful ocean rock pool for a dip if the weather is warm. Little kids will love the nearby play area.
For more things to do in Collaroy, read our guide, Things to do in Collaroy.
Narrabeen
Where to get off: ‘Narrabeen B-Line, Pittwater Rd’ stop
This area has the trifecta of Narrabeen Beach, Narrabeen Village and the popular Narrabeen Lagoon Trail.
Narrabeen Lagoon is a short walk from the bus stop. The trail is an 8.6km loop walk around the lagoon, offering beautiful views, encounters with wildlife and glimpses into the area’s cultural and historical heritage.
Next, head east to Narrabeen Beach, a world-renowned surfing spot and regular home to the annual Sydney Surf Pro competition, typically held in May.
The village itself has a lovely selection of shops and great eateries, including some with views over the lagoon, including H2O Cafe & Restaurant.
Find out what else you can do in this beachside town in our blog Things to do in Narrabeen.
Mona Vale
Where to get off: ‘Barrenjoey Rd after Darley St’ stop
Head down Darley St towards the beach. If you’re travelling with children, be sure to stop at Apex Park playground.
Continue on to the beach where you’ll find the beautiful Mona Vale Rockpool, which is actually made up of two pools – a larger 25m pool and a smaller pool that is suitable for children and less confident swimmers.
Mona Vale boasts amazing scenic coastal walks. Head to the northern end of the beach where you’ll discover an easy bush walkway taking you to North Mona Vale Headland Reserve and stunning views.
After the beachfront, head back to the centre of Mona Vale and treat yourself to a refreshing drink at Modus Mona Vale, known for its craft beers and laid-back atmosphere.
Discover more things to do in Mona Vale with our guide.
Newport
Where to get off: ‘Kalinya St before Queens Pde’ stop
Besides its stunning beach, Newport offers a burgeoning culinary scene with an assortment of restaurants, pubs, diners and cafes.
For a memorable lunch experience, jump off at the front door of The Newport, Justin Hemmes’ revamped pub, now a family-friendly outdoor food destination with a high-end yet casual alfresco marketplace feel and views of sparkling Pittwater.
Whether it’s baked goods or juicy meat dishes from the Kiosk, fresh platters from the Seafood Market, piping hot woodfire pizzas from Vinnie’s Pizza or classic bites from The Shack, The Newport has something for everyone.
Where to get off: ‘Barrenjoey Rd before Robertson Rd’ stop
Heading north into Newport village, you’ll find an array of boutique shops, including Larx Boutique, where you can find trendy clothing and swimwear. Across the road is beautiful Newport Beach.
Want to explore more of Newport? Check out our guide to Newport.
Avalon
Where to get off: ‘Barrenjoey Rd after Avalon Pde’ stop
This beautiful coastal town is renowned for its rich surfing culture, delightful cafes, and charming boutique shops.
Take a leisurely stroll through the local stores, where you’ll find unique clothing boutiques, handmade homeware shops, and artisanal food establishments.
If shopping isn’t your cup of tea, you can always soak up the sun on Avalon’s world-class beach, take a walk up to Avalon Beach Public Lookout at the northern end of the beach, or indulge in a delicious meal at one of the intimate cafes or restaurants.
Discover more about what you can do in Avalon with our guide.
Palm Beach
As the northernmost point of Sydney, Palm Beach marks the end of the 199 route but not the end of your tour.
Where to get off: ‘Palm Beach Wharf, Barrenjoey Rd’ stop
First stop – use Palm Beach as a launching pad to explore beautiful Ku-ring-gai National Park on the other side of Pittwater.
Fantasea Cruising will take you to remote little beaches – Great Mackerel Beach, The Basin, Currawong, Bennetts and Bonnie Doon – where you can bushwalk, spot the local wildlife, fish, picnic and BBQ. You can also stay the night if one day is not enough. Choose from houses, cabins or even a tent if you want the full rustic, nature-loving experience.
Where to get off: ‘Palm Beach Golf Club, Beach Rd’ stop
The most northerly point of Sydney, and Palm Beach, is Barrenjoey Headland. Its cherry on top is the heritage-listed beauty Barrenjoey Lighthouse. Built in 1881, the lighthouse is one of the most iconic sights on the northern beaches and boasts a notable cultural heritage.
The headland also offers breathtaking views of the ocean beach and the serene waters of Pittwater. During May to November it’s the perfect place to admire the migrating humpback whales.
To get there, head north from the bus stop to Governor Phillip Parking Area and take the easy and picturesque 1km Barrenjoey Track or the shorter but steeper Smugglers Track.
Palm Beach’s quaint seaside charm has made it a popular backdrop for the long-running Australian TV show Home and Away. If you’re a fan, be sure to check out our guide on where to find the show’s famous filming locations.
Where to get off: ‘Ocean Rd opposite Palm Beach Rd’ stop
Last stop – Palm Beach beachfront. It’s time to relax and take it easy. Feel the sand between your toes and perhaps take a dip in the surf or the beautiful ocean rock pool.
Read our guide for more things to do in Palm Beach
Manly
When it’s time for home, jump back on the 199 bus and ride all the way south to Manly, so you can end where it all began. Celebrate a day well spent by sipping a cocktail and watching the sunset over Manly Cove.
To discover the best waterfront dining and drinking spots in Manly, consult our guide.
And when it’s finally time to bid farewell to the Northern Beaches, catch a ferry from Manly back to Circular Quay, providing the perfect ending to your unforgettable journey.
Read our guide on more things you can do in Manly.