Activities beyond the beach
While the Northern Beaches has some of the most amazing beaches in Sydney, we understand life isn’t only about sand, surf and sunscreen. If you’re looking for more variety, there are plenty of amazing hiking trails, coastal bike tracks and ways to explore and enjoy the area that don’t include getting wet and sandy.
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 in one hand and a paintbrush in the other. Paint and sip classes at Pinot and Picasso will have you creating your own masterpiece to hang at home.
Catch a sunrise or sunset
Start or finish the day with a picture-perfect sunrise or sunset. Check out the exact times when the sun will appear and disappear and make sure you arrive 15-20 minutes earlier to get the full experience, and also to secure your viewing spot if you plan to go to one of the popular areas. If it’s cloudy, don’t stress – the clouds can make it more colourful.
Eat and drink your way around the Northern Beaches
Foodies will love the amazing selection of food and drink options across the Northern
Beaches. From fantastic coffee and delicious pastries to award-winning restaurants and cafes with million-dollar water views. As a starting point, some of our locals have done the leg – or stomach – work for you and offer their personal 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 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 paddleboard or kayak. BYO and go it alone, hire a board or kayak, or join a tour and let knowledgeable and energetic guides teach you the basics of getting around and introduce you to the peninsula by water.
The most popular areas to explore are Pittwater, Palm Beach, Manly and Narrabeen Lagoon.
Take flight on a Fliteboard
Glide above the beautiful waters of Church Point on a fliteboard (a motorised surfboard) with Fliteschool Manly and discover the feeling of flying without the altitude. Fliteschool Manly runs tours 3 times a day at Church Point.
Immerse yourself in nature
There’s nothing better than exploring the Northern Beaches by foot. Take in the amazing coastal views, immerse yourself in nature or take 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
An extreme sport that you do indoors? Confused? But once you see the sharp blades of flying axes thudding into wooden targets at Kiss My Axe you’ll understand. 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 Northern Beaches’ beautiful beachside courses. Both Mona Vale and Long Reef golf clubs are set in idyllic locations. Enjoy the game, inhale some fresh ocean air and later, soak in the views from the clubhouse.
If you’re after something a little shorter, head to Pittwater Golf Centre for a fun game of pirate-themed mini golf. It’s a great day out with family and friends.
Sample the local beers and spirits
There’s something special about tasting beer and spirits where they are made. And the Northern Beaches is fortunate to be home to 9 breweries and 5 distilleries, with most based in Brookvale.
Read our brewery and distillery guide for more information on these amazing businesses.
Spend the day on Pittwater
Escape overnight or for just a few hours on a luxury cruise with Taylor Made Escapes. Enjoy 360° waterfront views of Pittwater while relaxing on deck with a glass of your favourite bubbly. Kick back and soak up the experience as your skipper does the hard work.
Alternatively, travel with Palm Beach Ferries from Palm Beach Wharf to discover small, secluded spots on Pittwater or various 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 exhibitions are always exceptional and worth a visit. It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon and ideal 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 Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park with Guringai Aboriginal Tours.
Join a free history and heritage tour of Manly with Manly Visitor Information Centre and learn about the development of Manly.
Head to Sydney Harbour National Park in Manly and take one of the many interesting tours at Q Station, from a thrilling range of History Tours to their famous spine-tingling After Dark Tours where a ghostly encounter is not off the cards.
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 strums your guitar strings, we have the best live music bars for your gig-going pleasure.