Sydney/Northern Beaches
From World travel guide
The Northern Beaches of Sydney refers to a suburban district located in the north east of the city, as well as a stretch of famous beaches extending northwards from Sydney Harbour and North Head to Barrenjoey Point and Broken Bay, fronting the Pacific Ocean.
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Districts
In general, the suburbs that fall within the Manly, Warringah and Pittwater local government areas are considered the "Northern Beaches".
These are the main beachside suburbs:
- Manly
- Harbord (Freshwater Beach)
- Curl Curl
- Dee Why
- Collaroy
- Narrabeen
- Mona Vale
- Warriewood
- Newport
- Avalon
- Palm Beach
Located on the hilly areas and plateaux immediately behind the beach suburbs, are the so-called "forest suburbs", so named because of the large tracts of natural bush land which feature in this area. These include:
Understand
The Northern Beaches is surrounded on all sides by either water or forest areas, causing some locals to call the area "the Peninsula".
The Northern Beaches district of Sydney features a demographic cross section of Sydney. Although residents of the area are sometimes disparagingly called "Silvertails" by other residents of Sydney, in reality the district is not as wealthy as many parts of the North Shore and Eastern Suburbs, although there are wealthy areas. However many residents are fiercely parochial, reinforcing its "exclusive" image. Compared with the rest of Sydney, there is less ethnic diversity and there are areas (generally everywhere except Manly) where non-Caucasians (especially East Asians) may be targets of violence or prejudice, and attitudes to homosexuality are less tolerant. Muslims are advised to avoid the area due to the area's close ties to involvement in the Cronulla riots.
Northern Beaches is a "family-orientated" area and topless bathing is generally not the norm; it still occurs in Manly, but is less common than at the beaches on the other side of the Harbour such as Bondi, Tamarama, etc.
Manly Beach is the most popular destination for tourists and visitors, with a range of attractions and activities aimed at the day tripper and holiday maker.
Get in
There are no rail services to the Northern Beaches.
By ferry
The Northern Beaches are serviced by a regular ferry and a high speed catamaran service between Manly and Circular Quay (Sydney CBD). These services are operated by Sydney Ferries Corporation.
The Palm Beach Ferry company operates a ferry service between Palm Beach and Ettalong (on the Central Coast), and also operates local Pittwater services between Palm Beach and Great Mackerel Beach. The Church Point Ferry company provides services on Pittwater between Church Point and Scotland Island.
By bus
Regular State Transit Authority buses run from the city to Palm Beach, and from Manly to neighbouring suburbs. Suburbs in the Forest area are serviced by a private bus company, Forest Coachlines.
By car
There are only three ways to get to the Northern Beaches by car. The first route is the Spit Bridge from Mosman (Military Road/Spit Road). The second route is across the Roseville Bridge (Warringah Road), from Chatswood. The third route is via Mona Vale Road, which comes from Pymble/St Ives.
Running north to south along the beaches, the main road artery is Pittwater Road/Barrenjoey Road. Another major road, connecting the north and south through the Forest area, is Wakehurst Parkway, which offers a beautiful drive through natural bushland.
See
The Northern Beaches is famous for its beaches and forest areas, with many places to visit and enjoy.
The highest point is Beacon Hill and a lookout offers views across large parts of the Northern Beaches and as far as the CBD of Sydney.
The International College of Management (formerly St Patrick's seminary) is a beautiful building dominating the skyline of Manly.
The Baha'i temple, located on the top of a hill on Mona Vale Road, is highly visible from many parts of the Northern Beaches.
Do
Manly has a range of beachfront and harbourfont activities and beaches, and is the premier tourist destination.
Palm Beach and Barrenjoey lighthouse are worth visiting at the Northern tip of the area.
Garigal National Park surrounds the area to the West, with many walks and picnic areas.
Cinema
There are cinemas in Manly, Brookvale, Collaroy, Warriewood and Avalon.
Buy
Most Northern Beaches suburbs have small shopping villages oriented towards locals and their needs.
The major shopping mall is Warringah Mall, located at Brookvale, and one of Sydney's largest shopping monstrosities, with most of the major retail outlets. It is also unique in Sydney as an "indoor/outdoor" shopping centre, reflecting the outdoors lifestyle of the Northern Beaches.
The other major shopping centre is Warriewood Square, located in the Warriewood Valley (much more dull and tacky).
Dee Why has a major strip of shops, while Manly caters mainly for tourist and leisure shoppers. Harbord (Freshwater) has some quiet, but an interesting group of shops where you can buy localised souvenirs such as stickers and beach gear.
Eat
There are many restaurants on the Northern Beaches, generally taking advantage of the beachside surrounds.
Manly has many restaurants of all types and price ranges, reflecting the tourist nature of the area. Dee Why has a number of good restaurants, particularly along the beachfront. The major shopping areas in most of the beachside suburbs offer a good range of cuisines and quality.
Many of the beaches have kiosks operated by the surf clubs but they are limited to sausage rolls, meat pies, chiko rolls, coffees and cold drinks.
Fish and chip shops are everywhere here and an enjoyable evening can be had eating them on the benches in the parks and beaches watching over the ocean.
Drink
There are many public hotels on the Northern Beaches, especially in Manly.
Sleep
Manly features a number of accommodation choices from budget to five star.
There is some motel and hostel accommodation in other parts of the district.
- Sydney Beachouse YHA, 4 Collaroy Street, Collaroy; tel. 02 9981 1177 fax. 02 9981 1114 (email mail@sydneybeachouse.com.au) [1]. Dorm beds $20-$26 per night; double or twin rooms $64 per night; $84 with ensuite.
