Sydney/Northern Beaches
From Wikitravel
Contents
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 at Manly to Barrenjoey Point and Broken Bay, fronting the Pacific Ocean.
[edit] Districts
In general, the suburbs that fall within the Manly, Warringah and Pittwater local government areas are considered the "Northern Beaches".
[edit] Beachside Suburbs
- Manly
- Harbord (Freshwater Beach)
- Curl Curl
- Dee Why
- Collaroy
- Narrabeen
- Mona Vale
- Warriewood
- Newport
- Avalon
- Palm Beach
[edit] Forest Suburbs
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:
[edit] Understand
The Northern Beaches is surrounded on all sides by either water or forest areas, causing some locals to call the area "the Peninsula".
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. In reality, there is so much more the Northern Beaches has to offer than this tiny southern portion and less tourists and crowds will make it more enjoyable.
[edit] Get in
There are no rail services to the Northern Beaches.
[edit] By ferry
The Northern Beaches are serviced by a regular ferry and JetCat (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.
[edit] 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.
[edit] 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.
[edit][add listing] 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.
Pittwater, in the far north of the Northern Beaches, is a waterway with a number of attractive beaches and pleasant scenery. It can also be enjoyed from The Arms hotel in Newport.
[edit][add listing] 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.
[edit] Cinema
There are cinemas in Manly, Brookvale, Collaroy, Warriewood and Avalon.
[edit] Spectator Sports
The major sporting team of the area is the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, who play rugby league in the National Rugby League competition.
Manly plays 12 home games each season (March to September) at Brookvale Oval, which is on Pittwater Road near Warringah Mall. There is seating both in covered grandstands and on the grass in the area known as the hill. General admission tickets for the 2006 season cost AUD$22 for adults. Grandstand seating costs AUD$30 or AUD$40 depending on which stand you choose.
Manly also has a grade cricket side which plays at an oval in Manly itself during the summer season. Grade cricket is essentially a feeder competition for the Pura Cup competition (still regularly referred to as the Sheffield Shield), and top Australian players rarely play at grade level.
[edit][add listing] 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.
In the Forest district, the Forestway Shopping Centre (www.forestway.com.au) offers a popular suburban shopping amenity.
[edit][add listing] 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.
[edit][add listing] Drink
There are many public hotels on the Northern Beaches, especially in Manly.
[edit][add listing] 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.
