Sydney · MANLY & NORTHERN BEACHES TOURS
The Manly ferry is already one of the best half hours in the city, and the tours build out from there. These 10 cover the bike loops, the snorkel trips off Shelly Beach and the runs up to Palm Beach and Ku-ring-gai, with prices and travel time.
Pick up a bike at Manly Bikes and follow a suggested 20-kilometre route through North Head, Q Station, Shelly Beach, Cabbage Tree Bay, and Manly Beach. You set the pace, choose your stops, and can ask the shop team for route advice. A helmet, lock, and locker are included.
“This was a great way to see the Manly Beach area. They provided breakfast staff was held our stuff so we didn’t have to take it all with us.”
Join guides such as Sam, Christina, Damien, or Jules for a two-and-a-half-hour Manly outing: a 30-minute eco walk, safety briefing, and one hour of guided snorkeling at Shelly Beach. Wetsuits, gear, and patient instruction are included, with groups capped at eight.
“The guide was super-duper helpful. Everything was just great. Smooth water and weather added an extra touch.”
Set out from Manly Sailing near the ferry wharf for a gentle guided paddle to Collins Flat, Store, and Quarantine beaches. Your English-speaking guide handles the safety briefing, local stories, snacks, and route. Choose a single or double kayak, with time for a swim if conditions allow.
“I thought Nikki was very welcoming and genuinely interested in the participants Nikki regularly checked in with how I was handling the activity Her local knowledge made the trip very interesting I would have liked longer stay at the quarantine station beach to include time for the museum and a swim Thoroughly enjoyed this activity and recommend to anyone”
Meet your English-speaking guide at Shelly Beach for an 800-meter headland walk, safety briefing, and one hour of snorkeling. Small groups of up to eight use wetsuits and quality equipment while looking for fish, rays, Port Jackson sharks, eels, and possibly Blue Groper.
“Loved it! A great introduction to snorkelling. We saw lots of fish.”
Spend about eight hours with a private driver-guide exploring the Opera House, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, Bondi, Manly, Watsons Bay, and North Head. Guides such as Julian, Chris, Liz, Bettina, and Scott tailor the day to your pace, add local stops, and share practical Sydney tips.
“Julian was fantastic. He knew Sydney and the surrounding areas like the back of his hand and he tuned the day to make it even more special for my family. We couldn't have seen as many unique stops on our own.”
Join Go Beyond Tours for a seven-hour small-group outing with hotel or port pickup, a maximum of 13 people, and guides such as Mike or Ian. See Spit Bridge, Ku-ring-gai Chase, Palm Beach, Narrabeen, Long Reef, and Manly, then return to central Sydney by ferry.
“I think you should drop the national park option off and spend more time on the beaches. The aboriginal paintings are not that exciting.”
Spend seven hours with a small group and a local guide such as Mike or James, visiting Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Aboriginal rock engravings, Palm Beach, Narrabeen, Long Reef, Curl Curl, and Freshwater. The tour ends at Manly Wharf, with ferry tickets to Circular Quay paid separately.
“Mike picked us up exactly on time and the great service continued all day. His local knowledge is terrific with yarns to tell and his love of the region shines through. Great day!”
Join an English-speaking skipper for 2.5 hours on Sydney Harbour with no more than four people aboard. From Manly, you can help set the sails, learn basic sailing, steer the yacht, and view the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, beaches, and waterfront homes when weather allows.
“As we had no prior sailing experience, our guide Will walked us through the basics of how sailing works. Gradually, we were able to take part in operating the boat ourselves, which was a lot of fun. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would highly recommend it to anyone with little or no sailing experience.”
Join Greg of Sydney Nimble Tours for a private 9-hour drive from Sydney Harbour to the Northern Beaches and Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park. Expect coastal walks, military history, Barrenjoey Lighthouse, Aboriginal rock art, lunch, hotel transfers, and flexible stops suited to your group.
“This was an incredible trip. We met our tour guide at our hotel and had a trip to suit us. We had a lovely lunch at the beach and given lots of interesting facts about the area. We went to palm beach which I really wanted to see. It was a great day out which finished with us getting the ferry back from Manly. I would recommend this tour.”
Join an English-speaking captain, with instructors such as Onur or Izzy, for a small-group sailing lesson from Manly. You can help set the sails and steer while cruising past northern Sydney beaches, coastal homes, and harbour views. The yacht holds no more than four participants.
“Our Instructor Onur was very good, patient and did a great job of explaining things.”
Pick a wharf, a lookout or a cellar door.
