Sydney Northern Beaches Private Tour | Palm Beach & Ku-ring-gai
Overview
Available languages
9 hours
Mobile ticket
Thirty kilometres of coastline stretch north of the Harbour Bridge — ancient sandstone headlands, ocean pools, surf beaches and a national park thousands of years old.
An optional stop at Millers Point offers iconic views of the Opera House and CBD before we cross the bridge. Georges Heights reveals sweeping harbour views most tourists never find, followed by Manly, the coastal walk to Shelley Beach, and North Head's panoramic views across the harbour entrance.
The coast road runs north to Palm Beach - a 25-minute walk to Barrenjoey Lighthouse, with Pittwater on one side and the ocean on the other. Lunch is served along the way.
The afternoon moves into Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park - Aboriginal rock engravings made by the Darramurragal and Garigal people, and the wide views from West Head Lookout across Pittwater to Lion Island.
Optional variations include Taronga Zoo or a Northern Beaches craft microbrewery.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Mosman
Georges Heights provides dynamic harbour views out to the heads of Sydney Harbour and across to Watsons Bay. As you look south Shark Island and Shark Beach can be seen whilst the city of Sydney is on full display if you look further south west. A visit to Georges Heights also provides access to historical military fortifications that were built when the Colony of New South Wales became responsible for its own defence after the British removed its troops in 1870. We will inspect the heritage gun emplacements and canons whilst admiring the views. There is a nearby gunners barracks where military personnel resided in the event the harbour had to be defended. A seven metre high sandstone wall was built to protect the local gunners from invading hordes, complete with loopholes from which to fire rifles.
Manly Beach
At Manly Beach we will walk near the Cabbage Bay Aquatic Reserve to picturesque Shelley Beach. On the way is a small rock pool with two elegant sculptures, locally known as the 'Sea Nymphs'. Shelley Beach is unusual in that faces directly back towards Manly Beach. It is a small secluded beach surrounded by cabbage tree palms. From Shelley Beach we walk up some stairs and enjoy a lookout the provides views of Manly Beaches and the beaches north of Manly. Depending upon the conditions we may see surfers applying their trade on a reef break with several take off spots. Whilst in the Manly area we visit the lookout known as North Head in the Sydney Harbour National Park. This is a great place from which to admire one of the best views of Sydney Harbour and the city of Sydney skyline. We may also have a photo stop and admire the grand neo-gothic sandstone building, that was formerly a seminary for priests (St Patricks).
Options
Northern Beaches Private Tour
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Hotel pick up and drop off
Bottled water
Freshly made sandwiches with a range of fillings (chicken, salmon or vegetarian) on sourdough bread plus salads
photographs using a mirrorless camera
Ferry ticket from Manly to Circular Quay
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
18 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
You have to experience Palm Beach, Sydney
X9561VLanne,May 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00There are many beautiful beaches in Australia. In Sydney, the two most famous are Bondi and Manly. I have been to both many times over the past 38 years. Within a few days of arriving from London, I have to return to see them. However, in my opinion, there is another beach, which is just as beautiful, and worth at least one visit on your trip, if you have the time. That one is Palm Beach on the Northern Shore. It is not as busy, and much more relaxed than the famous two. Depending on whether you drive or take a bus, it is a lovely day out. Personally, I take the bus from Wynyard Station.. At one time, it was one bus only but now it is two. It does take some time to get there, but it all depends on where you start from. First Bus The B-Line, B1 Bus: A double-decker bus from Wynyard Station, Carrington Street (Stand B). Take the bus to Narrabeen or Mona Vale B-Line stop. Second Bus Route 199 Bus: From the same B-Line stop area, transfer onto the 199 bus heading towards Palm Beach. This bus terminates near Palm Beach Wharf. There are cafe's there, so you won't be hungry. You could also bring a bit of a picnic with you, if you prefer. One of the big tourist things you could do, is take a slow walk/climb up to the Barrenjoey Lighthouse. There is an easy or more difficult trail. The view from the top is magnificent. It is better to do this on a day that is not too hot. It will be a long day and you will be tired at the end, but it will be worth it. I did not go on a tour. I went by myself, as I have done each time I have been in Australia.
Awesome tour worth doing again
Cedrick L,Jan 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A very enjoying tour with a passionate and professional guide very involved and caring. You will never be bored at anytime and get to discover so Many beautiful beaches, heritage site and nature.
Amazing!!
897pleunv,Jan 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My tourguide Greg knew loads about the area and would answer all of my questions. Lunch was great and he also had loads of other snacks and water available.
Northern beaches
Georgia K,Oct 11, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00This 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.
Wonderful private tour.
John A,Feb 13, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was a first class, 5 star tour provided by our tour guide -- Greg. This was a private tour for just my wife and I and Greg did a wonderful job of making this day special for us. We were able to go and do things on this tour that you would not be able to do on a big bus tour. The driving through neighborhoods, the beaches visited, the short hikes and the National Park were all outstanding ---- and Greg even made lunch for us overlooking a beautiful beach and the spectacular ocean. This tour was more than we had expected it to be and we definitely recommend this tour and Greg to anyone who wants to spend a full day exploring the area around Sydney.
Tour of Beautiful Northern Beaches
Karen V,Jan 12, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00Greg was a great guide! Plenty of stops to get out and visit the beautiful beaches. Very interesting. I would recommend not booking this excursion on a weekend as the beaches are busier then. Also pack a good pair of walking shoes for the hike up to the lighthouse.
So much to live for!
Ronald K,Dec 3, 2022
- Review from Viator
5.00Greg was an exceptional guide with a well designed sequence of sites and activities, making the day delightful. He is warm, witty, thoughtful and fun. We learned a lot, and had a lot of fun doing so. Thank you!
Great day!!
Shirley S,Oct 27, 2022
- Review from Viator
5.00Seeing gorgeous views of landscapes, driving through different neighborhoods and commentary as the tour proceeded.
Amazing!!!
yemid2019,Apr 13, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Greg offered us a door to door service which made the whole tour possible as it was a raining day. Greg was very knowledgeable at what he does that he planned the journey well despite the heavy rain here and there…Greg made sure we covered a lot of places and even took us to the Zoo and waited for us to finish before dropping us back at our hotel. The lunch was also perfect. I will like to recommend Sydney Nimble tour (Greg) for anyone looking at visiting the highlights of Sydney in a day.
To Sydney with love
O4agoodtime,Apr 17, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00As Melbournians we have often visited Sydney but it was not until Greg took us on his Northern Beaches Tour that we really appreciated the natural beauty of the Harbour City. From Wooloomooloo to the Hawkesbury and all the beaches in between this is a magnificent tour. With morning coffee (almost as good as Melbournes) to a picnic lunch in the Ku-ring-gui National Park everything was organised to perfection. After 50 years touring the world this is one of the best private tours we have ever been on and it’s right in our own backyard.
Related Experiences
Operated by Sydney Nimble Tours