LandmarksFree cancel
30 minutes
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- Weather Dependent - Low
- Ports of Call Tours
- Shore Excursions
- Nature and Wildlife Tours
Sydney Northern Beaches Private Tour | Palm Beach & Ku-ring-gai
- Duration9 hours
- GroupPrivate tour
- TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
- LanguagesEnglish
- BookingInstant confirmation
About this activity
Thirty kilometres of coastline stretch north of Sydney Harbour Bridge — ancient sandstone headlands, rock platforms, ocean pools, surf beaches and a national park thousands of years old. Our first stop after driving over the Bridge is Georges Heights - sweeping harbour views most tourists never find, followed by the easy coastal walk from Manly to Shelley Beach, and North Head's panoramic views across the harbour entrance. The coast road runs north to Palm Beach and here we take a 25-minute walk to Barrenjoey Lighthouse, and enjoy majestic views in all directions. A lighthouse tour is included if you book on Sunday. 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 spectacular views from West Head Lookout across Pittwater to Lion Island. Optional variations include Taronga Zoo, a Northern Beaches craft microbrewery, or return ferry trip from Manly to the city.
What to expect
Mosman
Mosman, New South Wales, Australia
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
North Steyne, Sydney, New South Wales, 2095, Australia
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).
Curl Curl to Freshwater Beach Coastal Walk
South Curl Curl Beach, Curl Curl, New South Wales, Australia
Freshwater is a small popular beach located south of Manly Beach. If the seas are calm and the sun out the water at this beach looks delightful. After admiring 'Freshie' we walk around the ocean pool and then past a permanent public work known as the signal fire. The signal fire is a tribute to the communication systems whereby indigenous peoples living on the coast lit fires to communicate with each other. We then walk northwood along the coastal track to Curl Curl beach and take in the wonderful ocean views. As we get close to Curl Curl we come across yet another ocean pool and more spectacular views of the beach. Curl is a long beach (1.2kms) with golden sands and several surfing spots.
Palm Beach
Palm Beach, New South Wales, Australia
At Palm Beach we walk to the landmark Barrenjoey Lighthouse, constructed of locally sourced Hawkesbury sandstone. Once at the lighthouse we are spoilt with views in every direction. Looking south from the lighthouse we can see Palm Beach, an isthmus and the Whale Beach Headland. To the north west is Lion Island and Broken Bay. Directly west is the Pittwater inlet which is much loved by boaties, fishermen and kayakers. Across Pittwater is the lookout we will visit later in the day, West Head. Palm Beach is known for the long running Aussie soap opera, Home and Away. Filming may even be happening whilst we are there!
Avalon Beach
Avalon Beach, New South Wales, Australia
We continue our adventure by taking a short coastal drive to Avalon Beach. On the way we will see Whale Beach. The colour of the sand at Avalon Beach is distinctive having an orange colour due to iron oxides. There is a shallow cliff cave near the swimming pool at the southern end of the beach that provides good photo opportunities. If the swell is sizeable the ocean pool will be pounded by whitewater from breaking waves. Surf breaks exist at both ends of the beach and there is a further surf break further south if you look round the corner. A small grassed area at the south end of the beach provides panoramic views of Avalon and Rockie Beaches.
Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park
New South Wales, Australia
Ku-ring-gai Chase contains over 800 Aboriginal heritage sites, among the highest concentrations in Australia. The park was home to the Darramurragal and Garigal people, and the sandstone engravings at The Basin are among the most significant and best-preserved examples in the Sydney region. The engravings depict marine life, animals and human figures — carved into the same sandstone that underlies the entire coastline. Greg brings the stories and context that make them meaningful rather than just marks on rock. West Head Lookout is the final stop in the park — a wide view across Pittwater to Barrenjoey Lighthouse and Lion Island, with the Central Coast beaches visible to the north. It is one of the best viewpoints in the Sydney region and sees relatively few visitors. A great way to finish the tour before heading home.
Taronga Zoo
Bradleys Head Road, Mosman, New South Wales, 2088, Australia
Taronga Zoo has the usual suspects when it comes to African animals but most importantly the zoo offers a broad range of Australian animals. These include: kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, dingos, emus, southern cassowary, bilby, regent honeyeater, Australian sea lion, little penguin and platypus. Taronga zoo is also involved in numerous conservation, research, and breeding programs. One highly admirable program concerns the breeding of endangered Corroboree frogs (a striking frog) for release into the wild as a part of the National Recovery Program to help save the species. Taronga Zoo is a nice place to include in your day.
7th Day Brewery
9 Powells Rd, Manly, New South Wales, Australia
Brookvale, sometimes referred to as 'brewvale' is rated as a top Sydney craft beer area and has a handful of excellent microbreweries. If you would prefer a gin or other spirit there are a couple of distilleries in the area. A visit to Brookvale for a refreshing ale or other beverage is a fine way to finish the day.
Pickup & meeting point
Pickup is included for all travellers.
Pickup starts about 5 minutes before the departure time.
You can request a pickup location of your own.
Pickup locations259
The operator lists 259 pickup points. 40 are shown here; choose yours from the full list when you book.
Hotels & residences40
- Newtown SpaceWesley College, Western Ave, Camperdown, Sydney, New South Wales, 2042, Australia
- Kafnu AlexandriaBuilding 12, 41 - 43 Bourke Rd, Alexandria, Sydney, New South Wales, 2015, Australia
- Quality Apartments Camperdown23-33 Missenden Rd, Camperdown, Sydney, New South Wales, 2050, Australia
- Adina Chippendale Sydney74-80 Ivy St, Chippendale, Sydney, New South Wales, 2008, Australia
- Hotel Morris Sydney - Handwritten Collection412 Pitt Street, Haymarket, Haymarket, New South Wales, 2000, Australia
- Kimpton Margot Sydney by IHG339 Pitt Street, Sydney, New South Wales, 2000, Australia
- Little National Hotel Sydney26 Clarence St, Near Wynyard Station, Sydney, New South Wales, 2000, Australia
- Space Q Capsule Hotel752 George St, Haymarket, Sydney, New South Wales, 2000, Australia
- East Side Hotel177 Cumberland St, The Rocks, Sydney, New South Wales, 2000, Australia
- Hyacinth Catalo Platform APAC55 Harrington Street, The Rocks, Sydney, New South Wales, 2000, Australia
- Hotel Woolstore 1888, Sydney - Handwritten Collection139 Murray Street, Pyrmont, New South Wales, 2009, Australia
- Rydges Sydney Central28 Albion St, Sydney, New South Wales, 2010, Australia
- The York by Swiss-Belhotel5 York St, Sydney, New South Wales, 2000, Australia
- Adina Surry Hills Sydney359 Crown Street, Sydney, New South Wales, 2010, Australia
- Forest Lodge117 Arundel St, Glebe, Sydney, New South Wales, 2037, Australia
- Manor House Boutique Hotel Sydney86 Flinders St, Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South Wales, 2010, Australia
- The Great Southern Hotel Sydney717 George Street, Sydney, New South Wales, 2000, Australia
- Best Western Plus Camperdown Suites108 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown, Sydney, New South Wales, 2050, Australia
- Meriton Suites Pitt Street, Sydney329 Pitt Street, Sydney, New South Wales, 2000, Australia
- Meriton Suites World Tower, Sydney95 Liverpool Street, Sydney, New South Wales, 2000, Australia
- Megaboom City Hotel93 York St, Level 1, Sydney, New South Wales, 2000, Australia
- Ibis Sydney World Square382 -384 Pitt Street, Sydney, New South Wales, 2000, Australia
- ibis Sydney Darling Harbour70 Murray Street, Darling Harbour, Sydney, New South Wales, 2000, Australia
- 28 Hotel28-30 Regent St, Chippendale, Sydney, New South Wales, 2008, Australia
- West Hotel Sydney, Curio Collection by Hilton65 Sussex St, Sydney, New South Wales, 2000, Australia
- One Global Resorts8 Tweed Pl, Sydney, New South Wales, 2017, Australia
- Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour By IHG58 Bathurst Street, Sydney, New South Wales, 2000, Australia
- Ibis Sydney Barangaroo22 Shelley Street, Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2000, Australia
- Glasgow Arms Hotel527 Harris St., Ultimo, Sydney, New South Wales, NSW 2007, Australia
- Best Western Plus Hotel Stellar4 Wentworth Avenue, Sydney, New South Wales, 2000, Australia
- Mantra on Kent Sydney433 Kent Street, Sydney, New South Wales, 2000, Australia
- Hotel Coronation5 -7 Park St, Sydney, New South Wales, 2000, Australia
- Harbour Rocks By Ode Hotels34 Harrington Street, The Rocks, Sydney, New South Wales, 2000, Australia
- Kirketon Hotel Sydney229 Darlinghurst Road, Sydney, New South Wales, 2010, Australia
- Elephant Backpacker50 Sir John Young Crescent, Sydney, New South Wales, 2011, Australia
- Wildlife Retreat At TarongaBradleys Head Road, Mosman, New South Wales, 2088, Australia
- Medusa267 Darlinghurst Rd, Sydney, New South Wales, 2010, Australia
- The Russell Boutique Hotel143A George St, The Rocks, Sydney, New South Wales, 2000, Australia
- Holiday Lodge Hotel55 Macleay St, Potts Point, Sydney, New South Wales, 2011, Australia
- O'Malley's Hotel228 William St, Sydney, New South Wales, 2011, Australia
- You can arrange your pickup point with the operator after booking.
Pickup instructions
This is a fully private tour for your group only. We’ll pick you up from your accommodation and return you at the end of the day. Alternative drop-off locations, including the airport, can be arranged — please get in touch to confirm. Alternate start times are also available. Infant & child seats available upon request.
What's included
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
Not included
- Ferry ticket from Manly to Circular Quay
Good to know
Accessibility & suitability
- 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
Traveller requirements
- Minimum 1 traveller per booking
- Maximum 4 travellers per booking
- At least one adult must be included in the booking
- Age bands: Infant (0–2), Child (3–17), Adult (18–80)
Languages
- Guide
- English
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- 1+ days before100% refund
- 0–1 days before0% refund
- This experience requires good weather. If it's cancelled due to poor weather, you'll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Important booking information
- Booking cut-off
- Bookings close 4 hours before the activity starts.
- Confirmation
- Confirmed immediately after booking.
- Tickets
- One per booking
- Local time zone
- Australia/Sydney
- Product code
- 137441P2
What you'll be asked when booking
- Your preferred pickup point
- Any special requirements
- Drop-off address
- How you are arriving
- Cruise arrival time
- Cruise ship name
Traveller reviews
5.0/ 518 reviews
Ratings aggregated from Viator (10) and Tripadvisor (8).
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Ready to book Sydney Northern Beaches Private Tour | Palm Beach & Ku-ring-gai?
From AUD 550 per person · Free cancellation available
Activity information provided by Viator, an authorized travel partner. Gateera does not operate this activity.