Explore your own backyard this summer

While we’re excited state borders are opening, and we can do a bit more exploring this summer – don’t be too quick to run off yet! If you’re staycationing or have family and friends coming to stay, there’s plenty to see and do in our own backyard… and you’ll be supporting Northern Beaches businesses too.

Go exploring this summer!

Hire a stand up paddle board, kayak or boat and enjoy our pristine waterways. Careel Bay, Station Beach (Palm Beach) and Manly Cove are idyllic spots for the whole family to enjoy.

There’s no better way to explore than on two wheels. If you don’t have a bike or have friends and family visiting, there are bike hire companies in Narrabeen and Manly with plenty of bike tracks from beginner to advanced nearby. Check out Narrabeen Lake, Manly Dam or North Head or even book a mountain bike experience and be guided by a local around Manly Dam.

‘Darling it’s better down where it’s wetter’ - take it from us! Go visit our underwater friends like Blue Gropers, cuttlefish, squid and much more. A great spot for snorkelling and diving is Cabbage Tree Bay aquatic reserve and there are plenty of businesses in Manly who hire gear or can take you there.

Our local villages are bursting with eclectic boutiques and gift shops – you’ll find the perfect Chrissy gift or New Year’s Eve outfit just around the corner. Our local businesses have done it tough this year, so wherever you can, please support them. From Manly to Palm Beach, each village has something different to offer.

As we can’t have large events this year, Council has given our villages a festive makeover with decorations, carollers, buskers and floor decal games like hopscotch and mazes for kids to enjoy.

Feeling peckish? Hit up a local café or restaurant in one of our villages- from waterfront dining to alleyway bars – there is yummy food for everyone. Make sure to book first as some restrictions still apply.

The local craft beer scene is exploding. Organise your own brewery crawl from Brookvale to Avalon and taste test a number of the local brews!

Pack a basket full of local produce and enjoy one of the many beautiful spots for a picnic from North Harbour Reserve in Balgowlah to Winneramy Bay in Mona Vale. You’re spoilt for choice!

While we’ve got you, did you know that 54 percent of domestic tourists visiting the Northern Beaches are our visiting family and friends? We’re currently building a Destination Management Plan, which aims to get the balance right between managing the impacts of tourism and creating a sustainable economy for our community.

Check out our draft plan to guide the recovery and longer-term growth of our visitor economy and have your say before Sun 7 February. 

Please remember that while COVID-19 restrictions are easing, we need to remain vigilant to keep our community safe. Plan your trip, check for beach closures, avoid crowds, maintain social distancing and stay home if you’re unwell.