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From Pittwater to Palmie and Manly to Mona, The Beaches is one giant playground of bush, beach, reef, waterfall, wharf, and skate bowl. You’ve got your local, your loop, your rhythm, but beyond your usual walk and well-worn patch of sand, there’s a whole world of secret breaks, overgrown trails, quiet lookouts and wild thrills hiding in plain sight. You just have to be willing to look again. Adventure isn’t always about the adrenaline hit. It’s about the feeling, the spark that hits when you dive under a wave, laugh your way down a trail, or stand still in the sunrise. It’s not how far you go. It’s how alive you feel when you get there. This guide is your nudge to wander off track, switch up your routine, stretch your comfort zone, and fall in love with where you live all over again. Follow your mood and find your moment.
FOR THE SLOW SEEKERS
If winter’s a time you want to trade hustle for hush, head straight to Pittwater. With mirror-like waters and eucalyptus-draped hills, it’s made for gentle exploration by kayak or SUP. This is the spot for slow adventures, no waves and no rush. Another one to add to your list is forest bathing at Angophora Reserve in Avalon. Home to one of the oldest Red Gums in the area, there’s something deeply restorative about stepping into the stillness of an ancient forest. Forest bathing isn’t about hiking or fitness. It’s about being. Let your senses guide you. Leave your phone in the car, walk slowly and breathe deeply. It’s mindfulness gone wild. If you’re craving perspective (and peace), head to West Head Lookout. It’s a place that hushes the mind with sweet views over Pittwater, Broken Bay and the Central Coast. Drive into Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and you’re a short stroll from the lookout. Bring a thermos, a book, and stay a while. Other great walks include Manly Dam, Elvina Bay Circuit, and Bangalley Head, which is the highest point on The Beaches peninsula, with amazing lookouts and a two-kilometre out-and-back track. If you’re more of a day tripper, jump on a ferry from Palm Beach. Ditch the car and jump onboard to Ettalong Beach via Wagstaffe or to The Basin and Mackerel Beach. And if you’re feeling really adventurous, pack a tent and stay for the weekend.
FOR THE WILD ONES
If you live here, you know there are plenty of adventures for the bold and the brave. Big skies, deep dives, and moments that make your heart race. All you have to do is show up. For altitude and adrenaline, Long Reef is where your feet leave the ground, literally. Tandem hang gliding over the headland is as thrilling as it is beautiful, with panoramic views and that unbeatable feeling of weightless flight. It’s the kind of experience that sticks with you – part bucket list, part spiritual. And once you've flown over the Pacific, a regular walk along the headland won’t feel quite the same. Manly’s famous jump rock offers a jolt of joy that only comes from a leap into icy water. It’s just off the path between Shelly and Manly and a favourite for the young at heart (and sure-footed). There’s something a bit tribal about the way people gather here, cheering each other on, swapping tips and celebrating the splash. It’s low-key, high fun, and free. And if it’s height you’re after, without taking flight, head to North Head for sweeping views over the harbour, or Mona Vale for coastal delights and salty sea breezes.
SALTWATER SOULS
If salty skin and sandy feet equal a happy heart, you’re in the right place, and winter snorkelling is a good place to start. Hear us out. The water’s clearer, the fish are curious, and the beach is a little less busy. Pop Shelly Beach, Fairy Bower, Clontarf, and Palm Beach on your list. The Bower is teeming with gropers, rays and cuttlefish, and you don’t have to be a pro to dive in. The ocean has a way of changing you, and this little pocket is proof. If you prefer to stay dry, add the Manly to Spit walk to your weekly ritual. The 10km track hugs the coastline and will have you skipping through bush, sandstone, and secluded beaches. Keep your eye out for Aboriginal engravings, wildflowers, and turquoise inlets that feel like Europe. For something a little more laid-back but equally rewarding, grab your rod and head out to some of our best fishing spots. Whether it’s chasing bream and flathead in Narrabeen Lagoon, casting off Long Reef’s rugged reefs, or trying your luck at Palm Beach Wharf, the joy of fishing here is as much about the vibe as it's about the catch. Don’t forget your sunrise swims, and take a dip in one of our 14 ocean pools. And yes, we didn’t forget surfing. Turn to page 38 for more.
WHEEL WANDERERS
If you like adventures with a little more pedal power, The Beaches’ cycling and mountain biking scene is ready to inspire. From the technical thrills of Manly Dam’s MTB loop and Bare Creek Bike Park’s jumps and berms, to the long, scenic 35 km stretch between Manly and Palm Beach, there’s a ride for all. And the pump track at Terrey Hills is perfect for a family day out.
For skaters, The Beaches boasts some of Sydney’s finest skate parks. Mona Vale’s community staple has all the features you need, while Lionel Watts in Belrose is fresh, smooth and beginner-friendly. St Matthews Farm in Cromer and Avalon Skate Park bring plenty of space and character, and Terrey Hills Skate Park keeps it low-key for flat-ground fans.
So, what does adventure mean to you? Is it jumping off a wharf in winter, scaling up a rock track or exploring a new corner of your own backyard? Adventure isn’t a once-a-year thing. It’s a mindset. A decision. A way of choosing curiosity over routine and joy over the everyday. And on The Beaches, adventures are always wildly wonderful, whatever your level of experience or spirit.
SO, THIS IS YOUR NUDGE.
Mix it up. Say yes to something new. Take the long way. Pack your swimmers or your wetsuit. Bring the kids. Or don’t. Whatever you’re searching for… peace, thrill, wonder or connection, you’ll find it around here.
