Manly, South Steyne, North Steyne and Queenscliff Northern Beaches</span>

Every Northern Beaches visit should include a trip to Manly - and its four beautiful Norfolk Pine-fringed beaches – Manly, South Steyne, North Steyne and Queenscliff. Occupying a 1.5km-long, continuous stretch of golden sand, the beaches are a daytripper’s delight due to their easy accessibility from the city by ferry or road. Families with young toddlers wanting an alternative to the Manly surf can take a leisurely walk around to Shelley Beach (the walkway is stroller-friendly ie, no stairs), or take a dip in the harbour pool (on the ferry wharf side of Manly). On Sundays a craft market is held at Manly, with ceramics, leather and other offerings.

Just 10-minutes drive north of Manly (or a short walk over the headland) is beautiful Freshwater Beach, a protected cove that enjoys a reliable and generally small surf ideal for young children. A kiosk services the beach, but patrons after something more substantial can choose from an upmarket restaurant overlooking the beach, a local pub providing a range of good food, or a village-style shopping centre with restaurants just 10-minutes walk away.

Next along the peninsula are Curl Curl, North Curl Curl and Dee Why Beaches. Of the three, Dee Why Beach is generally favoured by holidaymakers due to its proximity to holiday apartments, parks and an increasingly eclectic mix of fine restaurants located along its beachfront. Next up is Long Reef Point (here you can take advantage of a cliff top walking trail passing alongside one of Australia’s most scenic golf courses), popular ‘family’ beach Collaroy, then Narrabeen and its family-friendly sister beach, North Narrabeen, Turimetta, Warriewood and another popular family beach Mona Vale. Moving off Pittwater Rd onto scenic Barrenjoey Rd, you encounter Bungan Beach, popular family beach Newport, Bilgola, Avalon, Whale Beach and finally magnificent Palm Beach, with its panoramic views across Broken Bay to the Central Coast. Most of the beaches are serviced by local kiosks and toilets and are within easy walking distance of shops and facilities. However, to ensure you have a safe as well as a fun day out, always remember to swim between the flags. BEACH SAFETY

For magnificent scenery, you can’t go past the Northern Beaches’ three national parks – Ku-ring-gai Chase (Australia’s second oldest national park), Sydney Harbour and Garigal.

If you have time for only one walk in Ku-ring-gai (and are reasonably fit), drive to scenic West Head Lookout and take in the magnificent views across the Pittwater to Barrenjoey Head and Palm Beach, then set off along the 7km-long West Head Resolute Track to see rock engravings, hand stencils and other Aboriginal sites, followed by a drive back to McCarrs Creek Reserve, Akuna Bay or Cottage Point for a leisurely lunch by the water. The Resolute Track is rated ‘medium’ difficulty and takes about three hours. A less-active outing in Ku-ring-gai could include a trip by ferry to The Basin for a picnic and a swim around the lagoon or sandy beach; or a trip to historic Bobbin Head, with its picnic areas, marina and visitor centres.

If you are after walks with both beautiful bush and Sydney Harbour views, Sydney Harbour National Park is for you. One of the best walks in the park is the 9km-long Manly Scenic Walkway from the Spit Bridge to Manly. The walk takes in beaches, exclusive waterfront homes, cliffs, native coastal heath and subtropical rainforest. If fun rather than exercise is your priority, the nighttime ghost walks through the Quarantine Station at North Head (near Manly) is for you. You’ll find historic quarantine facilities dating back to 1828 and stories (tall and true) relating to early immigrants quarantined at the station due to small pox and other diseases.

The Northern Beaches’ third national park - Garigal - comprises the valley of Middle Harbour Creek and its tributaries, the slopes along the northern side of Middle Harbour as far as Bantry Bay and part of the catchment of Narrabeen Lakes. It also includes several significant Aboriginal sites and historic places, including the Bantry Bay explosives magazine complex. Narrabeen Lakes and Davidson picnic area on Middle Harbour are both popular spots for boating and fishing and have accessible toilet facilities. Bushwalkers can enjoy the scenery from extensive walking track systems. Entry to Davidson picnic area is from the south via Warringah Road.

Finally, don’t forget to take in smaller walks along the peninsula, including the cliff-top walk at Long Reef, and bushwalks at Manly Dam Reserve, where the family can enjoy a swim, children’s playground facilities, and a large grassed area for picnics. Full details of all the walks – and things to do in the parks - can be found at www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au.

A boat trip (or two) on the Northern Beaches’ spectacular waterways is a must. Take a ferry cruise or fishing trip on beautiful Pittwater, with its myriad of bays and coves. Alternatively, explore the Hawkesbury River on a cruise from Palm Beach, visiting small inlets and stopping off at delightful Cottage Point. Pittwater is bordered by Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park, with its spectacular cliff faces, natural beauty and walking trails. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, charter your own yacht or catamaran – and do the trip in style! If you’re feeling particularly active, Pittwater (and nearby Narrabeen Lakes) offer a range of sailing equipment for hire, including sailboards, catamarans, paddleboats, windsurfers, canoes, kayaks and rowboats. Both areas provide ‘how to sail, surf etc’ classes. Manly also offers a heart-pumping powerboat run up Sydney Harbour and through the heads – great to clear the cobwebs.

For something different, take in an aerial view of the bays and coves via a seaplane flight from Palm Beach, or a motorbike tour around the bays for those who want a land-based approach. There’s boating marinas at Akuna Bay and Newport offering cruisers and yachts for hire – and while you’re at Newport, pop in for lunch at the famous Newport Arms Hotel located right on beautiful Pittwater. Alternatively, drop anchor at The Basin for a picnic lunch, or one of the many delightful (and quiet) coves along the way. If “getting away from it all” is your goal, boating around the bays and coves on the Pittwater and Hawkesbury River is the perfect way to achieve it.