Northern Beaches Private Day Tour from Sydney

Palm Beach, Barrenjoey Lighthouse and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Thirty kilometres of coastline stretch north of Sydney Harbour — sandstone headlands, caves, rock platforms, ocean pools, surf beaches and a national park created from rock formed over 200 million years ago. This private tour takes in Georges Heights, Manly and North Head, the Barrenjoey Lighthouse walk at Palm Beach, Aboriginal engravings and panoramic views from West Head in the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

Price: 1-2 $950 3-4 $1050

The Route

The day starts with a drive over the Sydney Harbour Bridge to the northern side of Sydney Harbour and ends at Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. In between we will visit several of our favourite northern beaches, and at Palm Beach we take the access track and walk to Barrenjoey Lighthouse. Walks are optional - the addition or reduction in walks will be worked out as we go - just let us know your preferences.

Georges Heights Our first stop after driving over the Sydney Harbour Bridge are the 1870s fortifications above Chowder Bay - sweeping views across Port Jackson that most visitors never find. One of the best harbour viewpoints in Sydney.

Manly and Shelley Beach The coastal walk from Manly to Shelley Beach follows the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve — clear water, reef platforms and one of the few protected marine areas on the Sydney coastline. The Manly to Shelley Beach coastal walk is easy, around 15 minutes.

North Head is the box seat to viewing the entrance to one of the most scenic harbours in the world, Sydney Harbour. The lookout provides a direct view of the city across the harbour and has the added benefit of a short drive through the native bushland of the Sydney Harbour National Park.

Palm Beach Sydney's northernmost beach, comes with ocean on one side and Pittwater inlet on the other, and acts as the home for the award winning soap series, Home and Away.

Barrenjoey Lighthouse The walk to historic Barrenjoey Lighthouse immerses us in the native bushland of the Ku-ring-gai National Park and once at the lighthouse we enjoy one of the finest views in the Sydney region — Palm Beach and Whale Beach Headland, Pittwater, Broken Bay, Lion Island and the Central Coast beaches.

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park The park contains over 800 Aboriginal heritage sites. The engravings at The Basin were made by the Darramurragal and Garigal people. Nearby West Head Lookout looks across Pittwater to Barrenjoey Headland, with Lion Island and the Central Coast stretching to the horizon.

Optional Late-Afternoon Stop — Brookvale Craft Breweries

Brookvale has quietly become one of Australia’s most concentrated independent brewery precincts. For guests who appreciate craft beer, a relaxed late-afternoon stop at one carefully chosen local producer can be incorporated before returning to the city.

After 50 years touring the world this is one of the best private tours we have ever been on. From the harbour headlands to a picnic lunch in Ku-ring-gai National Park, everything was organised to perfection.

Ross — TripAdvisor

We were able to go and do things on this tour that you would not be able to do on a big bus tour. Greg even made lunch for us overlooking a beautiful beach and the spectacular ocean. This tour was more than we had expected.

John A — Viator

Greg was warm, witty, thoughtful and fun. He is an exceptional guide with a well designed sequence of sites and activities. We learned a lot, and had a lot of fun doing so.

Ronald K — Viator

The highlight was the stunning vista from West Head Lookout. Greg took us to his favourite stretch of the Manly to Spit Bridge Walk and his secret spot at Shelley Beach. To top off an amazing day we caught a glimpse of a whale out to sea.

flowerchild20 — TripAdvisor

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A Fresnel lense surrounds the lamp at Barrenjoey Lighthouse

Aboriginal rock engravings Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

Group Size
Private — your group only, 1 to 4 guests
Duration
Approximately 8 to 9 hours, flexible
Pick-up
9am from your Sydney accommodation within 8km of the CBD, Central Station, or cruise wharf
Transport
Late-model SUV
Included

        Private pick-up and drop-off

        Freshly prepared picnic lunch

        Snacks and bottled water throughout the day

        Professional photos taken and shared after the tour

        Your private guide
      
Not Included

        Manly Ferry — optional return to the city, approximately $10

        Taronga Zoo entry — optional, paid on the day
      

How far are the Northern Beaches from Sydney?
Georges Heights is about 20 minutes from the CBD. Palm Beach is around an hour north. Greg picks you up at 8am and the drive is part of the day — the harbour headlands give way to open coast as you move north.
How much walking is involved?
The main walks are the Barrenjoey Lighthouse walk (25 minutes each way, some elevation through banksia scrub), the Manly to Shelley Beach coastal walk (easy, around 30 minutes), and the Fairfax Walk at North Head (easy, around 20 minutes). All are optional and adjusted to suit your group.
Can we see whales?
Yes, from May to November. North Head is one of the better whale watching vantage points on the Sydney coastline during the humpback migration season.
Can we return by Manly Ferry?
Yes. The Manly Ferry is a good way to end the day — the 30-minute crossing passes close to the Opera House and under the Harbour Bridge. The ferry ticket is at your own expense (approximately $10). Let Greg know before the tour if you'd like to finish this way.
What are the Aboriginal engravings at Ku-ring-gai Chase?
The park contains over 800 Aboriginal heritage sites. The engravings at The Basin are among the most accessible — figures, animals and ceremonial markings carved into sandstone by the Darramurragal and Garigal people. Greg provides context as part of the visit.
Can we visit Taronga Zoo?
Yes, as an optional variation. Taronga Zoo can be incorporated into the day on request — entry is at your own expense. Let Greg know before the tour if you'd like to include it.
Where does the tour start and finish?
Greg picks you up from your Sydney accommodation or cruise terminal at 8am. The tour returns you to your accommodation at the end of the day, usually around 5pm to 6pm depending on the day plan.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes. Children of all ages are welcome and child and infant safety seats are available on request. The day is adjusted to suit the group.
How many people are on the tour?
Your group only. Fully private, no other guests. Maximum 4 guests.
What should we bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat. Snacks and water are provided throughout the day. Bring swimwear if you'd like to swim at one of the beaches or ocean pools along the way.
Can we customise the itinerary?
Yes. The itinerary is shaped around your group. If there's somewhere specific you'd like to visit or something you'd like to focus on — photography, Aboriginal heritage, coastal walks — let Greg know before the tour.