A short ferry ride from the city brings you to Manly's 3km beach, patrolled by three surf lifesaving clubs. It's a popular place to learn to surf, and lessons suit kids who are confident swimmers. There's an ocean pool at the northern end and Fairy Bower rock pool at the southern end.

Walk south from Manly Beach to this calm, sheltered bay, popular with families of small children. Cabbage Tree Bay marine sanctuary holds hundreds of fish species, plus Eastern blue gropers, rays and Port Jackson sharks. Free electric barbecues sit in the park behind the sand.

This 10km track winds through bush, harbour beaches and lookouts, taking 3.5 to 4.5 hours one way. Stop at Clontarf for a swim, and look for Aboriginal rock engravings at Grotto Point. At high tide the track detours so you don't get wet feet.

For more than 150 years, the Quarantine Station on North Head was the first stop for travellers arriving in Australia. The Museum & Visitor Centre shows heritage artefacts and hires gear for swimming, snorkelling and kayaking. The 60-minute Quarantine Wander tour runs each morning; a family ticket for two adults and two kids was $80 in October 2026.

The trail circles the lagoon for 8.6km on a well-formed path with no steps, about two to three hours. Shorter sections suit little legs, and wheelchairs can start from four car parks. Kayaks and paddleboards can be hired on the still water.

At the southern end of Dee Why Beach, the rock pool has a 50m pool plus a separate toddlers' area. Accessible toilets and showers are close by. Rock pools close for cleaning and in rough seas, and swimming isn't advised for three days after heavy rain.

Below the headland, the rock platform is full of marine creatures to find. The 3km loop above takes about an hour on a formed track with gentle hills and a few steps. From the top, look north to the Central Coast and watch for whales.

Take the ferry across Pittwater from Palm Beach; by car it's a 2.8km walk in. Kids can swim and paddle at the sheltered beach and inland lagoon, then picnic by the barbecues. Landing costs $3 an adult and $2 a child, cash only, and NPWS asks you to check Beachwatch before swimming.

From the Governor Phillip Park car park, the track climbs about 30 minutes each way to the 1881 sandstone lighthouse. Guided tours go inside every Sunday; other days you can walk around the outside. NPWS asks visitors to skip it in strong wind, heavy rain or extreme heat.

From the big sandstone lookout, Broken Bay is on your left, Pittwater on your right and Barrenjoey Lighthouse straight ahead. Signs explain the view, and benches give everyone a rest. Park entry is $12 per vehicle, and the gates open from 6am to 8.30pm in daylight saving.