The northern beaches is well-known for its heritage-listed houses, harbourfront views, boutique storefronts and beachfront restaurants. Here, the towns get smaller and closer to the coast — these are the quintessential beach towns you read about in Australian novels.
Meanwhile, the lush expanse of Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park reigns mightily behind the coast, perfectly primed for a weekend hiking trip.
Along with American Express, we’ve found the best spots to shop small at along the coastline. These local businesses help the northern beaches area keep its charm — and will make you really love where you live. And you can shop at all of them with your American Express Card.
The easiest way to get to Manly is to cut across Sydney Harbour on the F1 ferry from Circular Quay. The rest of the coastline is best explored by car, or on the L90 bus from the city to Palm Beach, and you can make stops at these scenic and not-so-sleepy towns as you wish.
If you, like many Sydneysiders, have really gotten into natural wine and craft beer recently, then you’ll love Winona Wine. At this boutique bottle-o in Manly, you’ll find minimal intervention drops, quirky craft brews and artisanal spirits — and plenty of stellar recommendations from the staff if you’re not sure where to start.
Originally designed as a boardwalk for tourists, the Manly Corso now boasts surf shops, pubs, cafes, and galleries, and there is always a street entertainer or two to provide the ambience. In Avalon, be sure to check out Old Barrenjoey Road and Avalon Parade on the beachfront, with boutique stores set inside old terraced houses with facades that are worth the visit alone.
There are few better ways to wrap a busy day of shopping than with a cocktail or two — with a stellar view. And there’s no shortage of spots to do just that along this stretch of coast. Make a beeline to Manly Greenhouse for rosé and a cheese board on its rooftop, or nab a table at Sunset Sabi for inventive cocktails and Japanese snacks.
THE SHOPPING LISTS
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BarChica Bonita
9 The Corso, Manly
Chica Bonita offers oodles of atmosphere and bang on Mexican fare. So go on, head north.
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BarHarbord Hotel
29 Moore Road, Freshwater
Located just steps from the beach, this Sydney pub plays into its suburb's claim as the official birthplace of surfing in Australia.
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ShopManly Cycles
36 Pittwater Road, Manly
Join the store's weekly road and mountain bike rides from the shop — or pull in for a service.
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ShopThe Freshwater Butcher
6/1-3 Moore Road, Freshwater
This free-range meat purveyor services the Freshie community with meat and poultry from farms with sustainable practices.
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ShopFleet Street Mona Vale
1755 Pittwater Road, Mona Vale
Find quality spirits and decent non-alcoholic options at this northern beaches bottle-o.
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ShopBalgowlah North Grocer
48 Woodbine Street, North Balgowlah
A cosy local grocer selling fresh produce and flowers.
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RestaurantPaddock & Vine
5 Bungan Street, Mona Vale
A Mediterranean-inspired small bar in Mona Vale with a top-notch list of Australian vinos.
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CafeArmchair Collective
9A Darley Street East, Mona Vale
Part cafe, part homewares boutique — this Northern Beaches favourite has everything.
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ShopWinona Wine
2–14 Pittwater Road, Manly
This beautiful northern beaches bottle shop is dedicated to natural wine and craft beer.
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RestaurantPocket Pizza Manly
46 Pittwater Road, Manly
Manly's Italo-American pizza parlour has found a new home along Pittwater Road.
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BarManly Greenhouse
38 South Steyne, Manly
The three-level beachside destination will unveil its greenery-filled all-day diner and chic rooftop bar this weekend.
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ShopManly Farm Organic Grocer
17-25 Wentworth Street, Manly
Manly's haven of fresh organic produce and specialty food.
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RestaurantPeanut Butter Jelly - CLOSED
7 Whistler Street, Manly
A Manly burger joint inspired by contemporary street art and culture.
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BarManly Wharf Hotel
East Esplanade, Manly
Enjoy a pint on the water's edge in this old and faithful Manly pub.
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CafeFlower Child Warringah
Westfield Warringah, 145 Old Pittwater Road, Brookvale
A second FC venue, again designed by the crew behind Archie Rose, Fred's and Charlie Parker's.
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RestaurantMexicano
Shop 2, 209-211 Ocean Street, Narrabeen
North Narrabeen's local produce-focused eatery cooks up some of Sydney's best tacos.
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CafeCruise Espresso
2 Moore Road, Freshwater
Unfortunately for locals, the secret is well and truly out.
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CafeBelgrave Cartel
6 Belgrave Street, Manly
The Cartel is bringing a slice of Melbourne and more than a hint of Italy to Manly's streets.
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