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. Plus, they all accept 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.
You know those stores that have no particular theme, aside from all its wares falling under the category of ‘beautiful’? You’ll find a bunch of them here. Manly’s Nordic Fusion houses enough Scandinavian jewellery, woollen knits, natural skincare products and designer accessories for you to live in comfort for life.
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.
When you’re surrounded by natural beauty you want to fill your home with it, which is probably why local boutique florists thrive on the northern beaches. Whether you’re in the market for anemones from Avalon Floral Art, delphiniums from Dee Why’s Florachino, or natives from Newport’s Wild Lotus, the family-owned businesses are there to guide you.
THE SHOPPING LISTS
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Food & DrinkMona ValePaddock & Vine
A Mediterranean-inspired small bar in Mona Vale with a top-notch list of Australian vinos.
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Food & DrinkMona ValeArmchair Collective
Part cafe, part homewares boutique — this Northern Beaches favourite has everything.
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Design & StyleMona ValeRoze & Thorn
A high-end fashion boutique selling stylish pieces from local and international designers.
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Design & StyleMona ValeHaydenshapes Surfboards
Innovative technology created by homegrown designer Hayden Cox.
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Design & StyleMona ValeThe Pot Warehouse
A Mona Vale haven of pots, indoor and outdoor plants, and accessories.
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Design & StyleAvalon BeachHaven and Sarah
An Avalon locals' go-to for tasteful seasonal blooms and cute homewares.
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Design & StyleAvalon BeachDeesse
Find cult Aussie labels like Faithfull the Brand and Status Anxiety at this beachside boutique.
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Food & DrinkAvalon BeachGraze N Cakes
A heavenly combination of Vietnamese eats, classic cafe fare and sweet baked treats.
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Design & StyleAvalon BeachMamapapa
Organic, cotton goodies await in this Avalon boutique, which sells womenswear, children's clothing and accessories and homewares.
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Design & StyleAvalon BeachAvalon Floral Art
There are two decades of experience behind this northern beaches florist, and it shows.
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Design & StyleManlyAssembly Label Manly
This clean Pittwater Road store is stocked with the label's signature tees, linen and accessories.
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Design & StyleManlyWe Can See
This charming beachside shop specialises in gifts and homewares with a global touch.
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Food & DrinkManlyWinona Wine
This beautiful northern beaches bottle shop is dedicated to natural wine and craft beer.
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Food & DrinkManlyPocket Pizza Manly
Manly's Italo-American pizza parlour has found a new home along Pittwater Road.
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Food & DrinkManlyManly Greenhouse
The three-level beachside destination will unveil its greenery-filled all-day diner and chic rooftop bar this weekend.
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Food & DrinkManlyPeanut Butter Jelly
A Manly burger joint inspired by contemporary street art and culture.
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Food & DrinkManlyManly Wharf Hotel
Enjoy a pint on the water's edge in this old and faithful Manly pub.
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Food & DrinkBrookvaleFlower Child Warringah
A second FC venue, again designed by the crew behind Archie Rose, Fred's and Charlie Parker's.
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Food & DrinkManlyThe Herring Room
A Manly seafood restaurant that epitomises the northern beaches dining scene.
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Food & DrinkFreshwaterHarbord Beach Hotel
Your classic Northern Beaches pub, just 100 metres from Freshie.
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Food & DrinkNarrabeenMexicano
North Narrabeen's local produce-focused eatery cooks up some of Sydney's best tacos.
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Design & StyleManlyNordic Fusion
Find homewares, clothing, skincare and food from top Scandinavian designers.
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Food & DrinkManlyChica Bonita
Chica Bonita offers oodles of atmosphere and bang on Mexican fare. So go on, head north.
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Food & DrinkManlyBelgrave Cartel
The Cartel is bringing a slice of Melbourne and more than a hint of Italy to Manly's streets.
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Food & DrinkManlyHemingway's
The atmosphere of a writer's den, insanely long opening hours, fun and flavorsome food, a drinks menu that will keep even the most inspired drinker guessing, and not even the slightest degree of pretension.
Find Your Playground
