• Mosman - Georges Heights offers stunning views of Sydney Harbour, extending to the heads and across to Watsons Bay. Looking south, visitors can see Shark Island and Shark Beach, with the city of Sydney visible further southwest.

A trip to Georges Heights also allows exploration of historical military fortifications, established when the Colony of New South Wales took charge of its own defense after British troops withdrew in 1870.

Visitors can explore the heritage gun emplacements and cannons while enjoying the scenery.

Nearby, a gunners barracks stands where military personnel once stayed to defend the harbor. A seven-meter-high sandstone wall, complete with loopholes for rifle fire, was constructed to protect local gunners from invaders.

• Manly Beach - At Manly Beach, visitors can stroll near the Cabbage Bay Aquatic Reserve to the charming Shelley Beach. Along the way, a small rock pool features two elegant sculptures, known locally as the ‘Sea Nymphs.’

Shelley Beach is unique as it faces directly back towards Manly Beach. This small, secluded beach is surrounded by cabbage tree palms. From Shelley Beach, a staircase leads to a lookout offering views of Manly Beaches and those north of Manly.

Depending on conditions, surfers may be seen practicing on a reef break with several take-off spots.

While in the Manly area, a visit to the North Head lookout in the Sydney Harbour National Park is recommended. It offers one of the best views of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline.

A photo stop may also be made to admire the grand neo-gothic sandstone building, formerly a seminary for priests (St Patricks).

• Curl Curl to Freshwater Beach Coastal Walk - Freshwater is a small, popular beach located south of Manly Beach.

When the seas are calm and the sun is shining, the water at this beach is delightful.

After appreciating ‘Freshie,’ visitors can walk around the ocean pool and past a permanent public artwork known as the signal fire.

The signal fire pays tribute to the communication systems of indigenous peoples who lit fires along the coast to communicate.

The walk continues northward along the coastal track to Curl Curl Beach, offering wonderful ocean views. Approaching Curl Curl, another ocean pool and more spectacular beach views can be enjoyed.

Curl is a long beach (1.2 km) with golden sands and several surfing spots.

• Palm Beach - At Palm Beach, visitors can walk to the iconic Barrenjoey Lighthouse, built from locally sourced Hawkesbury sandstone.

From the lighthouse, breathtaking views are available in every direction.

Looking south, Palm Beach, an isthmus, and the Whale Beach Headland are visible.

To the northwest lies Lion Island and Broken Bay, while directly west is the Pittwater inlet, a favorite among boaters, fishermen, and kayakers.

Across Pittwater is the West Head lookout, which will be visited later in the day.

Palm Beach is famous for the long-running Australian soap opera, Home and Away. Filming might even be taking place during the visit!

• Avalon Beach - The adventure continues with a short coastal drive to Avalon Beach, passing Whale Beach along the way.

The sand at Avalon Beach is distinctively orange due to iron oxides.

A shallow cliff cave near the swimming pool at the southern end of the beach offers excellent photo opportunities.

If the swell is large, the ocean pool will be pounded by whitewater from breaking waves.

Surf breaks are found at both ends of the beach, with another break further south around the corner.

A small grassed area at the south end of the beach provides panoramic views of Avalon and Rockie Beaches.

• Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park - Ku-ring-gai Chase boasts over 800 Aboriginal heritage sites, among the highest concentrations in Australia.

The park was home to the Darramurragal and Garigal people, and the sandstone engravings at The Basin are among the most significant and well-preserved in the Sydney region.

These engravings depict marine life, animals, and human figures, carved into the same sandstone that underlies the entire coastline.

Greg provides the stories and context that make them meaningful rather than just marks on rock.

West Head Lookout is the final stop in the park, offering a wide view across Pittwater to Barrenjoey Lighthouse and Lion Island, with the Central Coast beaches visible to the north.

It is one of the best viewpoints in the Sydney region and sees relatively few visitors.

A wonderful way to conclude the tour before heading home.

• Taronga Zoo - Taronga Zoo features the usual array of African animals, but more importantly, it showcases a wide variety of Australian wildlife.

These include kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, dingoes, emus, southern cassowary, bilby, regent honeyeater, Australian sea lion, little penguin, and platypus.

Taronga Zoo is also engaged in numerous conservation, research, and breeding programs. One particularly commendable program involves breeding endangered Corroboree frogs (a striking frog) for release into the wild as part of the National Recovery Program to help save the species.

Taronga Zoo is a delightful addition to any day.

• 7th Day Brewery - Brookvale, sometimes referred to as ‘Brewvale,’ is recognized as a top Sydney craft beer area and hosts several excellent microbreweries.

For those who prefer gin or other spirits, there are a couple of distilleries in the area.

A visit to Brookvale for a refreshing ale or other beverage is a splendid way to end the day.

• Hotel pick up and drop off
• Bottled water
• Lunch
• Photographs using a mirrorless camera

• Ferry ticket from Manly to Circular Quay

This exclusive day trip is designed for your group alone (private tour) and begins at the harbourside Georges Heights, followed by visits to Manly and Palm Beach, and concludes with a trip to Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park.

After crossing the Bridge, there are two brief stops at Georges Heights to enjoy the expansive views of Port Jackson.

The next destination is Manly Beach, where a short walk leads to the picturesque Shelley Beach.

Following this, the tour visits one of Sydney’s premier lookouts at North Head, offering direct views of the harbour entrance and Sydney’s skyline. Lunch, prepared by your guide, is enjoyed at a special scenic spot before heading to Palm Beach for a 40-minute round trip walk to Barrenjoey Lighthouse.

The Palm Beach and Barrenjoey Lighthouse visit is succeeded by a stunning coastal drive from Palm Beach to Avalon Beach.

The final stop is Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park, where visitors can explore Aboriginal engravings and the magnificent West Head lookout.

Optional variations include a visit to Taronga Zoo or a microbrewery.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.