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Sydney North Shore

Bounded by Sydney Harbour, the Pacific Ocean and Sydney Harbour National Park, Sydney's North offers a tranquil hideaway only a short ferry ride from the city centre. Sydney's North includes the popular shopping areas of North Sydney and Chatswood, the sophisticated harbourside shopping village of Mosman and nearby Balmoral Beach and further north the relaxed, cosmopolitan beachside suburb of Manly.

Manly is a place of natural beauty, beach culture and good living. Manly offers a range of recreational activities such as learning to surf or dive, bike riding, roller blading or parasailing in the summer months, or just relax and enjoy the ocean views and harbour breezes at one of the cafes or restaurants.

Sydney's North also offers a wide range of shopping experiences. Browse through the shops along Military Road, Mosman for quality clothes and designer homewares. Reward yourself with lunch or dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants on the esplanade at nearby Balmoral Beach only a short bus ride from Mosman.

Some Northern Suburb Highlights:
- Travelling north is half the fun - the ferry or JetCat journey from Circular Quay across Sydney Harbour to Manly, or Mosman Wharfs or Taronga Zoo is a must do.
- Discover nearby Taronga Zoo, and enjoy the breathtaking harbour views at the world's only harbourside zoo.
- Enjoy picturesque views of native bushland in a coastal setting on the Manly to Spit Bridge scenic walk.
- Get energised by taking part in activities like bike riding, roller blading, tennis, golf and parasailing. Or head to the beach for a surf or SCUBA lesson.

In the Directory

• Accommodation [1]
• Attractions [1]
• Dive Gear [1]
• Dive Shops [1]

Photos

Ferry back to the city - Photo courtesy of ATDW

Aerial of Manly Beach - Photo courtesy of Tourism NSW

View to Barrenjoey Head and Palm Beach from Avalon - Photo courtesy of Tourism NSW

Underwater Recommendations

The Sydney North Shore has plenty on offer for divers. There are boat dives, shore dives, deep dives, shallow dives and great spots to do night dives. Depths vary from 5 meters to 40 and deeper.
The Valiant, Duckenfield and Dee Why are only three of the numerous shipwrecks you can explore.
For the beginning diver there are plenty of small coves, such as Fairlight and Shelly Beach, that offer calm shallow water with plenty to see and easy entry and exit points.
The rich marine life includes gropers, leatherjackets, moray eels, octopus and cuttlefish, Red Rockcods and schools of bullseyes. The rocky reefs here are overgrown with sponges and ascidians.

For a dive with a difference try diving Manly Oceanarium where you can experience Grey Nurse Sharks and large Rays up close.

Getting There

Sydney has an international and a domestice airport in the south. Some very competitive rates for domestic flights are available. Regional Express, Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin Blue all offer cheap flights. Just note that if you are transferring form an international to a domestic flight and you are not flying with Qantas it can be a bit more tricky to get from one airport to the other. Just give yourself plenty of time in between flights.
Public transport can be used to from the airport and to get around in the CBD fairly easily.
Of course there are plenty of places available for car and van rental or buying a second hand car.
Busses and trains to and from many destinations depart and arrive at Central Station.
Taxis are another option and can be quite economical for transport of more than one person over short distances.