Manly and Northern Beaches Explorer — Clifftop Explorer
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 10 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Manly and Northern Beaches Explorer — Clifftop Explorer worth booking?
Manly and Northern Beaches Explorer — Clifftop Explorer is a 8-hour experience in Sydney, Australia, from $160 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 10 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 69 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (10)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $160 per person
Discover Sydney’s Northern Beaches on a coastal adventure filled with cliff‑top walks, sweeping vistas, beautiful beaches and vibrant marine and wildlife. Explore the stunning North Shore from Kirribilli House to the M
What you get
About this experience
Discover Sydney’s Northern Beaches on a coastal adventure filled with cliff‑top walks, sweeping vistas, beautiful beaches and vibrant marine and wildlife. Explore the stunning North Shore from Kirribilli House to the Mosman manors. Explore historical old forts with views looking back towards Watsons Bay and South Head. Discover Balmoral, Freshwater and Curl Curl, wander the iconic Shelly‑to‑Manly walk, and enjoy Manly's foodie laneways. Continue to North Head in search of whales and native birdlife, where cliff edge views offer the reality of how large Sydney Harbour is. Explore Long Reef’s otherworldly plateau with its rock pools brimming with shells, barnacles, sea anemones and starfish. Marvel at the striking red clays and maroon rocks as you stroll the rugged coastline spotting pied oystercatchers, white‑bellied sea eagles, kestrels and pelicans. It’s a truly memorable place that feels worlds away. End the day with the option of a scenic ferry ride back to the city.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Parking fees
Not included
- Tips
- Please bring your own water or drink bottle
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Sydney Harbour Bridge
Drive across the world famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. Driving across the iconic ‘coathanger’ and seeing the stunning design of the world’s largest steel arch bridge up close is a momentous occasion.
Pass by without stopping
Milsons Point
Visit Kirribilli nears Milsons Point - a quaint village on the lower north shore, with unique views across to the Sydney Opera House and Sydney skyline
5 minutes here
Luna Park Sydney
See Luna Park - an historic amusement park located on the harbour that was constructed in 1935. Walk through the 30 foot wide entrance of a clown’s smiling face
5 minutes here · Admission not included
Georges Head Memorial Park
One of Sydney’s best panoramic views is from Georges Head - an old fort and army barracks. Take in the 270 degree vista of Manly, Watsons Bay, Camp Cove, Rose Bay, Manly and the Sydney skyline.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Balmoral Beach
Drive by beautiful Balmoral Beach - one of Sydney’s longer and prettier harbour beaches. Drive up one of Sydney’s steepest streets where they hold the annual ‘Balmoral Burn’ 420 metre race from the bottom of the hill all the way to the top.
Pass by without stopping
Manly Scenic Walkway
Drive over the Spit Bridge - an old style girder bridge that allows yachts and sailing boats to pass through near the Mosman Marina.
Pass by without stopping
Little Manly Beach
See the swimming rockpools at Manly Cove, Manly Ferry Terminal and beautiful Little Manly Beach.
3 minutes here
North Head
Take a cliff edge hike overlooking the entrance of Sydney Harbour at North Head. See the spectacular vertical cliffs surrounding Sydney with 360 degree views over North Harbour, South Head, Sydney Harbour and the Hornby Lighthouse. Between May and October look out for Southern Right whales.
40 minutes here · Admission included
Shelly Beach
Enjoy a leisurely walk from Manly to Shelly Beach along a marine aquatic reserve watching surfers, paddle boarders, snorkelers and scuba divers close to the shore. Admire the colourful shells and spot an eastern water dragon sunbaking on the rocks.
40 minutes here
Manly Beach
Enjoy a beachside lunch in Manly and discover it's myriad of laneway cafes, pubs, breweries and boutique shops.
15 minutes here
Freshwater Beach
Watch surfers shred sparkling waves beneath clifftop condominiums at Freshwater Beach - where the sport of surfing started in Australia.
10 minutes here
Dee Why Beach
See unique rock pools that are cut into the edges of cliffs and rock platforms that are perfect for family swimming and bathing at Curl Curl and Dee Why Beach.
10 minutes here
Long Reef Point
An interesting and scenic walk over a rock platform and around the colourful sand cliffs of Long Reef. Look for seashells, starfish, shark eggs, mussels, clams and sea anenomes. Enjoy the local water birdlife of kestrels, white bellied sea eagles and the Australian Pelican - the world's biggest pelican. Watch paragliders launch over the beach and kitesurfers at Fishermans Beach.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Circular Quay
Optional ferry ride from Manly Wharf to Circular Quay - the hub of Sydney. Glide on Sydney harbour - the world's prettiest waterway, past waterside suburbs, the opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. * at guests expense and approx. $12AUD per person
30 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
with scenic lighthouse walk
Famous Palm Beach & Lighthouse: Adventurous walk to Barrenjoey Lighthouse (northern most tip of Sydney) overlooking Central Coast, Pittwater and Palm Beach. Duration: 2 hours Includes more beaches: discover Avalon, Newport, Bilgola, Whale and Palm Beach, plus a garden lookout on a scenic journey further north from Sydney. Pickup included
Golden Beaches and Ocean Vistas MANLY AND NORTHERN BEACHES PRIVATE TOUR
Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 7 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Personalised Sydney Tours
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 10 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
10 verified traveler reviews for Manly and Northern Beaches Explorer — Clifftop Explorer. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
a to do tour
excellent tour with out of the way places. Very good narrative
Response from the operator: Hi Michel and Jeanne, Many thanks for a wonderful day and glad you enjoyed some local stories and insights at some stunning hidden coastal gems away from the crowds. Hope to meet you both again one day. Kind regards, Ben
via Tripadvisor
Superb private tour with an excellent driver
Ben arranged for everything we wanted to see and do in this tour in a friendly, professional manner. Prompt pick up at hotel in Sydney, Very comfortable vehicle and excellent driving. Lovely scenery, visiting viewpoints allowing time for photographs or a walk if time allowed. Ben had Allocated time for the trip well, especially as we had asked for a lunch break. The return to the hotel was at the time we had requested. If in Australia again would definitely book another trip with him.
Response from the operator: Hi Steven and Rosemary, What a wonderful time we had in a wonderful area of Sydney. Manly and the northern beaches are truly spectacular. Thanks for your nice words and hope to meet up again! Regards, Ben
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful! Highly Recommend!
We had a great time and Ben was a wonderful tour guide! The beaches and scenic lookouts that he took us to were beautiful! We highly recommend this private tour!
Response from the operator: Hi Lori and Dan, Thank you for a memorable, albeit very windy day at Manly and the northern beaches of Sydney. The light and colour on our rock platform walk was stunning. Thanks for your nice words and hope to meet you both again one day. Ben
via Tripadvisor
Amazing Tour of the Greater Sydney Area
What an amazing experience we had with Ben!! So many spectacular places to include the Blue Mtns, Manly Beach, Bondi Beach and the Greater Sydney area and much more! Ben accommodated 9 of us(2 seniors) for 2 full days of sightseeing and giving us an amazing tour even in the rain, wind and cold! He gets out with you and walks and shows you all there is to see(he doesn’t just sits and waits), so engaging!! He can personalize to your group needs and must be part of your adventure while in the Sydney area!
Response from the operator: Hi Julie and family, Was fun to meet you all on a couple of top of days out of Sydney. We were blessed with incredible blue skies for our nature tour of the Blue Mountains, Jamison Valley and Grose Valley. Unfortunately the weather gods weren't as kind for our Bondi and Manly Beach Tour but were able to slip in plenty of lovely walks and vistas between the rain. Glad you enjoyed your time here and would love to see you all again in the Carolinas or if you return here. Regards, Ben
via Tripadvisor
Great overview of the area and some amazing views of Sydney!
A great intro into the area. A perfect way to begin a trip to Sydney. We had Ben pick us up at the airport and used this tour as a kick-off to our trip. It was ideal. Highly recommend
Response from the operator: Hi Kent and crew, What a bubbly and sunny intro out of Sydney Airport and into the lower north shore and sandy strip of Manly. Always a great idea to get outta the airport and straight to Sydney's fine beaches. Thanks for a fun day. Ben
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $160 to $1005
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 69
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Manly and Northern Beaches Explorer — Clifftop Explorer: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Sydney.
How much does Manly and Northern Beaches Explorer — Clifftop Explorer cost?
+
Prices start at $160 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Sydney usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Manly and Northern Beaches Explorer — Clifftop Explorer take?
+
Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Sydney is not rushed.
Is Manly and Northern Beaches Explorer — Clifftop Explorer worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 10 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Sydney, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Manly and Northern Beaches Explorer — Clifftop Explorer?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Manly and Northern Beaches Explorer — Clifftop Explorer suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Manly and Northern Beaches Explorer — Clifftop Explorer?
+
Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Sydney can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Sydney and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Manly and Northern Beaches Explorer — Clifftop Explorer start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Sydney within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Sydney?
+
On Outty we rank every Sydney experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include WILD Wombat and Kangaroo Day Tour, All Inclusive, Depart Syd: Blue Mountains Best All Inclusive with Local Guide, Blue Mountain Small Group Tour All Inclusive. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Sydney?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Sydney?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Manly and Northern Beaches Explorer — Clifftop Explorer.
Pick your date
