Relocating to the Northern Beaches, Sydney
The area of Sydney known as 'The Northern Beaches' comprises the coastal suburbs stretching from Manly in the south, to Palm Beach in the north, a distance of around 30kms. It contains some of the most sought-after residential suburbs in Australia and is also a favourite choice of destination for migrants, especially from the UK and South Africa.
The beaches are second to none, including the famous Manly beach, as well as Curl Curl, Narrabeen, Newport and Palm Beach (the setting for TV's 'Home and Away').
The commercial centres of North Sydney and Chatswood are within easy reach and even Sydney's CBD is less than an hour away by car, bus, train or even ferry - surely the best way to travel to work!
There are numerous shopping centres, including the large Warringah Mall, as well as sporting and social facilities.
For a more detailed interactive map of the Northern Beaches area, please click here.
It is sometimes difficult to remember just how 'new' the area is. It was only in 1788 that Captain Arthur Phillip arrived with the First Fleet and soon came across what is know known as Manly Cove. Unlike many of the indigenous Aboriginies that he had already met who were nervous and wary of the white settlers, he found those in Manly confident and 'manly', hence the name given to the place. Manly was the first of the northern beaches suburbs to be settled. A pier was built in the 1850s and soon afterwards, a ferry service to the city was established.
Villages further north remained small until a tramline and bridges were built in the early 1900s. This spurred the development of the area as a tourist destination, but the suburbs only became residential after the Second World War, with shops and businesses following in the 1970s.
Driving north from Manly, it's easy to understand the appeal of living in the Northern Beaches and the suburbs just inland from the coast. Each has its own very individual personality however, and what may suit one family will not suit another. Manly is a lively, busy suburb, with an eclectic mix of backpacker hostels and millionaire homes, whereas Palm Beach exudes calm and sophistication.
Wherever you decide to live, we're sure you won't be disappointed with your choice. The Northern Beaches is far more than a strip of coastline and we hope we can be of help to you on your migration journey to this beautiful location.