Private tour of Ku-Ring-Gai National Park and Northern Beaches

On the way to Balmoral Beach we will visit Georges Heights and see how the military (back in the day) planned to protect Sydney Harbour.

Heritage gun emplacements and canons dating to the 1870s will be 'inspected'.

A seven metre high wall was built to protect the local gunners from invading hordes, complete with loopholes from which to fire rifles.

Balmoral Beach and Rocky Point Island are located in Middle Harbour and provide a perfect location to enjoy the beauty of this much loved suburb.

Balmoral is a harbour beach and due to its location it is a tranquil place, largely protected from the wind and surf.

Rocky Point Island is connected to the nearby land by a small art deco bridge that was constructed during the Great Depression as an employment measure.

We cross the bridge to the island and from this point we have views in every direction that include looking across middle harbour to the Sydney Harbour National Park, Grotto Point Lighthouse and North Head.

At Manly Beach we will walk near the Cabbage Bay Aquatic Reserve to picturesque Shelley Beach.

On the way is a small rock pool with two elegant sculptures, locally known as 'The Sea Nymphs'.

Shelley Beach is unusual in that faces directly back towards Manly Beach.

It is a small secluded beach surrounded by cabbage tree palms. From Shelley Beach we walk up some stairs and enjoy a lookout the provides views of Manly Beaches and the beaches north of Manly.

Depending upon the conditions we may see surfers applying their trade on a reef break with several take off spots.

Whilst in the Manly area we visit the lookout known as North Head in the Sydney Harbour National Park.

This is a great place from which to admire one of the best views of Sydney Harbour and the city of Sydney skyline.

We may also have a photo stop and admire the grand
neo-gothic sandstone building, that was formerly a seminary for priests (St Patricks).

At Palm Beach we walk to the landmark Barrenjoey Lighthouse, constructed of locally sourced Hawkesbury sandstone.

Once at the lighthouse we are spoilt with views in every direction.

Looking south we can see Palm Beach, an isthmus and the Whale Beach Headland. To the north west is Lion Island and Broken Bay. Directly west is the Pittwater inlet which is much loved by boaties, fishermen and kayakers.

Across Pittwater is the lookout we will visit later in the day, West Head.

Palm Beach is known for the long running Aussie soap opera, Home and Away. Filming may even be happening whilst we are there!

We return to the car and continue the adventure driving via the coast so we can get up close and personal to several delightful beaches.

Time for a short stop to admire the orange sands of Avalon Beach.

The Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park contains one of the highest concentration of indigenous art in Australia, home to an estimated 1500 pieces of aboriginal art.

On the way to West Head we will visit ancient Aboriginal rock engravings at the Basin Aboriginal art site. Access to the site is provided by walking through a natural bush setting.

Nearby West Head provides one of the best views in all of Sydney.

The vista includes the isthmus at Palm Beach, Barrenjoey Headland, central coast beaches, the entrance to Pittwater and Lion Island. A truly magnificent sight!