Get a taste of the Northern Beaches in Mona Vale. The coastal neighbourhood combines beautiful beaches and fantastic surf breaks with easy access to the Sydney CBD. Relax on golden sand beaches, swim in the saltwater rockpool and bushwalk in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
Things to do in Mona Vale
A rocky outcrop separates the two main beaches in Mona Vale. The southern beach is patrolled by lifeguards and is a great place to swim. Bask on the honey-coloured sand, cool off in the Pacific Ocean and grab a bite to eat from the café. Find picnic shelters, barbecues and a playground in nearby Apex Park.
Swim laps in the 25-metre-long Mona Vale Rockpool. Waves spill into the saltwater pool at high tide. There’s also a small, shallow pool for young kids. To the north is The Basin, a sheltered beach popular with strong swimmers, while the small offshore reef break is ideal for longboards. Walk along the beach to the rocky headland and watch paragliders launch themselves off the cliffs.
Use Mona Vale as a launchpad to explore the famous Northern Beaches. The region stretches for 30 kilometres from Manly to Palm Beach and is dotted with lively towns and communities, each with a unique personality. Snorkel in the sheltered waters of Shelly Beach, kayak around Narrabeen Lagoon and plunge into the rockpools at Dee Why and Curl Curl.
Lace up your walking shoes and explore Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. It’s one of the oldest national parks in Australia and protects a pristine pocket of native bushland. Follow the Red Hands Cave track to see ancient Aboriginal rock art.
Getting around Mona Vale
Mona Vale is in the Northern Beaches of Sydney, a one-hour drive from the city centre and 1.5 hours by bus. The neighbourhood is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. Sydney Airport is a 1.5-hour drive away.