Queenscliff Beach, Sydney: Surfing, rock pool & Worm Tunnel

At the north end of Manly Beach, Queenscliff Beach is famous for big waves, the rock-cut ocean pool and the Manly Worm Tunnel through to Freshwater Beach.

Queenscliff Beach in Sydney is both really easy to find and incredibly difficult to find. It’s easy, because it’s basically a continuation of one of the most famous beaches in Australia. And it’s difficult because most people are looking for a separate beach entirely.

Queenscliff Beach is not a separate beach. It’s the northern end of Manly Beach. There’s local politics behind the naming – essentially the suburb of Queenscliff is behind the northern end, and they’re not giving in. But it doesn’t really matter.

Manly experiences to book before you arrive

Northern Beaches and Ku-Ring-Gai National Park guided tour – enjoy the best of northern Sydney.
Manly and Shelly Beach snorkelling tour – discover Sydney’s secret underwater world.
Stand-up paddleboard hire – glide along the harbour.
Self-guided bike tour – visit several gorgeous spots on two wheels.
Single kayak or double kayak hire – paddle yourself to hidden harbour beaches.

Surfing at Queenscliff Beach

The key question is whether it’s worth the bother of walking up the esplanade for a different part of the same beach. If you’re an experienced surfer, the answer is a definite “yes”. Some of the best breaks in Sydney take place in the rip off Queenscliff Beach. During particularly big swells, bomboras develop, and pro surfers head out on jetskis towards the hard, heavy waves.

13 brilliant experiences in Sydney you should book

The Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains.

(💲Great value 💲) Tick off several bucket list items on a highlights-packed Blue Mountains day tour.
Get perfect views of the world’s most beautiful city on a Sydney Harbour helicopter tour.
Save money with a multi-attraction pass.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Enjoy the romance of a tall ship cruise on Sydney Harbour.
Eat all you can at the Skyfeast at the top of Sydney Tower.
See migrating humpbacks – on a whale-watching cruise.
(Highly recommended ✅) Go behind the scenes of Australia’s most famous building on an Opera House tour.
Dine as the city lights up on sunset dinner cruise around the harbour.
Combine beers and stories on a historic pubs tour through the convict-era Rocks district.
Stand on your board and catch waves during Bondi Beach surfing lessons.
Go to wombat and kangaroo-spotting hotspots on a Southern Highlands tour.
Enjoy Sydney’s wild side on a Manly snorkelling & nature walk.
(🥇Top choice in Sydney) And, best of all, paddle to hidden beaches on a harbour kayaking adventure.

Is it safe to swim at Queenscliff Beach?

There are rips all along Manly Beach/ Queenscliff Beach. It is patrolled by lifeguards, but swimming between the flags is essential. This beach is the scene of more surf lifesaver rescues than almost any other in Australia.

If you would prefer a safe swim, then the 50 metre ocean pool built into the rocks at the northern end of Queenscliff Beach is the best bet.

It’s free to swim here, and it’s one of the best reasons to visit Queenscliff Beach.

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Skip the queues – and get the best prices – with mobile-friendly advance tickets for these top Sydney attractions.

Taronga Zoo – the zoo with harbour views (and plenty of cute Aussie animals)
Sydney Opera House – official walking tour. See behind the scenes!
Wild Life Sydney – Aussie animal favourites in convenient Darling Harbour location. Perfect if on limited time.
Sydney Cricket Ground – behind the scenes secrets tour.
Sydney Tower Eye – 360 degree views from 250 metres above the city.

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Manly Worm Tunnel

The other key reason to visit Queenscliff Beach is the Manly Worm Tunnel. This passage between the rocks on the headland is only accessible at low tide, and it takes you through to the next of the Northern Beaches – Freshwater Beach.

Lesser-known beaches in Manly worth considering include Store Beach, Little Manly Beach and Collins Beach.