The 191 bus to Palm Beach

This is a bumpy, thumpy ride that takes an hour or so to carry you from the Manly ferry wharf to Palm Beach, and you may well be tempted to bail out to sample beaches and sights along the way.

Whale Beach, on the left, is just one example. You are north of the harbour, and travelling through the Northern Beaches, once known as Manly-Warringah.

Leaving Manly Wharf, veer left, and don't cross the road. The 191 buses are set to run every ten minutes, from the far end, more or less, of the bus shelters. Just tap on with your Opal, and tap off when you get off. You will be quite close to several beaches on the way north, and most of these are quite safe: the next bus will be along in about ten minutes.

Ideal places to stop: Brookvale/Warringah Mall for normal suburban shopping (clothes, shoes, general supplies); Collaroy Beach for a swim; or take a walk around Narrabeen Lake.

The Newport Hotel has been taken over by a swanky chain, but you can have a pleasant drink in an outdoor setting with views, and the food is acceptable. The bus drops you just near the door.

Then again, get off near Barrenjoey House, walk across the park to the ferry wharf and catch a boat to Ettalong or even the Basin, one of the few chances to reach  Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park by public transport. From there, after a gruelling climb of 150 metres or so, you can visit an Aboriginal engraving site. I will get to  engravings later.

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