🔍

Queenscliff

NSW 2096 • Greater Sydney

3,407
Population (2021)
$79,664
Median Income
0.42 km²
Area
$650/wk
Median Rent
CoastalBeachsideAffluentYoung FamiliesInner City

About Queenscliff

Queenscliff is a small but vibrant beachside suburb on Sydney's Northern Beaches, nestled between Manly and Freshwater within the Northern Beaches Council area. Covering just 0.42 square kilometres, it is home to around 3,407 residents and sits beside the iconic Queenscliff headland and beach — one of Sydney's best-known surf breaks. Its compact, dense character is shaped by its position between the ocean and Manly Lagoon, giving it a distinct coastal village atmosphere.

Queenscliff attracts a young and active crowd, with a median age of just 36 and a high proportion of residents aged 25–44. The suburb is popular with surfers, families, and professionals who value the Northern Beaches lifestyle — ocean swimming, coastal walks along the Manly to Spit Bridge trail, and easy access to Manly's shops and restaurants. Median household income is well above Sydney's average, reflecting the suburb's desirability and the premium placed on its beachside location. The strong international flavour — with residents from England, Brazil, the US and France — adds cosmopolitan energy to the local community.

Queenscliff falls under postcode 2096 and is governed by Northern Beaches Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Manly electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2096
Urban Area
Manly - Warringah
LGA / Council
Northern Beaches
Federal Electorate
Warringah
State Electorate
Manly
Type
Major Urban
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-33.78°, 151.29°
Statistical Area
Greater Sydney
Area
0.42 km²
Elevation
38m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Manly Ferry Wharf
1.5 km
18 min

Bus Services

  • 136, 139 — Manly / Chatswood via Spit Bridge 10–45 min

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
17 km
By Train
N/A — ferry from Manly Wharf to Circular Quay (~30 min)
By Car (Peak)
45-60 min via Spit Bridge
By Car (Off-Peak)
25-30 min

🛣️ Manly Ferry is the most popular CBD commute option — a scenic 30-minute journey to Circular Quay. The Spit Bridge can cause delays during peak hours.

Walkability Very Walkable

Beach, cafes, and coastal paths are all walkable. Manly's amenities are a short walk or cycle away.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🌳 Parks & Reserves

There are 3 parks and reserves in Queenscliff.

🔍 Crime Statistics

NSW crime data is provided by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR). Use the interactive tool below to explore recorded crime incidents in Queenscliff by offence type, year and trend.

📊 View Queenscliff Crime Statistics on BOCSAR ↗

Data source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research · Search for "Queenscliff" under Suburb

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$650
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$3,033
Avg Household Size
2.2 people
Median Age
36 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
3,376
Census 2021
3,407
▲ 0.9% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$67,028
Income 2021
$79,664
▲ 18.9% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,999
Born Overseas 1,294

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 382
  • 2. New Zealand 99
  • 3. Brazil 88
  • 4. United States 68
  • 5. South Africa 49
  • 6. France 45
  • 7. Germany 43
  • 8. Ireland 37
  • 9. Italy 37
  • 10. Canada 30

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,437
Australian 892
Irish 496
Scottish 401
Italian 221
German 168
French 88
Dutch 72
Chinese 70
Spanish 58

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,214
Both parents born in Australia
1,536
Both parents born overseas
527
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
56.8%
Christianity
36.5%
Buddhism
0.8%
Hinduism
0.4%
Judaism
0.4%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
201 (5.9%)
5-14 years
230 (6.8%)
15-19 years
123 (3.6%)
20-24 years
156 (4.6%)
25-34 years
899 (26.4%)
35-44 years
640 (18.8%)
45-54 years
416 (12.2%)
55-64 years
379 (11.1%)
65-74 years
219 (6.4%)
75-84 years
109 (3.2%)
85+ years
43 (1.3%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Queenscliff NSW known for? +

Queenscliff is known for its surf beach, particularly the Queenscliff headland break, which is one of Sydney's most popular surf spots. It also sits at the northern end of the famous Manly to Spit Bridge coastal walk.

How do you get from Queenscliff to Sydney CBD? +

The most popular option is to walk or catch a bus to Manly Wharf (~1.5 km) and take the Manly Ferry to Circular Quay, a scenic 30-minute journey. By car via the Spit Bridge takes 45–60 minutes in peak traffic.

What is the median rent in Queenscliff NSW? +

The median weekly rent in Queenscliff is $650, according to the 2021 Census.

What LGA is Queenscliff NSW in? +

Queenscliff is part of the Northern Beaches Council local government area.

Is Queenscliff a good place to live? +

Queenscliff consistently ranks as one of Sydney's most desirable suburbs thanks to its beach, coastal lifestyle, and proximity to Manly's amenities. Its high median income and strong demand reflect its popularity.