Queenscliff
Suburb profile, market snapshot and recent listings for Queenscliff, NSW 2096.
About Queenscliff
Welcome to Queenscliff
Queenscliff sits on Sydney's northern beaches, a slender pocket of coastline squeezed between Manly and Curl Curl, roughly 17 kilometres north-east of the CBD. It's easy to overlook on a map, but locals know it as one of the peninsula's best-kept beachside addresses — small, tightly held, and defined almost entirely by its relationship to the sand and the headland at its northern end.
With a population of just 3,407 and a median age of 36, Queenscliff attracts a mix of young professionals, downsizers and long-term beach devotees who want ocean living without the crowds of neighbouring Manly. It suits anyone happy to trade a big backyard for a short walk to the water, and who doesn't mind paying a premium for the privilege.
Lifestyle & dining
Life in Queenscliff revolves around Queenscliff Beach and the rocky headland separating it from Manly's more famous stretch of sand. The beach itself is a drawcard for bodysurfers and swimmers who prefer a quieter alternative to the main tourist strip, while the ocean pool and surrounding rock pools are a fixture for early-morning regulars. For cafes, restaurants and larger shopping options, residents typically wander or drive the short distance into Manly or Freshwater, both of which offer a far bigger spread of dining than Queenscliff's own compact commercial footprint.
Shopping
Queenscliff isn't a shopping destination in its own right, and that's part of its appeal — daily errands mean a quick trip to the Manly Corso or the Freshwater village shops, both close enough to reach on foot or by a short drive. Manly in particular delivers the full run of supermarkets, boutiques and weekend markets, meaning Queenscliff residents get beachside tranquility without sacrificing convenience.
Getting around
Being wedged between Manly and Curl Curl, Queenscliff relies on the northern beaches bus network for public transport, with services connecting through to Manly Wharf for the ferry into Circular Quay, or running along the coast towards Freshwater, North Manly and Manly Vale. There's no train line on the peninsula, so most residents either drive or use the bus-and-ferry combination for city commutes, and the Manly ferry remains one of the more scenic commutes in Sydney.
Parks & recreation
Beyond the beach itself, the headland reserves and coastal walkway linking Queenscliff to Manly and on to Shelly Beach are a major lifestyle asset, popular with walkers, runners and cyclists year-round. The nearby Manly Golf Course and the green spaces around North Manly and Manly Vale give locals further options without having to leave the immediate area.
The property market
Queenscliff's housing stock leans heavily towards apartments and units, which make up around 85% of current listings against just 15% houses — a reflection of the suburb's narrow, high-density footprint hard against the coast. The median unit price sits at $1.35 million, underlining how tightly held and sought-after this stretch of beachfront real estate remains. Buyers are typically chasing lifestyle over land size, and competition for well-located apartments with ocean glimpses or easy beach access tends to be strong.
Schools & families
While Queenscliff itself is small, families have ready access to the broader northern beaches schooling network through Manly, Freshwater and North Manly, and the suburb's beach-and-headland lifestyle has long appealed to families keen on an outdoors-focused upbringing. Its proximity to Manly Vale and Curl Curl also widens the net for schooling and childcare options without adding much to the daily commute.
Market snapshot
Queenscliff property market
Median sale price
$1.35m
Unit · 2 bed
Median rent
$975
per week
Gross rental yield
3.8%
annual rent ÷ sale price
Typical price range
Entry
$1.15m
Median
$1.35m
Premium
$1.89m
Days on market
20
Auction clearance
71%
Sold this year
59
Median sold price trend · Unit 2 bed
Compound growth -3.2% / yr over 4 yrs
Median price by bedrooms · Unit
Property types on market
Share of current listings in Queenscliff by dwelling type.
Who lives here
Demographics
ABS Census 2021 figures for Queenscliff, NSW 2096.
Population
3,407
residents (2021)
Median age
36
years
Household income
$2,903
median, per week
Median rent
$650
per week
Median mortgage
$3,033
per month
Mortgage / income
24%
comfortable
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2021. Suburb-level (SAL) aggregates.
Recent results
Recently sold in Queenscliff
$1.24m
21/40-44 Dalley Street
Sold ~July 2026
$760k
7/104 Crown Road
Sold ~July 2026
$860k
1/53 Queenscliff Road
Sold ~June 2026
Sold prices as published on the original listing; some may reflect the last advertised price. Dates are approximate.
Explore the area
Properties & amenities in Queenscliff
Compare the area
Price map around Queenscliff
Every listing for sale near Queenscliff, coloured by price — so you can see how it stacks up against the streets and suburbs next door.
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Nearby suburbs
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Common questions
Queenscliff suburb FAQ
What is the median property price in Queenscliff?
The median unit price in Queenscliff, NSW is $1.35m for a 2-bedroom home. Over the past year, median sold prices have risen about 0.9%.
How much is rent in Queenscliff?
The median weekly rent in Queenscliff is around $975 per week.
Is Queenscliff a good place to live?
Queenscliff is a suburb of northern Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Queenscliff is an established residential suburb in NSW, with a population of around 3,407.
What is the population of Queenscliff?
Queenscliff has a population of 3,407 (ABS 2021 Census), with a median age of 36.
How long do homes take to sell in Queenscliff?
Properties in Queenscliff take around 20 days to sell on average, with an auction clearance rate of about 71%.
How much do you need to buy in Queenscliff?
Entry-level properties in Queenscliff start around $1.15m, while premium homes reach $1.89m.
What suburbs are near Queenscliff?
Suburbs near Queenscliff include Freshwater, Manly, Manly Vale, Curl Curl and North Manly.
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