Freshwater Beach
Swim spot · Freshwater Beach
Surf beach between two headlands, known as the birthplace of surfing in Australia: Hawaiian champion Duke Kahanamoku gave his famous surfboard riding display here in the summer of 1914 to 1915. There is a 50 metre saltwater pool at the northern end.
It is less well known than the big Sydney beaches, so it is usually less crowded, with lovely sunsets. Summer weekends are lively, though, and parking is limited when the surf club has a carnival on.
Freshwater Beach, Freshwater NSW 2096
Good to know
- Patrol season
- Lifeguard patrols run until late May, longer than most Northern Beaches surf beaches.
- Who patrols
- Council lifeguards patrol daily in season, supported by volunteer surf lifesavers on weekends and public holidays.
- Ocean pool
- An eight-lane, 50 m saltwater pool sits at the north end and is popular with lap swimmers.
- Swimming
- Council describes good family swimming conditions, with excellent bodyboarding at the south end.
- Facilities
- Listed facilities include toilets, showers, BBQ, kiosk, cafe and restaurant.
- Accessibility
- A beach wheelchair can be borrowed from the lifeguards on duty; there is an accessible playground and disabled parking.
- Parking
- Free with a Northern Beaches Council parking permit; otherwise pay and display at the meter.
- Public transport
- The beach can be reached by bus.
- Dogs
- Council says no dogs are allowed on its beaches or rock pools.