Sydney Northern Beaches
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Positives
- Wide swell window
- Variety of beach and reef waves
- Urban entertainment
- Easy access
Negatives
- Rarely classic
- Thick city crowds
- Aggressive line-ups
- Expensive
Sydney Northern Beaches surf travel guide
In 1914, when Duke Kahanamoku arrived in Australia to show off his swimming prowess, he also gave a surfing demonstration at Freshwater Beach. It was a momentous occasion that was to change the image of Australia across the world - surfing had arrived! Since that time, surfing has grown intensely in popularity right around Australia's 25,260km coastline. Since the World Championships in 1964, Sydney has produced a string of talented surfers, unequalled by any other world surf location. This large city population takes pride in its beach culture, and has in many ways ruled the Aussie surf scene. Sydney Harbour (which has some breaks in huge swells) separates the city from The Northern Beaches, which can turn on great waves, especially in the rarer E-NE groundswells and most days have some sort of rideable waves. Protection from all wind directions except SE/E is possible, and the variety of spots caters to all surfing abilities.
Surf spots in Sydney Northern Beaches
Research the 22 surf breaks in Sydney Northern Beaches and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 22 breaks in Sydney Northern Beaches.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Sydney Northern Beaches
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Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Population
- 7,544,000
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- AUD
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 1.27 AUD AUD
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +61
- Dialing out
- 0011
- Emergencies
- 112
- Language
- English
Electricity
- Plug Type
- i
Visas
Everyone except Kiwis needs a visa before arriving in OZ so get one in good time before arriving. European countries, USA, Canada and Japan can get a free tourist visa online (some nations maybe charged a A$20 “service charge”). Visas last for 12 months but you can only stay for a total of either 3 or 6 months within the 12 month period. As always check carefully for any updates before you travel.
Getting There
Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) is serviced by most major international and domestic airlines, located 8 km (5 mi) south of the Sydney central business district, in the suburb of Mascot. Getting from there to the Northern Beaches (Manly) will take about an hour in traffic.
Getting Around
Getting around the 30k’s(19mi) of the northern beaches zone is slow by bus and the driver may refuse your board if the service is at capacity. A rental car makes life easier (fr $30/d). Ferries from Sydney Circular Quay go to Manly. Drive on the left.
Accommodation
Manly Paradise Motel (AU$150-280/dble), Narrabeen Sands Hotel (AU$180/dble), Whale Beach B&B (AU$120). Takeaways and fast food lunch from AU$15 - dinner in a restaurant at least double that - BYO drinks. Coffee shops everywhere charging AU$5 and upwards for a hit.
Activities
Sydney is a cosmopolitan city with plenty of nightlife. Climb the Harbour Bridge for stunning views. The Northern Beaches have large areas of parkland and natural Australian bushland.
Hazards & hassles
Shark worries are minimal as the beaches are all netted. The locals are very competitive but aggressive localism is fairly rare as crowds have increased massively since covid. Parking can be difficult and expensive. All of Sydney's beaches can suffer from sewage pollution in onshores and stormwater after rain. Summer NE winds bring stinging bluebottle jellyfish.
Handy Hints
There are a multitude of surf shops where you can find cheap gear.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.