Resources Page Northern Beaches, Sydney

This resource is brought to you by Manly Cove Podiatry. 

If you’re into scenic coastal walks, surfing, swimming, snorkeling, or simply admiring nature’s beauty and the ocean, you should definitely put Long Reef Headland on your travel bucket list. 

Long Reef Headland is a prominent stretch of land located in the Northern Beaches, at approximately 20 km from Sydney CBD. Long Reef is considered to be the perfect recreational spot, as it’s one of the most interesting and picturesque locations in Sidney. There are plenty of things to see and do around Long Reef Headland, so if you’re having a hard time deciding where to start, here are a few recommendations that you might find useful.

Start with a scenic walk to the headland

In order to get to the headland, you can start your journey on Anzac Avenue or on one of the other side streets, walk along Fishermans Beach and continue around the ocean edge until you reach the path at the eastern end that will take you to the headland. Another interesting option is to walk from Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club to the headland. You’ll get to see the Dee Why Lagoon, stroll along Long Reef Beach, and admire spectacular views. 

This is a dog-friendly trail, so you can take your dog with you if he enjoys beach walks (which all dogs love). And if you’re not a dog owner, chances are you’ll make a few furry friends along the way.  

Explore Long Reef Aquatic Reserve

Being the first aquatic reserve declared in NSW (1980), Long Reef Aquatic Reserve has played an important role in protecting the local flora and fauna. So, this is a great spot if you want to learn more about fascinating marine animals and plants that inhabit the area, and maybe spot some along the way. 

If you look closely enough, you’ll also be able to find aboriginal shell middens. However, since this is a protected area, you can’t take anything with you, but you do get to see a variety of aquatic creatures such as crabs, small fish, or urchins. You won’t be able to bring a four-legged buddy along either for obvious reasons.

Fishermans Beach

Named after the fishermen that once lived in the area, Fishermans Beach is located between Collaroy point and the northern base of Long Reef Point. While Fishermans Beach might not be as spectacular as Long Reef Beach is, having a more rustic atmosphere, it does have a unique charm that most people enjoy.

This is a great spot if you want to escape the crowds and swim in calm waters, as it’s a more secluded area that doesn’t see as many visitors as more popular beaches do. Since the waters here are calmer, this is also the place to go if you want to try other aquatic sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, or paddling. And if you’re not keen on taking a dip, you can always enjoy a nice picnic under the trees.