Freshwater beach

The Freshwater Beach, New South Wales is a part of the Manly-Freshwater National and World Surfing Reserve. Its location is about 17 kilometres north-east of the Sydney Central Business District and easily accessible by public transport or by car. It is one of the smallest of all the Northern Beaches, only about 350 m long. Despite it’s relative small size, this place recognises many cultural, historical, and environmental values of famous surfing beaches.

On it’s inception the suburb was originally called Harbord but was later renamed. The new name comes from a small creek running out the northern end, which provided fresh water to the campers who camped here back in the 1900s. It is located between two headlands with Queenscliff at the South and the Freshwater Headland at the North.

Surfing and Swimming

As it is flanked by headlands on both sides, it produces exceptional surf conditions. Freshwater receives waves averaging 1.5m. This produces three persistent rips, a shifting rip in the centre and one against each headland. These conditions are good for surfing but potentially dangerous for swimming. The beach averages about 121 rescues per year. Despite the rips, swimming between the flags is safe and child friendly. This beach is patrolled by life guards during the day. There is also a rock pool located on the northern platform.

Surfing History

The Freshwater Beach is the place where surfboard riding officially began in Australia. On 10 January 1915 a famous Hawaiian surfer and swimmer “Duke” Kahanamoku demonstrated his surfing skills in front of thousands of spectators on his board carved from a piece of local timber. The famous board is had been lovingly maintained and is still the pride of place at the surf club. There is also a life-size statue of Duke Kahanamoku on the northern headland that honours the historic day.

Facilities

Despite being a small beach, it has all the essential facilities including a Viewing Platform, accessible washrooms, picnic area, etc. It also has a popular eight-lane, 50m saltwater pool at the north end which overlooks the coastline.

Photography opportunities at Freshwater Beach

The beach provides astonishing views to photograph. The North Headland has a circular viewing area with a low stonewall from where you can photograph and capture the calm and beautiful views. Part of Manly Beach and entire Cabbage Tree Bay with its famous Shelly Beach is visible from this location. It can provide amazing sunrise views in the peak of summer.

Would you like to learn more about sunrise photography? Read our article dedicated to photographing sunrises at Sydney Beaches

At City Vista Photography, we have a huge array of stunning wall art prints of Sydney’s most famous landmarks including Freshwater. So make sure you visit our online print shop today.