Did you know that the swimming spots on the Northern Beaches are some of the cleanest in Sydney? According to the Sydney Morning Herald's guide to the cleanest and dirtiest beaches in Sydney, the top 1o most pristine (except for one) are all found in the Northern Beaches council area.
If you ask one of the three hundred-thousand odd residents of the Northern Beaches, they'll probably tell you it's unsurprising. But for the other millions residents of the city who are less familiar with Sydney's "insular peninsula", it offers a perfect excuse to ditch the Eastern suburbs crowds and venture North when looking for a swimming spot.
Straight from the mouth of a local, here are some of the best and most underrated beaches and swimming spots on the Northern Beaches – plus, how you can make a day of your visit.
South Curl Curl
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It's just around the corner from the crowds at Freshwater and it's just as pretty. The water is crystal blue. There's a rock pool but also plenty of space to swim in the waves.
Make a day of it: The Beach Eatery near the surf club is a fabulous spot to grab a wine and look at the waves. But you can also head around to the Harbord Hotel for more of a pub lunch feel that will let you walk in with sandy feet.
Paradise Beach
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One of the bay-side beaches, Paradise is a haven with squishy soft sand and almost no waves. It's a short drive from Avalon and there's almost always easy parking.
Make a day of it: Pop into Le Pont wine store in Clareville on the way to stock up on a rosé, cheese and sardines and have a picnic down on the sand.
North Avalon
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Most visitors to Avalon head straight to the South end near the rock pool, but the North end of this beach is a sight to behold. It's quite a walk between to the two, so you're best to drive straight to North Avalon surf club. The colours around the rocks make the views well worth the drive.
Make a day of it: Pop into Avalon Village before you make your way to the sand. Here you'll find boutique shopping like the Bassike flagship, Lee Mathews, Winona Wine and Peggy Concept store. Bar Elvina is perfect for a wine and snacks or Alma for Mexican-inspired cuisine.
Turimetta
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Be warned that this is a non-patrolled beach so best to avoid the waves here if you're not up-to-date with your beach safety. But if you're a confident swimmer, this has some of the cleanest, crisp water in the area. The South end of the beach is an aquatic reserve with some incredible rock pools that you can explore on foot at mid to low tide.
Make a day of it: This is the start and end point of the Narrabeen Headland Walk which offers some of the best views on the Northern Beaches. And make sure to fuel up at Girdler's by the Narrabeen Lagoon.
Little Manly
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A short drive around the corner from Manly Wharf, Little Manly is the prettier and less crowded sister to the Manly Wharf Beaches. Postcard perfect, this is a great spot to relax for an afternoon.
Make a day of it: Ripples cafe is right on the sand – the perfect spot for a long lunch. Alternatively, head to Norma's Greek Deli or Rollers in the main part of Manly. Fill up a box full of sweet treats and focaccia slices and take it with you. If you want a scenic coastal walk, it's also worth making the 20 minute stroll to Collins Flat beach to see the waterfall.
Palm Beach
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Home and Away fans will be very familiar with the North end of the beach, also known as Summer Bay. But the South end, near the rock pool has some of the best swimming. The waves are rarely too big, and the area is frequently visited by dolphins. Keep your eyes peeled.
Make a day of it: Bring sturdy walking shoes if you plan to do the Barrenjoey Lighthouse hike. The views from the top are incredible. Be sure to pop into The Corner, a delightful cafe and providore, perfect if you want to diy a cheese board. Or Dunes has a little, sandy kiosk that sells paninis, burgers and oysters by the half dozen.
Clontarf Beach
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Pack the car with beach chairs and the dog, Clontarf Beach is a spectacular place to hang out for the day. The waters in this Middle-Harbour bay-style beach are calm and there are plenty of public barbecues.
Make a day of it: If a barbecue on the beach isn't for you, a long lunch at Bosk might be perfect. Or the Sandy Bear offers something more casual. Clontarf if also one of the final stops on the Manly to Spit walk. If you are undertaking the 2.5 hour hike, Clontarf is the perfect spot to cool off when you're at the end.
