Always check the conditions when you arrive and swim between the flags.
South Curl Curl Beach
Live conditions and scores
South Curl Curl is a wide open stretch on Sydney's Northern Beaches, facing east-southeast into the Pacific. It gets good morning light and picks up plenty of swell, which is why surfers and bodyboarders make it a regular stop.
The hazards here are real and worth knowing before you go in. Strong rips run across the beach, and the southern end has a permanent rip called the Garbage Bowl that can catch people out. Rocks and reef are also in play, so swimmers should stick between the flags and stay away from the edges.
At the southern end you'll find a 50m, 8-lane ocean rock pool plus a separate toddler wading pool with ramp access. The beach is patrolled in season, which makes it a more comfortable day out for families. You'll find parking, toilets, and a cafe close by. It's also a good spot for a walk along the beach if you're keeping out of the water.
If you're into fishing or just want a solid surf, South Curl Curl is a dependable choice on the Northern Beaches. Just check the conditions before you go in.
What Makes It Special
- •Patrolled on weekends and public holidays
- •Strong rips throughout, including a permanent southern rip known as the Garbage Bowl
- •50m ocean rock pool and a toddler wading pool at the southern end, with ramp access
- •Rocks and reef near the edges, so stick to the flags for a swim
- •Reliable surf and solid bodyboarding when the swell is running
- •Parking, toilets and a cafe right there
- •Good stretch for a coastal walk or some rock fishing
Best Time to Visit
This east-southeast-facing beach picks up NE swells well, which is when surfers and bodyboarders get the most out of it. Outside the flags, the Garbage Bowl rip and reef make things rough, so stick to the patrolled area.