Always check the conditions when you arrive and swim between the flags.
Dee Why Beach
Live conditions and scores
Dee Why runs 1.2 km of golden sand about 18 km north-east of Sydney's CBD. You'll find the Dee Why Lagoon Wildlife Refuge behind the northern end, and the promenade along The Strand lines you up with cafes, restaurants, and fish-and-chip shops.
The main surf spot is Dee Why Point, a right-hand barrel breaking over a shallow rock platform. Expect crowds on solid swells, and the rocks are unforgiving. If you're learning, the beach break inside the point is calmer and there's a surf school on site.
If you'd rather skip the surf, head to the southern end where there's a 50m ocean pool and an enclosed toddler pool. Rip currents run through the main beach, so swim between the flags. Lifeguard patrols run from early September to late May.
Ted Jackson Reserve next door has BBQs, a fenced playground, and an outdoor table tennis table. Parking gets tight and pricey on weekends. The B1 express from the city takes about 35 to 40 minutes.
What Makes It Special
- •50m ocean pool and a toddler pool at the south end, great if you'd rather skip the surf
- •Dee Why Point breaks hard over shallow rock and draws serious surfers, best in winter
- •Patrolled by Dee Why SLSC from early September through May
- •Playground, BBQs, and picnic tables at Ted Jackson Reserve right beside the beach
- •The Strand runs along the beachfront with cafes, fish and chips, and restaurants steps from the sand
- •Dee Why Lagoon Wildlife Refuge backs onto the northern end, worth a wander if you're into birdwatching
Best Time to Visit
For surf, winter is the pick, with June the peak month at Dee Why Point. Swimmers and families get the most out of it from early September to late May, when the beach is patrolled. Head down on a weekday if you can, weekends bring crowds and pricier parking.