Freshwater Beach

Freshwater sits in a bay between two headlands on Sydney's Northern Beaches. The north headland blocks the summer nor'easter, so the water runs calmer than Manly just down the road. At the north end you'll find a 50-metre, eight-lane saltwater pool and a rock pool alongside the surf.

The beach break works on east-northeast swells with northwest offshores, and fires at all tides. The north and middle sections suit beginners, with waves typically 1-2 metres. Head south when the swell builds if you want more punch. Winter delivers the cleanest runs. Watch the rocks near the point.

In the summer of 1914-15, Duke Kahanamoku introduced surfboard riding to Australia here, with demonstrations on 24 December 1914 and 10 January 1915. A life-size statue on the northern headland marks the spot, and the beach is part of the Manly-Freshwater World Surfing Reserve, designated in 2012.

An upscale Sardinian restaurant sits on the headland overlooking the sand. A 2 km clifftop track leads north to Curl Curl. Summer weekends get busy but it stays quieter than Manly or Bondi. Dogs are welcome, and lifeguards can loan a beach wheelchair.