Narrabeen Lake – Lagoon Beaches, Easy Walks and Family-Friendly Water Access

Narrabeen Lake is located at:
Jamieson Park, Narrabeen NSW 2101
Area: Northern Beaches

Narrabeen Lake is a large coastal lagoon on Sydney’s Northern Beaches that combines calm water, scenic walking and cycling paths, family-friendly picnic areas, and several sandy lagoon-side beaches. It offers a completely different experience to ocean beaches, with sheltered conditions and space to explore at your own pace.

While much of Narrabeen Lake is known for kayaking, paddleboarding, and walking, several areas feature gentle, sandy beaches along the lagoon edge, making it suitable for swimming, paddling, and relaxed beach-style outings without surf or strong waves.

Why Narrabeen Lake is Special

Narrabeen Lake stands out because of its scale and versatility. The lagoon stretches across multiple suburbs and offers a mix of natural bushland, open parkland, and waterfront access points. You can walk, cycle, swim, paddle, picnic, fish, or simply sit by the water – all in one location.

Unlike ocean beaches, the lake provides calm conditions year-round, which makes it accessible to a wider range of visitors, including families with young children, older walkers, and people who prefer flat, easy paths. The lagoon beaches add a softer, safer water entry compared to rockier harbour spots or surf beaches.

Lagoon Beaches at Narrabeen Lake

Several sections of Narrabeen Lake feature sandy, beach-like edges, particularly around popular access points and reserves. These areas are ideal for paddling, wading, and relaxed swimming, especially for children and anyone who prefers shallow water.

The lagoon beaches are not surf beaches. There are no waves, and the water is typically calm, making these spots feel more like natural swimming coves than traditional beaches. Conditions vary depending on rainfall, tides, and lake opening events, but on most days the water is gentle and approachable.

Facilities and Access

Narrabeen Lake is well serviced, with facilities spread across multiple access points rather than concentrated in one location.

Depending on where you enter the lake, you’ll find:

Public toilets
Picnic tables and grassy areas
Playgrounds at selected reserves
Shared walking and cycling paths
Boat ramps and kayak launch points

Cafés, takeaway shops, and local shopping strips are located near several lake sections, particularly around Narrabeen and nearby suburbs.

Best Time to Visit Narrabeen Lake

Narrabeen Lake is enjoyable year-round, but mornings are generally the best time to visit. Early hours offer calmer conditions, fewer people on shared paths, and better light for photography and drone shots.

Weekdays are quieter than weekends. Warmer months attract more swimmers and paddlers, while cooler months are popular with walkers and cyclists. Conditions can change after heavy rain or when the lake is mechanically opened, which may temporarily affect water levels and clarity.

Safety at Narrabeen Lake

Although Narrabeen Lake is calm, it is still a natural waterway. Water quality can vary depending on rainfall and environmental conditions, and swimmers should avoid entering the water after heavy rain.

Some areas have deeper water, boat activity, or shared paths with cyclists, so supervision is important for children. Life jackets are recommended for kayaking and paddleboarding, particularly for beginners.

Who Narrabeen Lake May not Suit

Narrabeen Lake may not suit visitors looking for surf, wave action, or large ocean beaches. It’s also not ideal if you prefer a single, centralised location with all facilities in one spot, as amenities are spread across different access points.

If you’re after surf swimming or patrolled beaches, nearby ocean beaches may be a better choice.

Getting There and Parking

Narrabeen Lake can be accessed from multiple suburbs, including Narrabeen and surrounding areas. Parking availability varies by location, with some street parking and small car parks near popular reserves.

Because the lake is large, choosing your access point based on your activity – walking, swimming, kayaking, or picnicking – will make your visit easier. Public transport options are available nearby, and many locals access the lake on foot or by bike.

Narrabeen Lake at a Glance

Park / Reserve:	Yes
BBQs:	Yes
Picnic Tables:	Yes
Shade:	Yes
Swimming:	Yes
Beach patrolled:	No
Playground:	Yes
Cafes / Restaurants:	Yes
Toilets / Showers:	Yes
Parking:	Street parking in side streets, also several car parks around the lake
Water Sports:	Swimming Kayaking Standup Paddle Boarding

Download Ultimate Beach Packing List

Aerial Drone View of Narrabeen Lake

Things to Do at Narrabeen Lake

If you have young children, they will enjoy:

Paddling and splashing along the lagoon’s sandy edges
Playing on the grass near the water while watching ducks and birds
Riding balance bikes or scooters along flat lakeside paths
Throwing stones into the water and watching ripples spread
Having a picnic close to the water without waves or currents

Narrabeen Lake is especially suited to younger children because of its calm conditions and open space.
More things to do at the beach for kids.

Older kids can:

Swim and float in shallow lagoon areas
Learn basic kayaking or paddleboarding close to shore
Cycle sections of the shared path with supervision
Explore different access points around the lake
Fish from the shore in permitted areas

The lake encourages exploration without the intensity of surf conditions.
More things to do at the beach with family.

Teenagers will have a lot of fun:

Kayaking or paddleboarding longer sections of the lagoon
Walking or cycling parts of the Narrabeen Lagoon Trail
Filming drone or phone footage of the water and surrounding bushland
Fishing from quieter sections of the shoreline
Hanging out in groups without feeling crowded

This is a good spot for teens who enjoy space and movement rather than organised activities.

Adults, parents and couples will enjoy:

Walking or cycling the lagoon loop at their own pace
Kayaking or SUP sessions in calm water
Reading or relaxing near the water with coffee nearby
Scenic photography, especially early morning or late afternoon
Picnics with wide water views and minimal noise

Narrabeen Lake suits people looking for low-stress outdoor time rather than high-energy beach days.

More things to do at the beach for adults.

More things to do at the beach for couples.

Photo Gallery

FAQs about Narrabeen Lake

Is Narrabeen Lake safe for swimming?

Narrabeen Lake is generally safe for swimming in designated, commonly used areas, particularly along the sandy lagoon edges where the water is shallow and calm. Because it is a natural waterway, conditions can vary depending on rainfall, tides, and lake openings. Swimming is best during dry weather periods, and it’s recommended to avoid entering the water for at least 24–48 hours after heavy rain due to potential changes in water quality.

Are there beaches at Narrabeen Lake?

Yes. While Narrabeen Lake is a lagoon, several areas feature sandy, beach-like shorelines. These lagoon beaches allow gentle water entry and are popular for paddling, shallow swimming, and relaxed beach-style outings. They do not have waves and feel very different from ocean beaches, making them suitable for calm water activities.

Is Narrabeen Lake suitable for families with young children?

Yes. Narrabeen Lake is one of the most family-friendly outdoor areas on the Northern Beaches. The calm water, flat shared paths, grassy picnic areas, and playgrounds at selected reserves make it ideal for families. Parents should still supervise children closely near the water, especially around deeper sections or areas with boat activity.

Can you kayak or paddleboard at Narrabeen Lake?

Yes. Narrabeen Lake is extremely popular for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding due to its calm conditions and large size. Beginners often stay close to the shoreline, while more experienced paddlers explore longer sections of the lagoon. Life jackets are recommended, especially for children and inexperienced paddlers.

Is Narrabeen Lake good for walking and cycling?

Yes. Narrabeen Lake is well known for its shared walking and cycling paths, including the popular Narrabeen Lagoon Trail. The paths are mostly flat and suitable for prams, scooters, and bikes. Visitors should be mindful that paths are shared, so cyclists, walkers, and runners often use the same space.

Is Narrabeen Lake patrolled?

No. Narrabeen Lake is not a patrolled swimming area. There are no regular lifeguard services, so visitors should assess conditions themselves and choose appropriate areas to swim or paddle. The lagoon beaches offer gentler conditions, but caution is still advised.

Are there toilets and picnic facilities around Narrabeen Lake?

Yes. Public toilets, picnic tables, grassy areas, and playgrounds are available at several access points around the lake. Facilities are spread out rather than located in one central area, so it’s worth planning your visit based on where amenities are located.

Is fishing allowed at Narrabeen Lake?

Fishing is permitted in Narrabeen Lake in accordance with NSW fishing regulations. Anglers commonly fish from the shoreline or designated spots around the lagoon. Always check current rules, size limits, and licensing requirements before fishing.

Does Narrabeen Lake ever open to the ocean?

Yes. Narrabeen Lake is sometimes mechanically opened to the ocean to manage water levels, particularly after heavy rainfall. When this happens, water levels and conditions can change temporarily, and swimming may not be suitable during or immediately after these events.

What is the best time of day to visit Narrabeen Lake?

Early morning is generally the best time to visit Narrabeen Lake. Conditions are calmer, shared paths are quieter, and lighting is ideal for photography and drone footage. Weekdays are usually less busy than weekends, especially around popular access points.

Is Narrabeen Lake suitable for dogs?

Some areas around Narrabeen Lake allow dogs, particularly on-leash along walking paths, while other sections have restrictions. Always check local signage to ensure you are following current rules regarding dogs and access times.

Who is Narrabeen Lake best suited for?

Narrabeen Lake is best suited for families, walkers, cyclists, kayakers, paddleboarders, and anyone looking for calm water and open space. It’s ideal for people who prefer relaxed outdoor activities rather than surf or wave-based swimming.

Getting to Narrabeen Lake

The best way to get to Fairy Bower Beach is by car, however you can catch public transport.

To plan your trip, check out Transport NSW website – https://transportnsw.info/trip#/trip

Narrabeen Lake offers a rare mix of calm water, lagoon beaches, walking and cycling paths, and open green space on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. It’s a place where you can swim, paddle, walk, or simply slow down, all without the crowds or surf conditions of nearby ocean beaches.

Whether you’re visiting with family, spending time on the water, or exploring the lagoon loop at your own pace, Narrabeen Lake is well suited to relaxed outdoor days and repeat visits. With multiple access points and activities spread around the shoreline, it’s easy to tailor your visit to how you want to spend the day.

If you want a slightly shorter or more family-forward version, I can tighten this up in one pass.

***

Ivana Katz is a Sydney based website designer and travel blogger. Having her own business has given her the freedom to explore the world. She believes travel is the best teacher and her passion for adventure, writing and photography has taken her and her son to some amazing places, including Hawaii, Canada, Fiji, Greece and Czech Republic. Ivana’s favourite thing about travelling is learning, discovering hidden gems and creating memories. She loves nothing more than inspiring other women to chase their dreams and explore the world with their families and friends.