Narrabeen Beach: Create Unforgettable
Memories That Will Last a Lifetime
Ocean Street, Narrabeen, NSW
Area: Northern Beaches
With its pristine white sandy beaches, Narrabeen Beach is a popular spot for surfers from all over the country.
Narrabeen Beach is part of Sydney’s Northern Beaches and is located approximately 29 km north of the CBD. The beach is known for its long stretch of sand, clean water and great surf conditions. It is divided into 3 parts, each with its own surf club – Collaroy, Narrabeen and North Narrabeen. The Beach is safe for swimming with lifeguards patrolling during summer months and at times during winter. There are many things to do at this wonderful spot including boogie boarding, fishing, surfing, sunbathing and walking. It’s also a great spot for photographers as the northern views are stunning.
Many local businesses have been established to service the needs of locals and people visiting Narrabeen Beach including cafes, restaurants, accommodation, activities and surf shops.
Narrabeen Beach at a Glance
| Park / Reserve: | Yes – several small reserves near the beach. Also Berry Reserve nearby. |
| BBQs: | Yes |
| Picnic Tables: | Yes |
| Shade: | No |
| Swimming: | Yes |
| Beach patrolled: | Yes |
| Playground: | Yes |
| Cafes / Restaurants: | Yes |
| Toilets / Showers: | Yes |
| Parking: | Paid parking in several car parks next to the beach and some unlimited parking in side streets |
| Water Sports: | Swimming Surfing Body Boarding Standup Paddle Boarding Kite Surfing |
Things to Do at Narrabeen Beach
Children, they will enjoy:
- Making footprints in the sand
- Looking for sea creatures at the rockpool
- Create a beach aquarium
- Have swimming races at the rockpool
Teenagers will have a lot of fun:
- Boogie boarding
- Taking photos and posting them on Instagram
- Surfing
- Playing beach cricket
More things to do at the beach for teenagers.
Adults / parents / couples will enjoy:
- Beach fishing
- Playing beach tennis
- Collecting driftwood to use at home for decorating
- Taking a walk along Narrabeen lagoon trail
Photo Gallery
Can You Surf at Narrabeen Beach?
Narrabeen is a world famous surfing beach due to its size, access and surrounding points/rocks providing shelter from the south-west swells.
Surfing at the beach is possible at most times of the year. The best waves are generally in autumn and winter, although surfable waves can be had during most times of the year.
Surfing conditions can be unpredictable due to variations caused by local tides, winds, rocks, sand bars and the shape of the coastline.
Local knowledge is essential to avoid being caught in dangerous situations. A quick check with local surfers or lifeguards will give you some idea of current conditions.
The wave breaks are best with an easterly, north-easterly or south-westerly swell at approximately 4ft to 6ft (1.2m – 1.8m) but can produce waves up to 10ft (3m). Both right and left-hand turns can be made on most breaks along the beach depending on the size of the swell and prevailing wind direction.
North Narrabeen point has hosted many ASP world surfing championships and a number of international events.
Is It Safe to Swim at Narrabeen Beach?
Narrabeen Lagoon also referred to as Narrabeen Lake has several areas which are suitable for swimming, stand up paddle boarding or kayaking. A great family friendly area is on either side of the Narrabeen Lagoon Bridge on Ocean Street.
Is Narrabeen Beach Patrolled?
The beach is patrolled by lifeguards during daylight hours, seven days a week during summer and on the weekends in winter.
To see whether the beach is open and/or patrolled on any given day, check out Northern Beach Council website.
Dolphins at Narrabeen Beach
You can often see dolphins playing in the waves and travelling between Collaroy and North Narrabeen. I am lucky that one of my friends lives right near the beach and lets me know when they are around. I have been known to fly out the door, one shoe in hand just to get to the beach in time to see them.
Last time I went, I felt like I got a private dolphin show. They played right in front of me for about an hour, before moving up north. What a spectacular sight!
Is Narrabeen Beach Dog Friendly?
You will see many people walk their dogs along the beach and lagoon, however, these are not designated off-leash areas. If you are wanting to let your furry friends run unleashed, take them to Deep Creek Reserve or Progress Park.
Beach Pool
Located on the northern end of Narrabeen Beach, close to a small carpark, café and Narrabeen Lagoon, the beach pool is a popular swimming spot for families and the locals.
The pool faces north-east and as such suffers relatively little from coastal winds which can be so strong at times during winter months. The water temperature under the surface remains surprisingly warm due to the influence of the sun’s rays even on cold days.
You will also find change rooms and toilets near the pool and outdoor showers.
Narrabeen Beach Weather
Weather in Sydney is warm to hot during summer and cool in winter. The average temperature in summer is 27 degrees C and in winter 15 degrees C. Occasionally the temperature will rise to 35+ degrees C and in winter it can dip as low as 5 degrees C.
For daily weather forecast at Narrabeen, check out the Bureau of Meteorology Website.
Narrabeen Beach Cafes
Oceans Narrabeen Café
Located across the road from North Narrabeen Surf Club, Oceans is a popular spot amongst locals. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and serves great coffee and a large variety of entrée and share plates, gourmet burgers, salads and main meals.
Visit Oceans Narrabeen Cafe website.
Nourished Café and Lounge
A relatively new kid on the block, Nourished Café has become a popular café for beach goers. Located across the road from Narrabeen lagoon, the café offers indoor and outdoor dining. For breakfast enjoy buttermilk pancakes, Paleo Power Bread or an omelette. Lunch menu includes dishes such as Smoked trout bruchetta, fish and chips, Nachos …and more. The café caters to customers with different dietary needs including Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free and Dairy free.
Visit Nourished Cafe website.
Cabana Beach Kiosk
Located on the top floor of Narrabeen Surf Club, Cabana Beach Kiosk offers beautiful views of Narrabeen beach. It is open for breakfast and lunch during the week and on the weekend it is also open for dinner. The café serves delicious food including Pulled Pork Tacos, Chicken & Haloumi Salad, Bucket of Prawns, Chicken Wings and more.
BBQ Facilities
There are several areas with BBQ facilities:
- Collaroy end of the beach
- North Narrabeen beach near the surf club
- North Narrabeen rockpool area near the carpark
- Bilarong Reserve
You will also find a picnic area with tables and other facilities including toilets, playgrounds and bubblers.
NRMA Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park
The NRMA Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park is a great place to stay. It’s close to the beach and has excellent facilities including
- BBQs
- Camp kitchen
- WiFi
- Playground
- Kiosk
- Laundry
- Kids club
And more
Stay in an authentic cabin overlooking the lake or choose a camp or caravan site.
Narrabeen Beach Playground
There are several playgrounds located near the beach.
At the southern Collaroy end, you will find a recently renovated enclosed playground, suitable for all ages.
North Narrabeen end also has an enclosed playground near the surf club.
Narrabeen Lagoon has a large climbing frame and swings.
Fishing at Narrabeen Beach
Fishing at Narrabeen Beach is possible at most times of the year. The best baits include prawns, whitebait, squid and crabs. The most popular species include whiting, flathead, bream and luderick.
Narrabeen Beach Market
If you’re looking for a great place to go shopping on the northern beaches, head over to The Beaches Market at Warriewood (approximately 10 minute walk from North Narrabeen Beach).
There’s something for everyone – from fresh produce and crafts to clothes and homewares. And it’s all set in a beautiful coastal setting, making it the perfect spot for a day out with friends or family. So make sure you put The Beaches Market on your list of places to visit next time you’re in the area!
The Market is open every Friday from 8am to 12.30pm.
Toilets and Showers
Toilets and showers can be found at several spots along Narrabeen Beach, including
- Narrabeen Rockpool,
- North Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Clubs
- South Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club
- Tramshed Terminus
- Devitt Street Reserve
To find more public toilets and amenities visit the Northern Beaches Council website.
Water Temperature
The water temperature ranges between 16-24°C during summer months. The water is shallow and gets warmer near the beach shore and in parts of the lagoon, making it easy for swimmers of any age or ability to get in and enjoy themselves. If swimming at the beach, make sure you swim between the flags.
Parking at Narrabeen Beach
There are several car parks along the beach, but they fill up quickly during summer, so it is wise to get to the beach early. You may also find free street parking in most adjoining streets.
How to Get to Narrabeen Beach
The best way to get to Narrabeen Beach is by car, however you can catch public transport.
To plan your trip, check out Transport NSW website – https://transportnsw.info/trip#/trip
Accommodation near Narrabeen Beach
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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.
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