SYDNEY HARBOUR - NORTH SHORE

Burns Bay

Burns Bay Reserve: UBD Map 215 Ref P 5. Koorong Road, Riverview. Burns Bay is one of a number of tranquil bays on the Lane Cove River. This reserve, at the bay's head, has a sewerage aqueduct across it, which somewhat spoils the view. Behind it is a soccer field (Burns Bay Oval) backed by a pleasant shaded park area alongside Tannery Creek (also known as Burns Bay Creek). As the valley narrows, a walking trail leads into the upper section of the valley and what must be one of the most picturesque bushland reserves in the Sydney suburban area. The walking trails follow the creek through Tennyson Park, emerging on River Road. Harbourside boat launching ramp at end of Koorong Rd.
Public transport: train to Chatswood, bus No. 532, alight at Riverview St, Riverview

Greenwich Baths: UBD Map 215 Ref J 14. O'Connell Street, Greenwich. The most westerly beach on Port Jackson, Greenwich Baths is a sheltered swimming enclosure in a small bay towards the end of the Greenwich peninsula.
Facilities: picnic tables, toilets, kiosk, shaded grassed area, children's'' playground.
Public transport: ferry to Greenwich wharf, walk north along Mitchell St, right into George St, right into Albert St.

Whiting Beach: UBD Map 8 Ref Q 13. The most secluded beach on Sydney Harbour, Whiting Beach is reached by taking the Taronga Zoo ferry and taking the path to the left on arrival. Follow the narrow ribbon of bushland outside the zoo, then down some steps to Whiting Beach. Look carefully and you can see a few examples of Aboriginal rock art. Further on the track is Sirius Cove Reserve on Little Sirius Cove.
The beaches of Sydney and Middle Harbours have been known for years as great spots to catch whiting, particularly from November to March when they are readily caught. No doubt someone in the forgotten past made a good catch at Whiting Beach, hence its name.
Public transport: ferry to Taronga Zoo.

Little Sirius Cove: UBD Map 8 Ref Q 13.
Little Sirius Cove has a sandy beach with shaded grassed areas, play equipment for children, toilets and picnic tables and offers good harbour views. The beach and reserve are pet friendly, and are therefore great for a picnic. Entry is via Curlew Camp Road. Aside from being well-known for its nice secluded location, this beach is also famous as the campsite of artist Arthur Streeton, who set up camp here from 1892 to 1897. Streeton and Tom Roberts painted many of the masterpieces of Australian Impressionism while staying at Curlew Camp on the edge of Little Sirius Cove.
Public transport: ferry to Taronga Zoo.

Bradleys Head: UBD Map 237 Ref C 2. Bradleys Head Road, Mosman. One of Sydney's most historic headlands, now part of Sydney Harbour National Park. The mast mounted on the point is from HMAS Sydney, which did battle with the German cruiser Emden in 1914. Near the mast is a stone column from the original General Post Office in Sydney. It marks a distance of one nautical mile from Fort Denison. The semi-circular convict-built waterfront fortifications, a firing wall and single cannon mount were constructed in the 1840s by Gov. Gipps at the time Fort Denison was constructed. The beach is much smaller than it used to be, the section beside the jetty has been inexplicably replaced by a stone retaining wall.
The beaches on Athol Bay give views across the harbour to the city skyline. A challenging walk from the Taronga Park wharf to Bradley's Head follows the shore of Athol Bay, away from suburban streets to rich, natural bushland teeming with bird life.
Facilities: grassed areas, picnic facilities, toilets.
Public transport: ferry to Taronga Zoo. Walk beyond zoo entrance to Bradleys Head, or train to North Sydney station, bus. No. 150 to Mosman, alight in Bradleys Head Road at turnoff to ferry wharf.

Clifton Gardens: UBD Map 217 Ref F 12. Morella Road, Clifton Gardens. Picturesque Chowder Bay has a long association with seafarers. It was here that American whalers set up camp in early colonial days. They plucked oysters off the rocks and made a seafood soup, giving rise to the bay's name. In the early years of the 20th Century, Clifton Gardens became a popular picnic spot, a function it continues to perform admirably.
Facilities: grassed playing areas, picnic facilities, toilets.
Public transport: ferry from Circular Quay (summer weekends only), or Taronga ferry and walk from Athol Bay, or train to Milsons Point station, bus No. 228 to terminus.

Cobblers Beach

Cobblers Beach: UBD Map 217 Ref J 6. Off Middle Head Road, Georges Heights. A secluded beach which has become a haven for nude bathing in the Middle Harbour area. It is a quiet beach with few facilities but this is more than made up for by the superb views (the scenery, not the nudists!) and relative peace and quiet away from the crowds. Access is limited to a track to the left beyond the oval near the end of Middle Head Road. Another track from the car park near the oval but on the south side of the car park leads to Obelisk Bay, another secluded corner that is frequented by nude bathers. The views to the harbour entrance, North and South Head are worth seeing.
Public transport: bus No. 244 from Wynyard. Alight at terminus, walk to end of Middle Head Rd.

Edwards and Balmoral Beaches: UBD Map 217 Ref E 6. The Esplanade, Balmoral. The centre of a busy social scene with its high class restaurants and expensive yachts, this is very much the beach to be seen at on the North Shore. With a 1920s beachfront promenade a-la-Bondi featuring a bathers pavilion, boardwalk, bridges and rotunda, everything but ample parking is laid on for the beachgoer's pleasure. The water is open to the swell from the Heads, so it is kept clean and makes for a good place to swim.
In 1886 a small group of painters, including Julian Ashton and Henry Fullwood, established an ‘artists’ camp’ at Edwards Beach in Mosman. This camp was the first of many to be created in the area during the 1880s and 90s, providing artists with a reprieve from the pressures of city life, and for some, an alternative home during harsh economic times.
Facilities: cafes and restaurants, toilets, showers, shaded picnic areas, grassed areas, children's playground, enclosed baths, boat hire.
Public transport: train to Chatswood, bus No. 257, or ferry to Athol Wharf (Taronga Zoo), bus No. 238.

Chinamans Beach: UBD Map 217 Ref D 1. McLean Crescent, The Spit. Named after Ah Sue, a Chinaman who had a market garden where Rosherville Reserve is today. This beach hasn't the cleanest water in Middle Harbour but the facilities for children and being somewhat quieter than neighbouring Balmoral Beach make it a great spot for family outings. It is also a popular launching place for kyakers and sailboarders.
Facilities: grassed areas, children's playground, toilets, showers, picnic facilities, shops nearby.
Public transport: bus No. 169, 173, 175 from Wynyard; or ferry to Manly, bus No. 140, 143, 144, 169. Alight cnr Spit & Parriwi Rds., walk down Parriwi Rd, left into Cyprian St.

Northbridge Baths: UBD Map 196 Ref J 14. Widgiewa Road, Northbridge. A beautiful tidal swimming pool located in picturesque Sailor's Bay, Northbridge. Created in 1923 to provide protection for swimmers against sharks. The beach was actually formed by sand brought from Clontarf in several punt loads. The first of many swimming carnivals was held on New Year's Day 1924. It comprised of races from 25 to 500 yards.

Flat Rock Beach: At the southern tip of Killarney Heights is a beautiful, secluded bay with a small beach. Behind the beach the waters of Flat Rock Creek tumble down the escarpment in a number of spectacular falls and races before entering the bay at the head of the beach after rains. The beach and the falls behind it can be accessed via the Flat Rock Walking Track from Killarney Point, from a track at the end of Killarney Drive and from the Magazine Track which passes behind the historic Bantry Bay explosives compound.
UBD Map 196 Ref K 3'

Middle Harbour has few beaches and the shoreline of Seaforth is no exception. There are only two spots for swimming here, both of them quite small on tiny ribbons of beach. A swimming enclosure on the northern side of Pickering Point (above) is accessed via Gurney Crescent. Sangrado Pool (below) is located at the end of Sangrado Street alongside the Seaforth Sailing Club's boatshed.
Pickering Point: UBD Map 196 Ref P 8.
Sangrado Pool: UBD Map 196 Ref Q 10.

Sandy Bay

Sandy Bay: UBD Map 197 Ref E 13. Sandy Bay Road, Clontarf. A pleasant harbour beach where, in 1868, an attempt was made to assassinate the Duke of Edinburgh who was guest of honour at a summer picnic there. He was taken to hospital but made a quick recovery. The bullet fired at him at close range by an anti-Royalist Irishman had lodged in his braces, saving him from serious injury or death. Clontarf Beach is the start of the Spit to Manly Scenic Walkway along the northern shores of Middle and North Harbours.
Facilities: toilets, picnic facilities, shaded grassed area, barbecues, children's playground.

Fisher Bay: UBD Map 197 Ref D 11. Sandy Bay Road, Clontarf. Close to but more isolated than Clontarf Beach, it is accessible only by a walking track from Clontarf Beach or the northern end of The Spit Bridge. No facilities.
Public transport: bus No. 168, 171, 173, E65, E66, E68 from Wynyard; or bus No. 183, 184, 187 from Town Hall; ferry to Manly, bus No. 140, 143, 144. Alight at Spit Bridge, walk east along foreshore to beach.

Grotto Point: has three beaches, all are well hidden and away from the road so access by car is restricted. They are all fairly quiet and offer relative seclusion apart from passing walkers on the Spit to Manly Scenic Walkway which passes through the area. Facilities are limited at all three beaches, though Reef Beach has the most.

Castle Rock Beach: on Middle Harbour, has calm water and is the busier of the three beaches.

Washaway Beach: On the North Harbour side of the peninsula, has a strong swell as it faces the harbour entrance. Because of its isolation, it is often used for nude bathing.

Reef Beach

Reef Beach: On North Harbour beyond Arabanoo Lookout. Aboriginal carvings of fish and a shield are visible on the tessellated rocks of Reef Beach after a storm. An Aboriginal shell midden extends the length of the back of the beach. It was near here in the 1830s that a canvas village of hermits known as Pirate's Camp sprang up.
Public transport: bus No. 132, 133 from Manly; 171 from Manly Wharf & Wynyard. Alight in Woodland Street, walk down Alder Street and then to end of Cutler Road.

Fairlight Beach: UBD Map 197 Ref P 11. Lauderdale Avenue, Fairlight. A tiny beach with limited room for swimming but it is somewhat less crowed than nearby Manly Cove. Delwood Beach, midway between the two, has a longer beach than Fairlight and similar facilities.
Facilities: grassed areas, picnic facilities, toilets, shops and restaurants nearby, limited parking.
Public transport: ferry to Manly. Walk west along West Esplanade, left into The Crescent and into Lauderdale Ave. or follow waterside path from Manly Cove.

Manly Cove: UBD Map 198 Ref A 10. West Esplanade, Manly. Popular and very busy beach alongside Manly Wharf on North Harbour that is a stone's throw from The Corso and Manly's many restaurants, cafes and hotels. Manly Oceanworld is at the western end of the beach. Manly Cove is the starting point for the Manly to Spit Scenic Walkway, a 7 km pathway around the northern shores of Middle and North Harbour. For additional information on Manly, see entry in Northern Beaches section, page .
Facilities: grassed area, shark proof pool, toilets and showers at pavilion, shops and restaurants nearby, limited parking.
Public transport: ferry to Manly.

Little Manly Cove: A small sheltered beach that is a pleasant, less crowded alternative to Manly Cove during the busy tourist season.
Facilities: grassed area, shops and restaurants nearby, limited parking.
Public transport: ferry to Manly. Walk from Manly east along east esplanade, left into Stuart St, right into Craig Ave.

Collins Beach: UBD Map 198 Ref E 14. Collins Beach Road, Manly. On 7th September 1790, Gov. Phillip went to Manly by boat to meet with an Aboriginal named Bennelong at Collins Beach on Spring Cove. As Phillip stepped forward to greet him, one of a group of natives with Bennelong, believing him to be in danger, intercepted the Governor and threw a spear which pierced Phillip's shoulder. Lt. Henry Waterhouse, Midshipman of HMS Sirius, broke off the spear as the Governor bled profusely. He was taken back to Sydney where he was operated on and the barb was removed. He returned to duty 10 days later. The name of the beach honours Capt. David Collins, Judge Advocate with the First Fleet. Access is by boat or on foot only.
Facilities: toilets, picnic facilities, grassed area, boat ramp at nearby Little Manly Cove.
Public transport: ferry to Manly. Walk from Manly beach.

Bents Basin State Recreation Reserve
UBD Map 262 Ref B 10. Wolstenholme Avenue, Wallacia. This deep waterhole, forming part of a gorge on the Nepean River between Camden and Penrith, is a popular retreat for people escaping the city. Visitors can picnic or enjoy water-based activities such as swimming and canoeing.
Facilities: barbecues, picnic areas, disabled access, camping areas, fireplaces, a kiosk, toilets and an education centre. Entry fee applies.
No direct access by public transport.

Redleaf Pool: UBD Map 237 Ref D 11. New South Head Road, Double Bay: The most popular harbourside beach in the eastern suburbs, the swimming enclosure with its shark net and facilities was opened in 1941 and has become somewhat of an institution among the locals.

Tingara Beach: UBD Map 237 Ref M 5. A charming little beach on Hermit Bay at the end of a winding pathway. After rain, a small creek enters the harbour after tumbling over rocks behind the beach. View to Sydney and the Harbour Bridge. Access is via steps from Carrara Road, Tingara Avenue or the Hermitage Trail.

Milk Beach: UBD Map 237 Ref L 4. Close by is Milk Beach, which has a similar aspect and is thus named because milk and other supplies were once dropped here for the residents of Strickland House. Milk Beach is on a popular bushwalk called The Hermitage Trail.

Milk Beach

Nielsen Park

Nielsen Park: UBD Map 237 Ref L1. Greycliffe Avenue, Vaucluse. A well used family recreational area which, in 1975, became one of the first inclusions in the Sydney Harbour National Park.
Facilities: sheltered harbour beach with shark net, kiosk, toilets, change rooms, showers, picnic facilities.
Public transport: Bus No. 325 from Circular Quay, alight at Nielsen Park.

Queens Beach

Queens Beach: UBD Ref 237 Ref L 6. A small, isolated beach which has views across the harbour to the city skyline, Harbour Bridge and Shark Island.
A popular bushwalk called the Hermitage Trail follows the harbour foreshore for a few kilometres from near Greycliffe House. The walk passes three beaches - Queens, Tingara and Milk Beaches - all of which are sheltered, shallow and calm, though small.

Milk Beach

Shark Beach: UBD Map 237 Ref L1. Greycliffe Avenue, Vaucluse. In spite of its name this beach has a shark net (summer months only), so it is safe for swimming. Vaucluse Point, with a rock formation known as the Bottle & Glass Rocks at its tip, contains the remnants of Aboriginal rock art and affords views to the city.

Parsley Bay Reserve: UBD Map 237 Ref Q 1 . Horler Avenue, Vaucluse: It is perhaps a blessing that Parsley Bay is overshadowed by its more famous neighbour, Watsons Bay, as this picturesque corner of Sydney Harbour is a quiet haven for those lucky enough to know of its existence and have discovered its tranquillity. It is the perfect place for children to take a dip in its sheltered waters or fossick for shells and crabs on the rocks while the adults laze away the afternoon in the shade of the Moreton Bay fig trees.
Circling Parsley Bay is a rocky ridge which forms a small valley through which a small stream flows. A path from the beach follows the stream to a waterfall at the head of the valley and this short walk is a most relaxing experience. Other paths lead to the harbour foreshore and up to the picturesque 100 year old suspension footbridge which spans the mouth of the Bay. It was built in 1903 to bring locals to Central Wharf on Point Seymour at a time when it was serviced by a ferry.
Facilities: toilets, barbecues, picnic tables, grassed area, kiosk (limited opening times).
Public transport: Bus No. 325 from Circular Quay. Alight in Fitzwlliam Road, walk down lane to reserve near cnr. of Parsley Road.

Watsons Bay: UBD Map 217 Ref Q 12. Once a fishing village, Watsons Bay is now one of the must-see places on Sydney's tourist circuit. There are enough things to see and do here and in the vicinity to everything from a few hours to a whole day.
Transport: Ferry to Watsons Bay. or Bus No. 324, 325, L24, L82 from Circular Quay, alight at Watsons Bay; or Bus No. 324, L24, L82 from Circular Quay.

Camp Cove: UBD Map 217 Ref Q 12. On the night of 25th January, 1788, Gov. Phillip and a party of soldiers from the First Fleet camped here during their expedition to find a more appropriate settlement site than Botany Bay. On the following day, Phillip found and chose Sydney Cove as the site for the new colony. Today a stone obelisk marks the spot where Phillip came ashore and camped.
Watsons Bay recalls Robert Watson (1756-1819), who was appointed Sydney's harbour pilot and harbourmaster by Gov. Macquarie in 1811 and superintendent of the Macquarie Lighthouse on South Head in 1816. Watson was granted land here in 1801 and built his home on the bay's foreshore. Its Aboriginal name was Cooti.
Camp Cove is used by many sailboarders and scuba divers to begin their activities
Facilities: toilets, barbecues, picnic tables, grassed areas, kiosks, shops, restaurants, hotel.

Lady Bay: Thus named as it was used for bathing by the ladies resident at Macquarie Lighthouse. In recent years it has erroneously been referred to as Lady Jane Bay. Camp Cove Beach and Lady Bay Beach are popular swimming spots, the latter being an official nudist beach.

Connells Bay: Map 293 Ref J 16. Kyle Parade, Connells Point. One of the most pleasant beaches on the lower reaches of the Georges River, its water is shallow and a bit muddy, but this is compensated by the excellent picnic facilities. The boat ramp here is less crowded than Moore Reserve and is recommended for launching sailboards and kayaks.
Facilities: shaded park, picnic facilities, toilets, coin operated barbecues, sailing club, boat ramp.

Cattle Duffer's Flats

Cattle Duffer's Flats: UBD Map 291 Ref F 13. A riverside reserve with picnic facilities and a beach has been created in a semi circular cutting created as a turnaround area for trucks when sand mining was carried out at nearby Mickeys Point.

Morgan Creek: UBD Map 291 Ref L 10. A park has been created here with a small beach, a boat ramp and parking area.

Alfords Point

There are numerous small ribbons of beach on the southern shores of the Georges River between Alfords Point and Mill Creek. The beach in the photograph above is opposite Mickeys Point and can be reached by walking track from the suburb of Alfords Point, by boat or by swimming across the river from Morgans Creek.

Alan Ashton Reserve: East Hills. UBD Map 291 Ref B 13. A reserve with a small beach, a kiosk nearby, boat hire facilities, wharf (fishing), barbecues and grassed area. Nearby Yeramba Lagoon is a wildlife sanctuary with bushwalking tracks. Upstream a few hundred metres is Kelso Beach (above), which has picnic shelters and a large grassed area.

Simmo's Beach: UBD Map 308 Ref P 6. Fifth Avenue, Macquarie Fields. Popular local picnic spot created around a natural arc of white sand on the banks of the Georges River. An artificial lake on the upper ground has extended the reserve's capacity to handle the growing number of visitors. A walking trail from the lower car park leads up the river gorge through picturesque bushland. A number of examples of Aboriginal rock art including hand stencils and animals can be seen in caves and overhangs in the less frequented northern section. The 75 ha. reserve's name recalls Bob Simmonds who illegally mined beach sand here in the 1950s.
Facilities: barbecues, picnic tables, grassed area, toilets, bus parking, wheelchair access along riverside boardwalk.
Public transport: train to Macquarie Fields, bus No. 870, 871, alight at reserve entrance.

Gunnamatta Park: UBD Map 334 Ref P 14. Tonkin Street, Cronulla. A short walk from the Cronulla shopping precinct and railway station, this well shaded park is great for a family outing, featuring plenty of calm, shallow water for the kids to play in and a deeper, shark-proof ocean pool on the boardwalk. The only drawback is that, as with all landlocked bays in residential areas, there are no strong currents to remove bacteria brought into the bay from stormwater drains, so avoid swimming here after rains.
Facilities: toilets, showers, kiosk, shady, grassed picnic areas.
Public transport: train to Cronulla. Walk south from station along Cronulla Street, Nicholson Parade.

Salmon Haul Bay: UBD Map 354 Ref P 4. Nicholson Parade, Cronulla. A small beach on the tip of the Cronulla peninsula. Limited facilities.
Public transport: train to Cronulla. Walk south from station along Cronulla Street, then to the end of Nicholson Parade.

Gymea Bay Reserve: UBD Map 333 Ref H 11. Elesmere Road, Gymea Bay. A small beach on and inlet of Gymea Bay accessible via the Bath Reserve.
Facilities: toilets, showers, shark-protected saltwater baths.

Hordens Beach: Bundeena Drive, Bundeena. A clean beach located alongside the village centre of Bundeena next to the wharf so it is the first destination of many visitors arriving by the Cronulla ferry. Bundeena is an ideal starting place for walks through the Royal National Park via the walking trails to Marley Beach and Burning Palms. Maps and guides available from stores in Bundeena.

Gunya Beach: UBD Map 355 Ref A 9. A small beach on the north eastern shore of the Bundeena townsite.

Jibbon Beach: UBD Map 355 Ref C 8. Nell Street, Bundeena. Similar to Hordens Beach, except that the water is deeper, the beach is quieter and there are no facilities. An extensive, well signposted Aboriginal engravings site (above) is located on the headland 300 metres north of the beach.
Public transport: train to Cronulla, ferry to Bundeena.
Facilities: toilets, cafes and shops at Bundeena.

Marley Lagoon: A 1 km walk from Marley Beach leads to a freshwater swimming holes named Deer Pool (camping ground). On the way you pass the lagoon. No access by road.
Public transport: train to Cronulla, ferry to Bundeena, 1 hour walk along Coastal Track to Marley Beach.

Silver Beach: UBD Map 316 Ref H 7. Prince Charles Parade, Kurnell. Located on the eastern shore of Botany Bay at Kurnell, it is well worth the 8-km trip from Cronulla, in spite of its close proximity to the Kurnell oil refinery and airport runways across the bay. Ideal conditions for sailboarding. It was at Silver Beach that Captain Cook had his first encounter with the local Aborigines.
Close to: Captain Cook's Landing Place, Botany Bay National Park, Kurnell shopping area
Facilities: shark-proof swimming enclosure, boat ramp, catamaran club, small park with toilets, picnic area, open barbecues and car park.

There are a number of beaches on and around the La Perouse peninsula at the head of Botany Bay.
Features: close to Cape Banks walking track, La Perouse Museum, Bare Island Fort
Facilities: toilets, open showers, grassed picnic area, shops, cafe and restaurant at nearby Frenchman's Bay.

Congwong Bay

Congwong Bay: UBD Map 296 Ref P 16. Anzac Parade, La Perouse. Though the Kurnell Refinery is visible across the bay and Botany's port and industrial area is just around the corner, the low-surf Congwong Bay, like its neighbour, Little Congwong Bay, is sufficiently secluded to not be affected by its location. Incoming tides gently scour the bay, ensuring this beach has the lowest pollution readings of any in the Sydney metro area. Located on Botany Bay within the Botany Bay National Park.

Little Congwong Bay: Take the Congwong Beach Walk, cross Congwong Beach and follow the pathway to Little Congwong. Many regulars take short-cuts across the rocks between the two beaches. Unofficial nudist beach. No facilities at beach.

Frenchmans Bay

Frenchmans Bay: UBD Map 296 Ref M 13. Anzac Parade, La Perouse. In spite of its close proximity to local industry, the airport and Port Botany shipping facilities, Frenchman's Bay is a pleasant 60-metre strip of beach, ideal for families, on the north-east shore of Botany Bay. La Perouse Museum tells the story of Compt. La Perouse, a French explorer who landed here in January 1788 a few days ahead of the First Fleet. His name is remembered in the name of the district, the bay's name also recalls his visit. A popular spot for windsurfing. Close to Cape Banks walking track, La Perouse Museum, Bare Island Fort.

Yarra Bay: the site of an Aboriginal community, which was first established during the 19th Century. Landscaping has done much to improve the park and hide its location, Port Botany and the airport being but a stone's throw away. It has a picnic area, sailboard and kayak launching area; yacht club with boat ramp.
Facilities: toilets, grassed picnic area with barbecue and picnic facilities, shops, cafe and restaurant at nearby Frenchman's Bay.

Lady Robinsons Beach: UBD Map 294 Ref Q 5. This name applies to the whole strip of beach on the western shore of Botany Bay beyond Sydney Airport. Its name recalls the wife of a Governor of NSW during the 1870s who used to ride her horse up and down the beach every day. It is one of the cleanest non-surf beaches in the Sydney metro area thanks to tidal activity which keeps bacteria levels low. The sand is clean, the water shallow enough for small children to wade in, particularly at the southern end. A cycleway connects Kyeemagh at the northern end with Sandringham in the south. Toilets, ample parking and picnic areas are located throughout the length of Cook Park, which separates the beach from General Holmes Drive and The Grand Parade.

Kyeemagh Beach: UBD Map 275 Ref D 14. Its close proximity to the airport makes this, the most northerly section of the beach, by far the most noisy. Stormwater from drains near the beach and nearby Cooks River lifts pollution levels higher than other sections of the beach, particularly after rain. All in all, it is not the best place for a swim, but wind conditions here are perfect for windsurfing, and a boat ramp on Cooks River (off General Holmes Drive at Tancred Street) is ideal for launching boards.
Facilities: boat ramp (Cooks River), ample parking.

Brighton-Le-Sands Beach
UBD Map 275 Ref C 14. Most popular section of the beach, due to its close proximity to the popular beachside cafe and restaurant strip. This puts strain on parking, which barely copes with demand, particularly at weekends. Features a shark-proof swimming enclosure.

Monterey and Ramsgate Beaches: UBD Map 294. Quieter than Brighton but just as good, the middle section features a somewhat ineffective shark proof swimming enclosure and a kiosk at Ramsgate, nearby cafes, a ramp for launching sailboards at the end of Scarborough Street and a full size boat ramp off Carruthers Drive.

Dolls Point: UBD Map 314 Ref M 2. Backed by the Peter Depena Reserve, the beach is very popular with families. It has the highest bacteria levels of any section of Lady Robinson Beach, but these are still very low in comparison with most Sydney beaches. A swimming enclosure is located near the sailing club.

Carss Bush Park: UBD Map 294 Ref B 15. Carwar Avenue, Kogarah Bay. Located on the shores of Kogarah Bay, which is the last bay along the Georges River before it enters Botany Bay. A popular picnic spot among locals, particularly families, Carss Park derives its name from a pioneering family who settled here in the 19th Century. William Carss became a wealthy cabinetmaker in the 1850s, his furniture was the finest in the colony and graced many a fine home in Sydney, including Government House, Vaucluse House and Greycliffe House. The family cottage survives and is home to a museum which features local history displays (entry fee applies). The northern end of the park, which contains a swimming pool and playing fields, was once low-lying swampland which, during the 1920s and 30s, was reclaimed with municipal waste. An unthinkable practice these days, this activity was commonplace at the time and many estuaries of the Sydney area were modified in this way, changing the physical geography and reducing the total length of Sydney's harbour foreshore by some 6 kilometres.
Facilities: tidal swimming pool, kiosk, toilets, extensive shaded picnic areas, coin operated barbecues, netted swimming enclosure, cycleway, short bush walks, Olympic swimming pool, playing fields, boat ramp at nearby Dover Park.

Manly Reservoir: UBD Map 197 Ref E 2. Manly-Warringah War Memorial Park, King Street, Manly Vale
The reserve surrounding Manly Reservoir is a valuable natural parkland and recreational area for the people of the Manly area. The dam itself is a mass concrete gravity dam of the late 19th century in both design and construction. It played an essential role in the early water supply of the northern beaches area surrounding Manly, and was wholly independent scheme of the first stage of the renowned Upper Nepean Scheme was completed.
Located on Curl Curl Creek some 3 kilometres north west of Manly, it has a catchment area of about 520 hectares extending to Frenchs Forest in the North. The Catchment area and stored water of the Dam are now used primarily for public recreation. The original water supply for Manly, built in 1892, consisted of a dam, pumping station, rising main, and service reservoir, constructed by the Government. It supplied water initially to Manly, then progressively the suburbs of Balgowlah and Seaforth, expanding to cover the coastal strip of the Warringah Shire as far north as Mona Vale. The dam wall was also raised three times to augment supply, using sandstone concrete and sandstone plums. The pumping plant at the Manly Dam was dismantled in 1933.
Facilities: toilets, picnic facilities and barbecues, grassed areas, bushwalks, Aboriginal rock carvings, swimming areas.