Collaroy Beach

The Collaroy Curse has been what we’ve called it forever — a reference to the absurd amount of seaweed that turns up on Collaroy at the whim of Mother Nature.
Seaweed isn’t Collaroy’s only problem — erosion is an absolute disaster here, creating artificial mountains on the edge of valleys where sand should be.
But Warringah’s northernmost beach is still beautiful; it’s still a beach patrolled by life savers and guards; it’s still a great spot for a swim, surf or sunbake; it’s still got a beautiful ocean pool. And it’s still a wonderful place to go for a walk or jog if you’re feeling fit — you can walk the entire 3.2 kilmetres to Narrabeen if you so desire! Conveniently located shops, a carpark for those willing to pay or blessed with a sticker and a nearby enclosed park, Collaroy makes a good beach for anyone — provided no seaweed floats in!

Collaroy is Sydney’s second longest beach which runs for 3.2km south from 20m high Narrabeen Head in a long arc to the rocks and low cliff at Collaroy Baths. The beach has two names, Narrabeen in the north and Collaroy in the south.
The beach faces the east and receives increasing protection to the south from Long Reef which protrudes 2 km out to sea. This beach holds memories for me being the first time I was caught in a rip. As a teenager I learnt how valuable those school swimming lessons are also learnt years later after my experience Collaroy holds about 17 rips on average in a continous bar. Even with lessons Im not a strong swimmer so this beach is etched in my memory. It has four surf clubs along this stretch and the waves are of more depth at the Narrabeen end of the beach.
It still is in my opinion the most breathtaking when it comes to length and on perfect days like today so mesmirising you can sit for hours.