Holiday houses in Narrabeen

A low-key beachside suburb on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Narrabeen, or “Narra” to locals, hugs the shores of Narrabeen Lagoon (also known as Narrabeen Lake). The iconic waves of North Narrabeen Beach, near the mouth of the lagoon, have served as a training ground for many Australian surfing greats, including some world champions. Named a National Surfing Reserve in 2009, the beach continues to draw surfers from far and wide, with the Narrabeen Headland Lookout providing a great view of the action. There’s also a 50-metre ocean pool on the headland, while the lagoon is a popular place to launch stand-up paddleboards and kayaks.

Narrabeen’s small town centre hugs Pittwater Road directly to the south of the Narrabeen Bridge, where you’ll find a small cluster of restaurants and a supermarket.

The Northern Beaches peninsula is at its busiest during the warmer months, particularly during the New South Wales summer school holiday periods. The winter months, however, tend to bring the best surf conditions thanks to a combination of big swells and light offshore winds. North Narrabeen hosts numerous local, national, and international surfing competitions throughout the year. A two-day event typically held in early December, the Narrabeen Lakes Festival in Berry Reserve features live entertainment, amusement rides, and more than 140 market stalls selling baked goods and locally made arts and crafts. During the winter months, Long Reef Point, five kilometres south of North Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club, offers a great vantage point for whale watching.

Surfing

North Narrabeen has five key breaks best suited to experienced surfers, while beginner to intermediate wave riders should seek out the gentler beach breaks towards Collaroy to the south. No matter where you paddle out, remember to practice good surf etiquette: observe right of way, don’t drop in or snake, and respect the locals.

Narrabeen Lagoon Trail

One of the Northern Beaches’ greatest natural assets, Narrabeen Lagoon is circled by the 8.6-kilometre Narrabeen Lagoon Trail, which takes you through a range of ecosystems, and passes several waterside parks and reserves. The well-formed track is also wheelchair accessible.

Bicentennial Coastal Walk

Linking the mouth of Narrabeen Lagoon with Queenscliff to the south, the Bicentennial Coastal Walk is a 10-kilometre one-way coastal trail offering some of the most exquisite views on the Northern Beaches. Other highlights en route include the Duke Kahanamoku statue at Freshwater Beach, marking the spot where the Hawaiian legend introduced surfing to Australia, and the stunning cliff-top section of the trail between Dee Why and North Curl Curl.