2026 Dee Why Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in July)

In Sydney's Northern Beaches, there is a place treasured by locals but rarely found on tourist itineraries—Long Reef Headland. You won't find bustling crowds here, just the open expanse of being surrounded by the sea on three sides, ancient rock formations dating back 2.4 million years, and a laid-back vibe that makes you just want to lie back on the grass and watch the clouds roll by. If you're looking for a place in Sydney to truly "unplug" and clear your mind, this spot won't let you down 🩵 🚌 Transportation: Direct Bus + 20-Minute Walk, or Drive for Convenience Long Reef Headland is located in Collaroy, about 21 kilometers north of Sydney. · Bus (Recommended): Take the B1 rapid bus from Wynyard Station in the CBD and get off at Pittwater Road. From there, walk east along Anzac Avenue for about 20 minutes to reach the headland entrance. The walk itself is a treat—peaceful, with the occasional sound of crashing waves. · Drive: About a 40-minute drive from the CBD. Navigate near the intersection of Anzac Avenue and Seaview Parade. There is paid parking at the top of the headland, or you can look for street parking in the surrounding neighborhood. 🏖️ Fishermans Beach: The Trailhead and Prologue to the Scenery Walking to the end of Anzac Avenue, you'll first arrive at Fishermans Beach. This beach isn't huge, but it's incredibly quiet. As you walk along the path by the beach, the headland is just up ahead. Look back to see the continuous coastline of Sydney's North Shore, and look forward to the spectacular ocean views about to unfold. 👀 Long Reef Point Lookout: Lie on the Grass and Watch Paragliders Glide Across the Sky Follow the well-paved trail for about 15 to 20 minutes, and you'll reach Long Reef Point Lookout. There is a large grassy area here, perfect for laying out a picnic mat and taking a break. From here, you can watch paragliding enthusiasts take off from the grassy plateau at the top of the headland. They catch the sea breeze, gliding into the air and slowly circling between the blue sky and the ocean. Lying on the grass, watching the colorful paragliders float in the sky—it's an incredibly healing sight. 🪨 Long Reef Headland: 180-Degree Ocean Views and Ancient Rock Formations Head down the long stairs next to the lookout to reach the easternmost tip of the headland. This is the core of Long Reef Headland—a 180-degree panoramic ocean view unfolding right before your eyes. · Surrounded by the sea on three sides: The headland is embraced by the ocean on three sides, offering exceptionally wide views. On the left is Dee Why Beach, on the right are Collaroy Beach and Fishermans Beach, and straight ahead is the vast Tasman Sea. · 2.4-million-year-old rock formations: The cliffs here are made of Bald Hill Claystone, which differs from the sandstone commonly seen in Sydney. The reddish-brown rocks show off unique colors in the sunlight, making it one of the most geologically significant headlands along the Sydney coastline. · Rock platforms and tide pools: There are massive rock platforms at the base of the headland. At low tide, you can explore the tide pools. · Whale and dolphin watching: May to November is whale-watching season. As humpback whales migrate along the coast, you have a great chance to spot them here. On any given day, you might also see dolphins frolicking in the water. 🌅 The Scenery Here Will Stay With You for a Long Time Standing at the very end of Long Reef Headland, this is the picture before you: the sea surrounds you on three sides, the blue stretching from beneath your feet all the way to the horizon. Waves crash against the ancient reddish-brown rocks, and the wind blows from the South Pacific, carrying a crisp, salty chill. Paragliders circle overhead like colorful punctuation marks in the sky. On the grass, some are sunbathing, some are walking their dogs, and others are just sitting quietly, watching the sea. There are no fences here, no glass lookout barriers—just you and the ocean. If you get the chance to visit at dusk, the sunset paints the entire sky a vivid orange-red, turning the ocean surface into an overturned paint palette. 💡 Tips 1. The Australian sun is fierce, so be sure to apply sunscreen: There is little to no shade along the trail and on most of the headland. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are absolute must-haves. 2. Bring flip-flops for the water: The beach and rock platforms are great for wading. Bringing a pair of flip-flops makes it much easier. 3. Wear comfortable, slip-resistant shoes: The headland features stairs and rocky sections. Sneakers or hiking shoes are much safer. 4. Bring plenty of food and water: There are no shops around the headland, so it's highly recommended to pack your own picnic food and drinks. 5. Visit after 3 PM: The lighting is perfect for photography, and you can stick around for the sunset. 6. Stay safe and keep away from cliff edges: Some parts of the headland have no fences. Please keep a safe distance when taking photos. 7. Plan for 2 to 3 hours: This is just the right amount of time for walking, taking photos, picnicking, and simply zoning out. 8. Whale-watching season is May to Nov: Don't forget to bring binoculars for a chance to spot migrating humpback whales. 9. Go on weekdays for more peace and quiet: It tends to get a bit busier on weekends, so a weekday visit offers a much more tranquil experience. 📌 Conclusion Long Reef Headland isn't your typical postcard-perfect tourist trap. It lacks the glamour of the Opera House or the fame of Bondi Beach. It's simply a headland surrounded by the sea on three sides, featuring 2.4-million-year-old rock formations, a grassy patch perfect for lying back and watching paragliders, and a 180-degree ocean view where you can literally see the curvature of the earth. If you also love those moments where you "don't need to speak, just quietly watch the sea," this will easily become one of your favorite corners in Sydney. "Long Reef Headland: Three sides for the sea, one for the wind, one for the clouds, and the last one just for you." 🩵🌊🏞️

If you want to experience a truly local beach atmosphere, you have to come to Dee Why. It might not be as mainstream as Bondi, but it has all the amenities and a super friendly atmosphere. ✨ Must-see highlights: · The Strand: A beachside promenade lined with cafes, restaurants, and bars, perfect for enjoying breakfast with ocean views. · Dee Why Rockpool: A natural rock pool on the south side of the beach. The water is crystal clear and perfect for photos (plus it's safe for kids!). · Surfing Spot: Famous for its strong and consistent waves, it's a gathering place for professional surfers. Watching them surf is incredibly relaxing. · Dee Why Lagoon: A nature reserve behind the beach with walking trails for birdwatching and enjoying the flora. Ideal for those who love peace and quiet. Tip: If you're coming on a holiday, arrive early as beachside parking fills up quickly. Alternatively, you can take the B-Line (B1) bus from Sydney city center directly to Dee Why – super convenient! If you don't have any plans for this weekend, try relaxing in Dee Why. You're sure to fall in love with this area! ⛱️☀️ #GetDiscountsWithoutRelyingOnLuck #deewhy #deewhybeach #sydney #australia

This coffee shop is a nice stop with very friendly, helpful and sharply dress staff and the coffee is good too. The atmosphere is cozy and a great place for a laid back meeting with friends or knocking out a bit of work. If you plan to bring a laptop, be sure it's charged before you come, as outlet space is at a premium. This cafe and bar serves up amazing coffee and espresso drinks, including fantastic seasonal lattes. Drinks are well crafted and not too sweet. A handful of pastries are available as well, including 5-6 gluten free options from a local bakery. #australiatrip#staycation

Under the bright sunshine, I strolled along the Deep Why Beach Coastal Walk with friends, passing Curl Curl Beach and then Manly Beach. The coastal scenery along the way was breathtaking, with waves crashing against the boulders, adding a challenge for anglers. Seagulls flew freely, sometimes swooping low to look at you, sometimes soaring high into the sky as if waving, creating a charming scene.

Dee why beach ! #couplestrip

Deewhy Beach, Sydney, Australia

Dee Why Beach is a beautiful and popular beach located on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. It’s a favorite among locals and visitors for its relaxed vibe, natural beauty, and variety of activities.

The Sargood Centre in Collaroy, Sydney, is a renowned resort offering specialized services and accommodations tailored for individuals with spinal cord injuries or other mobility challenges. The facility combines luxury with functionality, providing accessible rooms, adaptive recreational activities, and support for guests to enjoy the surrounding beaches and nature. If you’re planning a trip there, here are some ideas to enhance your experience: 1. Accommodation: Book a stay at the Sargood Centre, which features state-of-the-art accessible facilities, including adjustable beds, ceiling hoists, and adaptive bathrooms. 2. Recreation: · Participate in adaptive activities like surfing, kayaking, and handcycling, offered through their trained staff. · Explore Collaroy Beach, which is wheelchair-accessible and perfect for relaxation or a seaside stroll. 3. Local Attractions: · Visit Long Reef Headland for scenic views and a peaceful coastal walk. · Enjoy local cafes and restaurants in Collaroy, many of which are wheelchair-friendly. 4. Workshops and Programs: Check out the workshops and wellness programs offered by Sargood, including yoga, mindfulness, and skill-building activities.

· LET'S MEAT BBQ Manila · HXFM+W83, Adriatico St, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines I stopped by Manila and went downtown for a bit and ended up eating at A pork belly all-you-can-eat place!! You can eat until you're full for just 600 pesos! It's not as good as Korea, but it's comparable to Korea! There were a lot of groups and the seats were spacious, so it was even better! #HotelAccommodationEvent

#2024wish I wish I will have a free return flight to China!

#familytrip

When it comes to Sydney's ocean, many people go to Bondi, Manly, and Coogee. I found out about DW Beach while looking for a new beach with my younger sibling. When I told my friends, some of them didn't know. There's also a barbecue machine, so you can grill meat. There are many ocean pools in Australia! It was really well-made. The atmosphere was really one or two tourists and locals. It was so pretty and nice that I visited again the next day with my younger sibling. They even let me swim. This is the quality of a free pool. I'll go again in the summer. ❤️ #Sydney #SydneyTravel #Ocean

#sydneytrip 20 min drive from manly beach, structure and look mostly similar to the manly but with a longer stretch.I enjoyed the visit on a hot day with the nice breeze. it perfect for kids as there are life guards on duty until roughly 5pm, and there are marked areas where it is safe to go swimming. If you want to feel extra secure, you can try the rockpool for swimming too. Lots of seagulls in the area, and the pine trees are beautiful! The people are friendly and there’s lots of cafes near the beach. Will highly recommend for a feel

Sydney's DY Beach is so beautiful that it is moving. Not only is it vast and deep, but the sea is also clear and blue. The sand on the beach is fine and soft, and stepping on it feels like walking on a delicate and comfortable blanket. Sliding, swimming, leisure, and sightseeing are all the best choices here. Follow the coastline on the right-hand side and you will see these variously shaped stones, which may have been here for billions of years. They have been shaped by the daily tides and waves, and cannot be carved by human hands. I touch them, imagining their past and present lives. Can I understand the legends about "stones" that have lasted for ages?