Things to do in Collaroy

Collaroy has something for everyone with activities such as swimming, surfing, walking, snorkelling and you can even catch a movie at the heritage listed cinema. The area was originally part of Narrabeen, but was renamed after the collier S.S. Collaroy ran aground in 1881 during a storm.

Here is a list of our favourite activities and places to visit in Collaroy whether you are here for a day or a weekend.

We are trying to be accurate during these unusual times. Please contact the business for the most up to date information regarding opening hours and services.

Things to do

Spend the day on the beach

Collaroy Beach is partly protected from the wind and swell from the south, making it a perfect beach for beginners, swimmers and families. There is also a 50 metre saltwater ocean pool. However, if you prefer a smaller and quieter beach, just a short walk around the corner you will find Fisherman’s Beach and Long Reef Beach. Don’t forget your snorkel and mask as this is a great snorkeling spot to look for feather stars, heart urchins and sea slugs (also known as nudibranchs).

Walk the headland

When visiting Collaroy, make sure you take a walk around Long Reef Aquatic Reserve and enjoy the views across the ocean, north to the Central Coast and south to North Head. This 3km (1.8 miles) return walk begins south of Collaroy Beach and should take approximately one hour. If you are visiting between the months of May and November, keep a lookout for whales as they migrate up and down the coast. The headland is an excellent vantage point for whale watching.

Catch a movie

If it’s a rainy day, you can watch a movie at the bright blue Collaroy Cinema. This heritage-listed cinema built back in 1938 retains many of its original features. For a program of what movies are showing, check out the cinemas website.

Play a game of golf

Long Reef Golf Club has one of the most picturesque courses in Sydney. It has 18 holes and attracts golfers from all over Australia owing to its fantastic beachside location.

Shop local

Collaroy has a small shopping precinct, mostly situated on Pittwater Road with some fantastic little boutiques and surf shops.

Learn to surf

Collaroy and Long Reef have great surf conditions for beginner surfers. Why not hire a surfboard or book a lesson with Manly Surf School who offer lessons at Collaroy Beach.

Have a picnic

There is no better spot on the Northern Beaches to soak up the sunshine and enjoy some fresh air than Collaroy Beach. With the calm waters, large grassy picnic area and plenty of free electric barbeques, it is an ideal spot for families.

Check out the local playground

Collaroy has one of the best playgrounds on the Northern Beaches with an all-abilities playground area. The playground has a rope-climbing frame, interactive water play area, swings, a small climbing wall, percussion instruments and a giant climbing tower. At Collaroy Beach, you have access to a wheelchair that operates on both the sand and in the sea. To hire the FreeWheeler, contact Northern Beaches Council.

Eat + Drink

The Upper Crust, one of the best pie shops in Sydney, offers award-winning chunky steak pies and unique options like chicken, brie and avocado.

For evening outings, The Collaroy features diverse eating areas, from a rustic kiosk downstairs to a coastal bar upstairs. It’s a family-friendly spot with a kid’s play area that is perfect after a long day at the beach. The Surf Deck, a Tiki-inspired extension of The Collaroy, provides a beachside dining experience with retro resort-style cocktails and a menu featuring Sydney Rock oysters, yellowfin tuna tacos, beer-battered fish and chips, and pizzas.

Situated across from the beach, Stay Grounded Café & Diner is an ideal place to relax after surfing or to enjoy brunch with friends. With tasty food, great coffee and a relaxed atmosphere, it is open after dark, serving cocktails, local beers, barramundi tacos, chorizo and halloumi skewers, and chicken wings.

GurTaj Indian Restaurant & Takeaway has been a staple in Collaroy for over 25 years, offering North Indian cuisine in a warm and welcoming space. Signature dishes include spiced minced lamb skewers, coconut-flavoured Goan prawn and chicken makhni.

Long Reef Golf Club Café offers stunning views of Fisherman’s Beach and Long Reef Headland while serving modern Australian cuisine with wine or cold beers.

Chillax Espresso Bar serves Campos coffee and wholesome energy smoothies with a breakfast menu featuring toasties, bacon and egg rolls, protein pancakes and acai bowls.

Indulge your taste buds at Mr Gelato with authentic Italian gelato carefully crafted daily from a cherished family recipe and infused with smooth and creamy textures. Enjoy the richness of Sicilian pistachios and the freshness of locally sourced fruits.

How to get there

Collaroy is 10.4 km (6.4 miles) from Manly and 21.4 km (13.2 miles) from Sydney’s CBD.

Travelling on public transport?

• Catch a 199 bus from Stand B in Manly.
• Catch a B1 bus from Wynyard to Collaroy

Further afield

Looking for more things to do nearby, get inspired with our blogs on things to do in Narrabeen and Dee Why.