Things to do in Curl Curl
Curl Curl feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of Sydney CBD, although the laidback beachside suburb is only 18 kilometres (11 miles) away. With a popular surf beach and lagoon, it’s a fantastic spot for walkers and family gatherings.
Below are some of our favourite activities to do in Curl Curl (or Curly as the locals affectionately call it!).
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Things to do
Head to the beach
Curl Curl Beach is known for some of the best surfing on the Northern Beaches and it’s a favourite spot with locals. However, the surf can also prove dangerous, with a couple of rips running along the beach at any one time.
Make sure you always swim between the red and yellow flags which are patrolled by lifeguards. If you are not a strong swimmer, North Curl Curl boasts one of the most stunning and unique rockpools, tucked away at the northern end of the beach. During high tide, it can only be accessed via the coastal walk across the headland. Curl Curl Lagoon flows to the sea at the northern part of the beach and although swimming in the lagoon is not recommended, the rolling sand dunes provide a wonderful place for children to play and dogs to romp.
South Curl Curl has a rockpool, which is easier to access, offering a safe haven for children as well as a safer beach for families to swim.
 Enjoy a scenic walk
There are several great walks, both north and south of the beach. The nature walk, which begins at North Curly surf club, offers sweeping views of the beach and across to Manly. The boardwalk and paths sit on top of the cliffs, with magnificent homes on one side and incredible ocean vistas on the other. This 2km walk takes you to the neighbouring beach of Dee Why.
The walk in the opposite direction weaves along a wooden boardwalk, hugging the rocky coastline (no need to worry about getting sand between your toes on this walk!) and takes you to nearby Freshwater Beach. This walk should take around one and a half hours return.
 Take your pooch for a walk
Curl Curl is lucky to have one of the few off-leash dog areas in Sydney, and behind the beach there is a large grassy area running adjacent to the sand where dogs can meet up and play. There is also access for them to frolic in the shallow waters of the lagoon and run up and down the sand dunes.
Eat + Drink
Nestled in the heart of North Curl Curl, a variety of culinary delights await.
A standout is Emelia’s Vegetarian Restaurant, a Northern Beaches gem serving homely vegetarian goodness.
Split Coffee Espresso Bar, known for its commitment to sustainability, is a beacon where locals gather to enjoy expertly crafted brews in a relaxed, coastal atmosphere.
Muchacha Mexican Kitchen specialises in healthy and delicious modern Californian Mexican cuisine and is renowned for its vibrant flavours, relaxed dining experience and generous portions at affordable prices. They prioritise sustainable, ethically raised meat and poultry and source the freshest local fruit and vegetables.
How to get there
Curl Curl is 5.7km (3.5 miles) from Manly and 18km (11 miles) from Sydney’s CBD.
- Catch a B1 bus from Wynyard to Dee Why and jump on a 166
- Catch the 166 bus from Stand A, East Esplanade, Manly Wharf
Further afield from Curl CurlÂ
Looking for more things to do nearby, get inspired with our blogs on things to do in Freshwater and Dee Why.