Stretching 3.6 km in a sweeping east-facing arc, Collaroy Beach meets the Narrabeen Lagoon entrance on Sydney's Northern Beaches — a dynamic snorkelling zone where ocean surf meets calm estuary waters. The lagoon entrance channel offers protected, clear conditions ideal for spotting sea slugs, urchins, and small reef fish among the rocky edges, while the open beach provides a longer drift snorkel along the sandbar. The juxtaposition of lively surf beach and tranquil lagoon makes this a versatile spot for all levels.
Collaroy Beach / Narrabeen Lagoon
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.4 mSwell Period 5.7 sWind Speed 5.8 knPrecipitation 10 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
© Wheres.dotThe spot
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Strong rip currents
Collaroy-Narrabeen is a long, open beach prone to rips, especially during spring and summer. Swim between the flags when patrolled.
Moderate risk: Lagoon outlet channel currents
The Narrabeen Lagoon entrance can produce strong outflow currents after heavy rain, carrying swimmers seaward.
Moderate risk: Water quality after rain
The lagoon may carry contamination from stormwater runoff for up to 48 hours following heavy rainfall, posing health risks.
Low risk: Storm erosion and swept debris
The beach is highly prone to erosion during storms, which can shift sandbars and introduce submerged debris.
Low risk: Surf zone and wave action
Moderate to large swells create powerful shorebreak and dumping waves, especially on the Collaroy beach side.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
1 photo from the community
Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Located 20 km north of Sydney Harbour on Pittwater Road. From the city, take the A1 north, then turn right into Pittwater Road at Brookvale. Follow to Collaroy Beach. The lagoon entrance is at the northern end of the beach near Narrabeen SLSC.
Parking & facilities
Street parking along Pittwater Road and side streets. Pay-and-display parking at Collaroy Beach Reserve and near the Narrabeen Lagoon entrance. Several public car parks also along The Strand.
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Free entry. Metered parking in some areas on busy days.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports