Reef Beach at Dobroyd Head in Balgowlah Heights is a secluded strip of sand facing Sydney’s North Harbour and Manly Cove.
This small but beautiful beach can be reached via a walking trail that is part of the popular Spit to Manly Walk.
In this article, we’ll share how to get to this beach, other beaches nearby, and photos to give you an idea of what Reef Beach is like.
Getting There
Reef Beach can be accessed via the iconic Spit to Manly walk. The section where the beach is located is called the Reef Beach Track.
If you’re not hiking and just want to visit the beach, the best spot to park your car is on Beatty Street, from where it’s only a short walk (about 400 metres) to the beach.
Another option is to park at Tania Park on Dobroyd Scenic Drive, and walk to the beach from there. There is ample parking available at Tania Park.
Public transport is also a good option, with regular buses passing through Balgowlah Heights from Manly and from the city via Neutral Bay.
Below is a map with both parking options marked.
About Reef Beach
What makes Reef Beach so attractive is its secluded location on Sydney’s North Harbour. That, combined with the beautiful views, makes this a wonderful spot to go for a quick swim.
The beach faces northeast, towards Manly Cove, and is only 80 metres long and not very deep. The beach is usually quiet and well-maintained, surrounded by bushland and rocky areas.
Just behind the beach is a boardwalk that forms part of the popular Spit to Manly walking track.
Toilet and shower facilities are also available behind the beach, accessible via that same boardwalk.
During the 1970s and 1980s, Reef Beach was a popular nude beach in Sydney, with big crowds of nudists and naturists visiting this spot on warm summer days.
But since 1993, nude bathing has been prohibited at Reef Beach.
Since then, Reef Beach has been a peaceful and somewhat secretive spot, perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
And that’s probably for the better, as finding a quiet beach in Sydney on the weekends is becoming increasingly challenging.
Nearby beaches are Forty Baskets Beach further north, Washaway Beach to the south, and Clontarf Beach further west. These are all on the Spit to Manly walk.
Read our guide on the prettiest secluded beaches in Sydney for more of these scenic spots where you can still go for a quiet swim.
