Sydney Freshwater Beach

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On our virtual walk today was to Freshwater Beach, wedged between two headlands, Freshwater is a short walk north from Manly. A coastal walk further north will take you to Curl Curl Beach.

Swimming at Freshwater Beach started back in the early 1900s when campers would holiday close to the beach. A small creek running out the north end of the beach provided fresh water for the campers and gave the beach its name.

Freshwater's unique claim to fame is that this is where surfboard riding was popularised in Australia by Hawaiian "Duke" Kahanamoku. Duke famously carved a board from a piece of local timber and demonstrated surfing for an enthralled crowd on 10 January 1915. A life-size statue of Duke Kahanamoku on the northern headland commemorates the historic day.

The Park and mosaics are also dedicated to Australians who have held major surfing titles in the 30 years since 1964.





An eight lane, 50 metre saltwater pool at the north end is a favourite with lap swimmers

Sand, surfers, rock pools and more as we learnt much about the area we were in.

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