Located on the northern beaches of Sydney one beach north of Manly, Freshwater (or 'Freshie' as it's colloquially known), is a beachfront paradise. Its main drawcard is undoubtedly the beach. Bounded by sheer cliffs on either side,

Freshwater has been ranked among Australia's top ten beaches. For a small beach, Freshie has a lot to offer. The main attractions are the pristine waters and coastline of Freshwater Beach itself, which is a popular surfing destination. It's actually quite sheltered from the worst of Sydney's swells. If you're keen on learning to surf (a good idea if you plan on staying for more than a week), Freshie is one of the most convenient beaches in Sydney with several reputable surf schools located nearby. For beginner surfers, lessons are also generally more affordable here than at other local beaches like Bondi Beach.

Located a few hundred metres to the north of the main surf beach, it's a great spot if you have kids. With its beautiful rock pools and breathtaking views, it may just be one of Australia's best free attractions. If you want to escape from the sun during summer months, this is also an easy place to spend your day because many of its areas are shaded by natural landmarks like cliffs and rocks. It can get a bit crowded here in peak season, but it's still a fantastic spot.

In summer the water is nice and warm, which means you don't need to worry about any cold shock when you first jump in. For most of the year though, a wetsuit is a good idea. The beach is very protected from most swells and currents, so it's pretty safe during most hours of the day even for novice swimmers. That said, it never hurts to be careful around beaches with big breaking waves because they can quickly get powerful enough to sweep unsuspecting swimmers away. Even experienced swimmers should keep an eye out for these conditions.

Like most of Sydney's popular beaches, Freshwater Beach is patrolled by lifeguards during the summer months. If you're surfing, make sure you follow all common safety guidelines and keep an eye on your friends.

Freshwater is just under 20km from the Sydney CBD. IT will take around 30 to 40 minutes to travel by car. It's even closer to Manly, Sydney's most popular seaside suburb. It makes for a great day trip from the city or as part of a longer beach holiday. You can then head back into Manly and catch a ferry back to Circular Quay in downtown Sydney.

The main area to hang out at Freshwater Beach is on the beach itself. As with most Australian beaches, sunbaking, surfing and simply relaxing are all popular pastimes here. You'll also find several cafes, restaurants and small shops a short stroll away in Freshwater Village.

Pilu at Freshwater

Balsa

Harbord Hotel

There are not many holiday accommodation options in Freshwater, but you may be able to rent a home or apartment through sites such as Airbnb. If you want more traditional holiday accommodation, there are some good options in nearby Manly, including high-end hotels to budget hostels.

In comparison with many other suburbs in Sydney, Freshwater is a little more expensive. Its proximity to the beach and popular attractions like Manly means that it's a highly desirable location for locals and tourists alike. That said, there are still plenty of affordable places to stay if you're on a budget. You'll just have to look a bit harder around the outskirts of the suburb to find them. In terms of eating out, Freshwater has some great options as long as you know where to go. There are also several cafes which will give you good value breakfasts or coffee and cake during your visit.

You can learn to surf at Freshwater. There are several surf schools along the beach that will let you try their equipment and give you some lessons. It's a great way to spend a day on the sand during your visit.

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