Fishermans Beach

Fishermans Beach sits roughly 21 kilometres north of the CBD, between Collaroy Point and the northern base of Long Reef. The sand stretch is about 500 metres long, curving from rocky outcrops at Collaroy Rock Pool toward Long Reef headland. The shore faces north, backed by a narrow strip of road, parking, and properties to the west, with Long Reef golf course and headland reserve at the northern end. Its position creates a crescent shoreline that faces away from heavy southern ocean swells, making the water calmer than at neighbouring surf beaches.

History

• The name reflects the site's use, which dates to the 19th century. By the 1870s, European settlers had established fishing huts along the shoreline, using the natural harbour to launch small vessels and load cattle for transport to Sydney markets.
• Urban development was slow due to the steep terrain and surrounding wetlands, keeping the area relatively isolated until the mid-20th century.
• While residential housing eventually filled the western side of the beach, the southern fringe escaped heavy construction.
• The heritage-listed Long Reef Fishing Club hut still stands on the beach today, alongside old mechanical boat winches preserved near the modern coastal path.

Beach Characteristics and Facilities

• The beach features a blend of sand, exposed rock platforms, and coastal scrub.
• The intertidal rock platforms form part of the Long Reef Aquatic Reserve, the oldest aquatic reserve in NSW, established in 1980.
• Snorkelling at low tide is well worth it for the rockpool marine life, like sea slugs, heart urchins, and feather stars among others.
• There is no ocean pool on Fishermans Beach itself, though the Collaroy rock pool sits immediately at its northern boundary.
• Amenities include public toilets, outdoor showers, a council-managed paid car park off Anzac Avenue, and a boat ramp used to launch small motorised watercraft.
• The beach is not patrolled by surf lifesaving services, though a surf rescue radio room at the eastern end maintains communications with clubs and emergency services.
• A cafe operates nearby on the edge of the adjacent golf course.

Facts and Curiosities

• The water near shore frequently takes on a distinct brown or reddish hue, this is a natural result of clay and shale eroding from the face of the neighbouring headland, not pollution.
• Local pelicans regularly congregate on the sand near the boat ramp, waiting for scraps left by returning fishers.
• The rock layers on the southern cliff face contain visible marine fossils, including prehistoric shell impressions and bone fragments embedded in the stone.