Mona Vale Beach

Mona Vale Beach is located about 28 kilometres north of the city centre. It stretches for roughly one kilometre between Basin Beach to the north and Robert Dunn Reserve on the southern headland, forming a crescent-shaped bay that faces east.

The suburb of Mona Vale borders the beach, with a golf course running along the southern headland.

History

• The Aboriginal name for the beach was Bongin Bongin, used by the Garigal people.
• European settlement began in the early 19th century, when Robert Campbell received a land grant in 1814.
• He named his estate after a place in Scotland he knew, although the specific town or valley that inspired the name has never been definitively identified by historians.
• The beach later became known by the name of the estate.
• The area gained popularity as a recreational destination in the early 20th century, as transport links improved.
• It gradually evolved from quiet farmland into one of Sydney’s well-known surfing and swimming destinations.

Beach Characteristics and Facilities

• The beach receives consistent swell from the Pacific Ocean, producing waves suitable for surfing throughout the year.
• The northern end generally offers better surfing conditions, while the southern section provides calmer waters for swimming.
• Facilities include a café at the Surf Life Saving Club, parking, picnic areas, playgrounds, and toilets.
• On the northern rock platform are two rock pools: a 30-metre lap pool and a smaller pool for children.
• At high tide, these pools are surrounded by the sea, creating the impression of floating in the ocean.

Facts and Curiosities

• Mona Vale Beach has hosted surfing competitions over the years, including national championship events.
• The elevated headland at the southern end of the beach, known as Cook’s Terrace, is a popular launch point for paragliders.
• From this vantage point, visitors can often spot dolphins close to shore and migrating whales during the winter months.
• The beach is sometimes used for ocean swimming training and long-distance laps, particularly around the rock pool area, where conditions are more controlled.
• The Warriewood to Mona Vale Swim is an annual event featuring a 2.26-kilometre course and a one-kilometre loop, organised by the local Surf Life Saving Club.