Turimetta Beach

Turimetta Beach is in Warriewood, a suburb 30 kilometres north of the Sydney CBD. The beach is around 380 metres long. It sits between Turimetta Head to the north and Narrabeen Head to the south. Shale cliffs that rise 30 metres high enclose the sand and separate the beach from the surrounding residential areas.

The beach’s small size and cliff backing limit crowds compared with nearby surf beaches, making it a local destination rather than a major tourist spot.

History

• The Garigal clan of the Guringai people lived in this area before European settlement.
• The extensive rocky platforms provided an abundant source of shellfish, and physical evidence of their ancient presence can still be found in the area today.
• The name "Turimetta" (historically spelled Taramatta or Turrametta) is believed to derive from a local Aboriginal clan or family name, with some historical sources suggesting it translates to "a beautiful place."
• During early colonial settlement, the surrounding region was used for timber getting and farming.
• While nearby Mona Vale and Narrabeen underwent rapid urban development throughout the 20th century, Turimetta’s steep terrain naturally shielded it from major beachfront construction.

Beach Characteristics and Facilities

• A flat rock shelf sits at the southern end of the beach and becomes visible at low tide.
• This shelf contains natural rock pools. There is no constructed ocean swimming pool.
• The beach has no public toilets, showers, kiosks, or surf lifesaving clubs. Lifeguards do not patrol this beach.
• The only concession to development is a solitary freshwater tap on the grassy reserve at the top of the cliff stairway to wash off sand.
• Because it is unpatrolled by lifeguards and has strong, unpredictable shifting rips, swimming can be hazardous.

Facts and Curiosities

• The Photographer's Paradise: The green, moss-covered rocks on the southern shelf create a striking contrast against the rising sun, making Turimetta an internationally famous hotspot for landscape photographers at dawn.
• Among the older local surfing community, the beach is affectionately referred to as "Little Narrabeen."
• The overlying Turimetta Headland Reserve is a designated Wildlife Protection Area. Walking along the cliffs, visitors can spot migratory Honeyeaters, Australian Kestrels, and White-bellied Sea-eagles.