Warriewood Beach

Warriewood Beach is located about 26 kilometres north of Sydney’s city centre.
The beach extends for approximately 500 metres between Mona Vale Headland to the north and Turimetta Head to the south.
Sheltered by rocky headlands, dunes, and nearby wetlands, it has a less developed character than many neighbouring beaches.

History

• The name Warriewood comes from Warrie, an Aboriginal word believed to mean “place of yams” or “food growing area”, reflecting its use by the Garigal people.
• European settlement began in the mid-19th century, with the area used mainly for farming and timber cutting. Much of Warriewood was originally a wet landscape of lagoons and swamps.
• In the early 20th century, market gardening became widespread, and the suburb later became known as “Glass City” due to extensive tomato-growing glasshouses, particularly between 1947 and 1954.
• Residential development increased from the 1960s onwards.

Beach Characteristics and Facilities

• Warriewood Beach is an exposed ocean beach with changing sandbars.
• It offers good conditions for swimming, body surfing, and surfing, especially near the northern end and during north-easterly winds.
• A permanent rip is often present near the southern rocks.
• Rock pools at the southern end provide calmer water at low tide.
• Facilities include toilets, accessible showers, picnic areas, viewing platforms, a kiosk, and a café.
• The Warriewood Surf Life Saving Club patrols the southern end during the swimming season (September to April).
• The beach connects to nearby parks and coastal walking paths. Parking is limited and paid.

Facts and Curiosities

• Local surfing competitions and community events are occasionally held at the beach.
• Rock platforms along the headlands are used for fishing and marine observation at low tide.
• A blowhole near the Turimetta headland is well known but dangerous, and jumping is strongly discouraged.
• At low tide, it is possible to walk north along the shoreline to Mona Vale Beach.
• The surrounding headlands feature beautiful seasonal wildflowers.