Freshwater Beach

Swimming at Freshwater Beach started back in the early 1900s when campers would holiday close to the beach.  A small creek running out the north end of the beach provided fresh water for the campers and gave the beach its name.

Freshwater is part of the Manly-Freshwater National and World Surfing Reserve that recognises the historical, cultural and environmental values of famous surfing beaches. A beautiful beach wedged between two headlands. This is a great beach for families and only a short walk North from Manly.

Freshwater's unique claim to fame is that this is where surfboard riding was popularised in Australia by Hawaiian "Duke" Kahanamoku. Duke famously carved a board from a piece of local timber and demonstrated surfing for an enthralled crowd on 10 January 1915.

A life-size statue of Duke Kahanamoku on the northern headland commemorates the historic day.

Manly Pacific Manly Pacific