Long Reef to Dee Why
A scenic coastal walk linking headland, beach and lagoon
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A relaxed coastal walk linking Long Reef Headland, Long Reef Beach and Dee Why Beach, with sweeping views, birdlife and optional side paths.
Distance 7 km Time 2 hours
Steps c10,000
Level of Difficulty Easy -
Long Reef Headland views & whale watching (May–Nov)
Long Reef Aquatic Reserve rock platforms
Long Reef & Dee Why Beaches (patrolled)
Dee Why Lagoon Wildlife Refuge
Dee Why ocean baths & playground
Beachfront cafés at Dee Why
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Parking at Fisherman’s Beach or nearby streets
Golf course on headland - be aware of stray balls
Low to mid tide is best for beach walking.
Dee Why lagoon offers a scenic alternative route between Long Reef and Dee Why and might be preferable at high tide
Dogs not permitted on beach, Aquatic Reserve and lagoon are sensitive nesting habitats for local and migratory birds
Shade on this walk is minimal so sun protection is recommended
Long Reef and Dee Why beaches are patrolled from September - April
I love this walk and it’s one I do regularly. It’s a great walk to take any time of the year. Even in the full heat of summer, the sea breeze keeps you cool and if you do get too hot, the ocean beckons.
This is a walk for all ages and interests, but it’s one that will especially appeal to photographers. Sunrise from Long Reef is ever-changing but always spectacular, and wildlife photographers will love the sheer variety of birdlife that can be found here in one of Sydney’s richest coastal bird habitats.
WALKING THE TRAIL
Fisherman’s Beach to Long Reef Headland
You can start off at the car park of Fisherman’s Beach where there is plenty of parking, especially early. Or find a spot in a side street to avoid the parking fee.
Make your way up through a pretty path flanked on both sides by gorgeous sea grasses and native shrubs, and continue up to the Long Reef Headland. A word of warning: This path runs alongside Long Reef Golf Course which, though one of the best positioned courses in the country, is completely open and, speaking from experience, the odd stray ball can pack a real punch.
At low tide, you might like to take the longer but more scenic route along the rocky shores below and take the stairs up to the headland at the end of the beach.
Long Reef Headland
Headland and Aquatic Reserve
The headland is the perfect spot to sit and take in the view. To the left you can see as far as the Central Coast; to the right, North Head and beyond. Seabirds waft on the wind up here, and are occasionally joined by mimicking humans in hang gliders. The view is exquisite, especially on a sunny day and, at the right time of year (May–November), it’s also a perfect vantage point for migrating whales.
A path leads off the headland down to the rock platforms of Long Reef Aquatic Reserve. This area is a delight to explore, especially at low tide. It’s a whole other world down there of shimmering rocks and secret cavities, home to all sorts of sea creatures. It’s a strictly protected “No Take/No Dogs” zone and an important seabird habitat, so tread gently and stay aware of conditions.
The Aquatic Reserve is also one of the best places to see birds in Sydney. Here you can regularly spot everything from tiny swallows and wrens to migratory waders and large birds of prey.
Back on the headland, the path runs down alongside the golf course until it reaches the beach. You might want to take your shoes off here for the 2km or so walk to Dee Why.
Long Reef and Dee Why Beaches
This stretch of beach is actually two beaches with Long Reef Beach at the north end and Dee Why to the south. Both beaches are patrolled from September to April, and both have surf clubs with change rooms and toilets.
As you get closer to Dee Why, you’ll come to the lagoon on your right which forms the border between Long Reef and Dee Why beaches. If the tide is high, you might find you have to wade across a narrow spit at the mouth of the lagoon.
The steps up from Dee Why Beach at The Strand signals the halfway/turnaround mark for this walk. This is probably a good time to stop for a rest, and there are plenty of casual eating options up and down the strip.
If you’re with kids, there is a great playground in the beachside park and a wading pool attached to the popular swimming baths at the southern end of the beach.
Dee Why rock pool
Dee Why Wildlife Refuge
The lagoon and surrounding grasslands and bush together make up the 77-hectare Dee Why Lagoon Reserve. The reserve was declared a Wildlife Refuge in 1974 as a means of preserving and conserving the natural environment, which included several listed threatened species.
You can explore the reserve via a pathway which runs between the beach and the lagoon. It’s a peaceful place to walk, especially in the early morning or late in the day and it offers an alternative route to or from Dee Why when the tide is particularly high or the wind is up.
In the area
The Northern Beaches coastline is beautiful and certainly worth exploring further if you have the time. The walk from Dee Why to Manly is another great coastal stretch over rugged cliffs and golden sandy beaches. Or, if you like the landscape and peace of the lagoon on this walk, you’ll love the trail around Narrabeen Lagoon.
LAST UPDATED FEBRUARY 2026