Long Reef

Beach

The northern Long Reef end (NSW 314a) is backed by Long Reef Reserve and golf course in the north, with Long Reef SLSC (founded 1950) and car park located north of the usually closed entrance to the small Dee Why Lagoon (Fig. 4.211). South of the lagoon entrance is a... Read more

The northern Long Reef end (NSW 314a) is backed by Long Reef Reserve and golf course in the north, with Long Reef SLSC (founded 1950) and car park located north of the usually closed entrance to the small Dee Why Lagoon (Fig. 4.211). South of the lagoon entrance is a relatively natural vegetated sand barrier, part of the Dee Why Lagoon Wildlife Reserve. It is a relatively popular summer beach, particularly as the summer northeast winds blow offshore. In winter it is exposed and often blown out, but popular with windsurfers.

Swimming

A permanent headland rip and strong beach rips dominate the surf, so swim with care and between the flags.

Surfing

The beach and outer reefs pick up any east to southeast swell ensuring consistent and often good beach breaks, particularly down in the central No Man's Land. When the swell is south and exceeds 1 m and the wind offshore the famous Long Reef bomboras start to break. The inner First Bommie holding to 1.5 m, the Second Bommie to 3 m, and the Outer Bommie or German Bank, a huge righthand break, now popular with tow-in surfers. Long Reef is also popular with windsurfers and international contests are held on the bomboras.

Fishing

The large and persistent gutters along the centre of the beach are popular year round for tailor, drummer, trevally and snapper, while the rocks off the southern point are popular when the seas are low.