Collaroy: Beach, Rock Pool and Red Shale
Accommodation in Collaroy
Collaroy brings together a beach, a saltwater rock pool and ancient red shale cliffs to create a varied coastal landscape. If you’re looking for a holiday rental, you can plan your days around whether swimming and surfing, views of the rocky landscape or outdoor walks are your priority.
Beach and Rock Pool
Collaroy Beach offers good swimming conditions and is particularly suitable for beginner surfers. In north-easterly or south-easterly winds, the beach is also well suited to windsurfing. Swimming, surfing and wind conditions can vary.
At the southern end of Collaroy Beach is Collaroy Rockpool, a saltwater rock pool. It has an eight-lane, 50-metre pool as well as a toddlers’ pool, toilets and showers. The toddlers’ pool is a practical detail when planning time by the water with younger children. The pool offers easy access for people with disabilities; access to the pool may change during maintenance work. As facilities can change, check current conditions before visiting.
Red Shale and Nature Reserve
The 230-million-year-old red shale cliffs can be seen from Griffith Park and the adjoining Long Reef Headland. They are often called “chocolate shales” locally.
The Long Reef Aquatic Reserve extends from Collaroy’s rock pools to the Long Reef Surf Lifesaving Club. It reaches 100 metres offshore from the mean high-water mark to the mean low-water mark. In 1980, it became the first reserve of its kind, established to protect marine invertebrates on the rock platforms as well as plants and animals in the underwater area.
Another layer of the coast’s history is its place-name: Collaroy and its beach were named after a dramatic paddle steamer wreck there in 1881.
Coastal Walks
As part of an upgrade to the coastal path in Griffith Park, Collaroy, around 110 metres of boardwalk and bridge were replaced and realigned. A 20-metre beach access ramp was also renewed.
Nearby, Long Reef Reserve has a 3 km loop of moderate difficulty. Its route includes paved paths, gentle hills, boardwalks and occasional steps. The easiest access to the loop is from Anzac Avenue in Collaroy. Its length, difficulty and trail features offer practical guidance if you’re planning a walk rather than just a day at the beach.
Griffith Park in Collaroy also has an off-leash dog area with a large, grassy open space where dogs can run.
Choose the Right Kind of Holiday
When looking for a holiday rental in Collaroy, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on: the beach and water activities, or the coastal landscape, local history and nearby walks.
More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Rand, Sawtell, Tyringham, Menah, Narellan, Bywong, Lidster, Tenterfield
Go to the main travel overview: New South Wales.
