Long Reef is a perfect stretch of white sand and is located on the Northern Beaches approximately 21 kilometres from Sydney’s CBD. There are many submerged shipwrecks off Long Reef Aquatic Reserve. In the 1970s and 80s, many vessels were purposely sunk off Long Reef Aquatic Reserve to create artificial reefs, including the Manly ferries Dee Why and Bellubera.

The offshore reef in the north (the Long Reef Bombora) starts to break at one metre or so and in a big south swell can produce a beautiful wave up to five metres. Reliable sandbanks shape beach breaks that are great for beginners and intermediate surfers. On weekdays there’s every chance of getting a quality wave to yourself.

Long Reef is home to pretty reliable surf conditions with left and right breaking reefs. The best time to head out is when there’s a howling north-easter which blows across the beach in an offshore wind, making the waves smooth and very rideable.