Dee Why Beach

Located in the heart of the Northern Beaches, Dee Why Beach is about 22 km from Sydney’s CBD, just north of Curl Curl and south of Long Reef Point. The sandy 1.2km spit of beach backs onto the Dee Why Lagoon and Wildlife Refuge.

Dee Why Beach has excellent facilities for families including an ocean swimming pool for safe swimming on the point, picnic areas and a special toddler play area. Stretching for almost 2km, the beach is easy to access down stroller-friendly ramps leading to the sand.

It was named by surveyor James Meehan in 1814, but the name “DY” as he recorded it remains a long-forgotten mystery. It may have referred to an Aboriginal word Meehan used when surveying and naming the area. From 1840, the name was recorded as Deewhy and later became two separate words.

Dee Why was once an Aboriginal settlement with a midden discovered at the south end of the beach. The lagoon at that time was deeper and wider with plenty of fish. Black swans once lived on the lagoon in a huge flock.

The ocean-facing beach is suitable for surfing, and in particular the exposed point break with its right reef break featuring hazardous rocks and rips. Around the beach there are stylish beach cafes, surf shops and speciality shops providing a pleasant place to stroll and shop.

Dee Why Beach is a popular spot for hosting national events including Australia Day and the New Year’s Eve Fireworks.