Welcome, everyone, to the supposed birthplace of Australian surf culture. With a laid back vibe and plenty of stunning corners to explore, Freshwater is quite close to paradise on Sydney’s northern beaches.
If you’re searching for shore-to-shore endless summer, blue skies and long summer days, Freshwater might just be your dream come true. That’s not to say winter never arrives, but it certainly doesn’t feel like it in this quiet surf haven!
The best thing about Freshwater, though, is the community. It’s a neighbourhood made for locals with plenty of haunts, eateries, and a village vibe.
Current average costs for renting in Freshwater are $1200 pw for three-bedroom houses and $700 pw for two-bedroom units.
Freshwater is a generational suburb. Here you’ll find several extended families calling Freshwater home, and a mix of young families, couples and retirees. Like with most northern beaches suburbs, house prices are on the higher side, but there’s plenty to choose from when it comes to houses or apartment complexes.
The great thing about the northern beaches, is that the suburbs are just a hop and a skip from each other – less than 10 minutes to Curl Curl and Manly. Because of this, there’s no shortage of great schools nearby. Harbord Public School is in the Curl Curl catchment, and you’ll also find St John the Baptist Catholic Primary School, Northern Beaches Secondary College and Freshwater Senior Campus.
It goes without saying that surfing is the primary activity in Freshwater, but if you prefer to stay away from the waves you also have the option of an ocean pool. For those seeking a little adventure, the rugged coastline is the true gem of the area. Freshwater forms part of an epic track that connects Manly to Curl Curl, offering stunning views along the headlands.
For essentials, head to IGA Freshwater, or make a day of it and head to the farmers market for some organic produce and locally made goods. Westfield Warringah Mall is your local larger shopping complex, less than 10 minutes away.
Of course, living in paradise comes with some payoffs. There are no train stations in Freshwater and although buses are readily available, most transport is by car. Manly is a 5-minute drive away, where you can get a ferry into the Sydney CBD, or if you’d prefer to drive, it’s around 35 minutes into the city. The saying goes that people on the northern beaches tend to stay in their bubble – and with those stunning beaches and panoramic views, you’ll soon see why
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