What Campus in the World has Nine Beaches on its Doorstep?

Beach lovers are spoiled for choice when it comes to the nine beautiful, top-rated beaches all within walking distance of ICMS’s Northern Beaches Campus in Manly, Australia.

Surfing, snorkelling, shell seeking and picnicking on the beach are just a few of the leisure activities available to ICMS students thanks to the nine beaches right on their doorstep. Manly Beach itself is consistently rated by TripAdvisor as one of the top beaches in Australia, and it’s neighbour Shelly Beach often receives a mention too.

So pack your sunscreen, swimming costumes, snorkel and surfboards – let’s get exploring!

Manly Beach

TripAdvisor ranks Manly Beach as one of the best in New South Wales and the world. With easy access from Sydney’s central business district via ferry, it boasts some of the best surfing waves in the world, as well as top lifeguards on duty for those who like to swim. It’s a popular spot for ICMS students before or after class.

Shelly Beach

This is the closest beach to the ICMS Northern Beaches Campus. It is part of Cabbage Tree Bay, a protected marine reserve which lies adjacent to North Head and Fairy Bower. Shelly Beach is the perfect spot for scuba divers and snorkellers thanks to the large variety of marine life which can seen in relatively shallow water.

Laze on the beach, go for a swim in the clear blue waters, or take a hike around the track that hugs the headland, offering spectacular views of North Head and the Northern Beaches. Pack a picnic and enjoy the facilities available, or enjoy a meal at the beachside restaurant.

Quarantine Beach

Named after the old Quarantine Station (Q Station), which operated from 1828–84, Quarantine Beach was the first port of call for all quarantined ships and their passengers. Today it is part of the Sydney Harbour National Park.

The beach is 200 metres long, faces northwest into North Harbour, and is hemmed in by rocks at each end, together with a seawall and wharf at the southern end. Quarantine Beach is located on the harbourside of Manly, and is nestled within the boundaries of Q Station. It is just a short drive from Manly Wharf or also reachable via a pleasant and scenic walk. Keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of Manly’s local fairy penguins!

Q Station has accommodation, a museum, cafe and restaurant all on site – making it a destination in itself.

Manly Cove Beach

Located on the ferry side of Manly, this awesome beach is perfect for a chilled day out with friends. There are no waves, plenty of grassy areas and a shark net pool. Penguins often arrive in the evenings, a truly unique and magical sight to behold.

Tall trees provide shade on hot summer days and there is a promenade for strolling. Picnic and washing facilities are also available.

Little Manly Beach

Little Manly Beach is one of Sydney’s best kept secrets. Just a short walk from Manly Cove Beach, its calm waters and quieter vibe offers an alternative to busy Manly Beach.

There is a kiosk nearby, and the beach offers stunning harbour views and picnic spots. It is also a popular diving spot, with a boat ramp and easy access to the clear azure waters.

Collins Flat Beach

With its scenic harbour views, Collins Flat Beach, just north of Sydney city and nestled between North Head and Little Manly Cove, is an idyllic spot for a romantic picnic.

Whether you’re swimming in the calm waters or nibbling on gourmet snacks, this hidden beach, with its breathtaking views across The Heads, feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

With Q Station just a short drive away, you could even end off your romantic day out with an overnight stay in the beautifully restored heritage accommodation.

Store Beach

Located just inland from the old Quarantine Station (Q Station), which is now part of Sydney Harbour National Park, this sheltered beach is only accessible by water. Store Beach is so secluded it will make you feel like you’re on a remote island somewhere in North Queensland.

Fairlight Beach

This is another one of those quiet little tucked-away beaches on Sydney Harbour where you can go to get away from the crowds on a hot summer’s day.

Fairlight Beach has amazing views right out to Sydney Heads, some good snorkelling, a sheltered swimming pool, and grass to lounge about on and enjoy your picnic goodies. There is some shade provided by a few trees, especially later on in the day when the sun is in the west.

Once you’ve had your snorkel, swim and picnic you could also check out the Manly Markets. Or if you didn’t pack a picnic, head back into Manly for your lunch or dinner.

Freshwater Beach

A stunning beach wedged between two headlands, Freshwater Beach is a short walk north from Manly and is famous as the spot where surfing was first introduced to Australia.

The north headland provides excellent protection from the summer northeaster, and waves are fairly consistent right along the beach thanks to reliable sandbanks. An eight lane, 50 metre saltwater pool at the north end is a favourite with lap swimmers.

Freshwater’s unique claim to fame is that this is where surfboard riding was popularised in Australia by Hawaiian ‘Duke’ Kahanamoku. Duke famously carved a board from a piece of local timber and demonstrated surfing for an enthralled crowd on 15 January 1915. A life-size statue of Duke Kahanamoku on the northern headland commemorates the historic day, and the board has been kept on display in the Freshwater Surf Life Saving Club since 1952.

Freshwater is part of the Manly-Freshwater National and World Surfing Reserve that recognises the historical, cultural, and environmental values of famous surfing beaches.