If you want to escape the madding crowds this summer and would like a peaceful and calm place to soak up some rays, check out the secluded Collins Flat Beach, North Head, Manly.
Named after
Captain David Collins of the Royal Marines, a Judge Advocate of the Colony of New South Wales, and also Secretary of the Governor, Captain Arthur Philips, the beach and surrounding North Head area was used for a long time as a
quarantine area, to filter out any diseases arriving by sea.
The beach itself is popular for small intimate
weddings, and as it's surrounded by bushland, you'll get some magnificent photos.
It's a marvellous beach for collecting shells and its calm waters that gently get deeper make it ideal for children. They'll also love the ice-cream boat that regularly visits the beach in summer. And watch out for the
little penguins who also reside along the shore in the area. There are great views of the CBD and you can lie back and watch the ferries going back and forth to Manly.
The beach is accessed from Collins Beach Road, down a short walk through the trees and down some steps. There are only 3 parking places, so it's recommended to park at Little Manly Point at the end of
Stuart Street. Collins Flat is only about 300m away.
If You park by the Collins Beach Road side, you will find the
Australian Institute for Police Management, providing executive development programs for the police force for over 50 years. They also have conference/lecture facilities on site and accommodation available if you'd like to have a peaceful awakening. When you think about it, where could you rest your head more safely?
The
North Head Sanctuary is worth a visit if you're in the area. The Gatehouse Visitor Centre holds an exhibition about the Sanctuary in the former School of Artillery.
See Transport Information for travel info.
