Forty Baskets Beach
A secluded harbour beach in Balgowlah, known for its netted pool, picnic spots, and stunning Sydney Harbour views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Forty Baskets Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A secluded harbour beach in Balgowlah, known for its netted pool, picnic spots, and stunning Sydney Harbour views.
"A lovely secluded beach with a netted pool and great views, perfect for a peaceful escape."
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
Access involves stairs, so ditch the heels for a comfortable stroll.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Closest cafe is a walk away; bring your own food & drinks for a perfect beach day.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Netted Tidal Pool
Center of the beach
A safe, enclosed swimming area perfect for families and a refreshing dip in the harbour.
Harbour Views
Along the beach and walking track
Sweeping vistas of Sydney Harbour, ideal for sunset watching and peaceful contemplation.
Picnic & BBQ Facilities
Adjacent to the beach
Enjoy a leisurely meal with scenic surroundings, perfect for a relaxed day out.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Tranquility
Access & Amenities Check
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
Access involves stairs, so ditch the heels for a comfortable stroll.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Closest cafe is a walk away; bring your own food & drinks for a perfect beach day.
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The harbour views are stunning as the day winds down.
🚶♀️ Spit to Manly Walk
A great rest stop on this popular coastal trail.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
Access involves stairs, so ditch the heels for a comfortable stroll.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Closest cafe is a walk away; bring your own food & drinks for a perfect beach day.
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The harbour views are stunning as the day winds down.
🚶♀️ Spit to Manly Walk
A great rest stop on this popular coastal trail.
⚠️ High Tide Alert
The southern rocky end can be tricky at high tide; follow alternate routes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Forty Baskets Beach for its secluded charm, beautiful harbour views, and family-friendly netted pool. It's a peaceful escape, especially appreciated as a stop on the Spit to Manly walk. Some note the historical significance and the effort required to access it.
"Forty Baskets Beach is usually a secluded little beach in Balgowlah with a netted tidal pool in the middle, but on a hot Invasion Day morning it was far busier than usual.
Before colonisation it was used by original custodians the Gai-marigal people and there is a midden deposit under the grassy area at the back of the beach. According to historic sources, this midden even yielded skeletons, the last of which were removed in the 1970s. I read that they ended up in museums. Typical.
The name? It commemorates an epic fishing catch hauled in there in the late 19th Century, which was used to feed a group of soldiers who were detained in the nearby Quarantine Station after returning from the war in Sudan.
The echoes of the history of British settler colonialism linger here in other forms too, from the trees that were poisoned by some of the residents to improve their view, to today’s land grabs of public space by rows of blue and white cool cabanas. Sydney’s obsession with real estate writ small.
It’s a tough day to feel positive about anything much, but we could tell that on any other day we would have thought this was a pretty place with all the things: outdoor showers, change room BBQs and free parking on the adjacent streets.
The crowd were mostly local white families, interspersed with Fijian and other Pasifikan First Nations families who were having great fun. Seeing the latter enjoying their day in and around the pool made us smile despite everything."
Jackie McMillan
"Lovely secluded beach, wish I got here earlier during my walk from The Spit to Manly but by the time I arrived it was sunset and getting cold. But the views here are stunning and an excellent option if you want a beach that’s on the quiet side. It can be very tricky to get to as there’s a few stairs to navigate, but it’s worth it."
S C
"Quiet little beach located off Beatty Street in Balgowlah Heights. Great spot to rest or have a picnic if you are doing the Spit to Manly walk. Seat's and tables, enclosed pool, free electric bbq's, toilets and change room's available nearby. Safe spot for families with kid's, and there's some swings too. Fresh water available from bubbler's, if you wish to purchase coffee,drinks or food, the Forty Beans Cafe in Lower Beach St. (on the way to Manly)is the closest, being a lesuirely 15 minute walk away.
Opening hours are:
Monday 7:30am–3pm
Tuesday 7:30am–3pm
Wednesday 7:30am–3pm
Thursday 7:30am–3pm
Friday 7:30am–3pm
Saturday 8am–3:30pm
Sunday 8am–3:30pm"
paul cristina
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Forty Baskets Beach is accessible via Beatty Street in Balgowlah Heights. It involves navigating stairs, so comfortable footwear is recommended. It's also a popular stop along the Spit to Manly Walk.
Parking is available on adjacent streets.
While beautiful, it requires descending stairs, making it a bit challenging for those with mobility issues. If you're doing the Spit to Manly walk, it's a well-marked stop.
Yes, there is free parking available on the streets surrounding the beach.
Many visitors enjoy it as part of the scenic Spit to Manly coastal walk, using it as a spot to rest and swim.
The closest major transport hub is Manly, which is a leisurely 15-minute walk away, offering bus and ferry services.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Forty Baskets Beach is a public beach and entry is free for everyone.
As a public beach, it's generally accessible during daylight hours. The nearby cafe has specific opening times (Mon-Fri 7:30am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3:30pm), but the beach itself is open longer.
No booking is required to visit Forty Baskets Beach. It's a public space, so you can visit anytime.
The main consideration is the tide, as the southern rocky end can be difficult to pass at high tide. Otherwise, it's a welcoming public space.
The netted tidal pool is a key feature, and while it's generally maintained, it's always a good idea to check local conditions if you're specifically planning to swim in it.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You'll find toilets, change rooms, picnic tables, and free electric BBQs. There are also swings for children.
Absolutely! The netted tidal pool provides a safe swimming environment for children, and there are swings and picnic areas.
Yes, the netted tidal pool is a popular spot for swimming. The harbour waters are generally calm here.
Swimming, picnicking, BBQs, relaxing, and enjoying the harbour views are popular. It's also a great stop for the Spit to Manly walk.
It's generally a quiet, secluded beach, especially on weekdays. It can get busier on hot weekends or holidays.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no cafes directly at the beach. The closest option is the Forty Beans Cafe on Lower Beach Street, about a 15-minute walk away.
Yes, there are free electric BBQs available for public use, making it a great spot for a picnic.
Since dining options are limited, it's best to pack your own food, snacks, and drinks to enjoy at the picnic tables or BBQs.
Yes, there are bubblers available for fresh water.
The most popular way is to bring a picnic or use the BBQ facilities.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the serene harbour views, the netted swimming pool, and the surrounding natural beauty. Sunset offers particularly magical light.
Yes, the western-facing aspect of the harbour provides beautiful sunset views, making it a great spot for photography.
Landscape photography, coastal shots, and candid shots of people enjoying the beach are common.
The pier and the swimming enclosure offer distinct visual elements. The surrounding bushland also provides scenic backdrops.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) offers the best light for photography, with sunset being a highlight.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
With BBQ facilities and picnic tables, it's easy to plan a relaxed family outing. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as the closest cafe is a short walk away. The beach's generally calm atmosphere and accessible amenities make it a stress-free destination for a day out with little ones.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Walkers
It offers a perfect opportunity to rest your legs, enjoy a picnic lunch, and take a refreshing dip in the harbour. Be aware of the tidal conditions when approaching the beach from the southern end, as it can become difficult to pass at high tide. Following the marked alternate routes ensures a smooth continuation of your trek.
📸 Photographers
The netted swimming enclosure and the pier provide interesting foreground elements for your shots. Early mornings offer softer light and fewer people, while evenings provide dramatic skies. The natural surroundings and the tranquil waters create a serene backdrop for landscape and lifestyle photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Name of Forty Baskets Beach
Beyond its namesake event, the area holds deeper historical significance. Before European colonization, it was utilized by the Indigenous Gai-marigal people, and evidence of their presence, such as a midden deposit, has been found.
Navigating the Spit to Manly Walk
This walk offers stunning views of Sydney Harbour, diverse bushland, and several beautiful beaches, with Forty Baskets being a prime spot for a break. When undertaking the walk, be mindful of the tides, especially near the southern rocky end of Forty Baskets Beach. If the tide is high, it can be challenging to pass, and it's advisable to follow the marked alternate routes.
Seclusion and Community at Forty Baskets
This sense of community is evident in how locals and visitors alike enjoy the space. On a typical day, you'll find families relaxing, people picnicking, and swimmers enjoying the netted tidal pool.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit