If there’s one thing we love celebrating in the local area – it’s the ocean! Come and join in the fun with lots of events and activities for the 30th Northern Beaches’ Ocean Festival…
One of the most special things about living in the Northern Beaches area is without a doubt its proximity to the stunning marine area that flanks our coastline. Given that the Northern Beaches has 80km of breathtaking coastline, and boasts five intertidal protected areas, and National and World Surfing Reserves, we have a lot to celebrate!
2023 will herald the 30th annual Ocean Festival celebration and Northern Beaches Council is inviting all to join in on the festivities. The event is also designed to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining the health and well-being of our oceanic ecosystems.
This year’s program runs for eight days from the 26 of November to the 3rd of December. There’s something for everyone in the great line up of community events. Here’s the rundown:
“Waves of Change” Sand Sculpture
Sand art, marine excitement, and prizes. Don’t forget your bucket and spade!
When: Sunday 26 November 9am – 3:30pm
Where: Basin Beach, Mona Vale
Cost: Free
More Information: https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/whats-on/waves-change-sand-sculpture
SUP Yoga
Yoga on a stand-up paddle board and you don’t need to be good at it, you just need to be able to swim and have fun
When: Sunday 26 November 9am – 10:30am
Where: Many Cove, East Side
Cost: $65 per person, bookings required
More Information: https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/whats-on/sup-yoga-manly
Curl Curl Lagoon Clean Up
Look out for our environment and help the Northern Beaches Clean Up Crew clean out beautiful Curl Curl Lagoon
When: Sunday 26 November 10am – 12pm
Where: Griffin Road, Curl Curl
Cost: Free
More Information: https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/whats-on/curl-curl-lagoon-clean-northern-beaches-clean-crew
Kayak Tours
Explore our beautiful coastline via kayak
When: 3 Beaches Tour Sunday 26 November 10:30am – 2:30 am; Mini Manly Tour Saturday 2 December 11am – 12:30pm & Sunday 3 December 10:30am – 12pm
Where: East Side Pier, Manly Wharf, East Esplanade, Manly
Cost: $50 for the mini tours, $125 for the 3 Beaches Tour. Bookings required.
More information: https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/whats-on/3-beaches-kayak-tour & https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/whats-on/manly-mini-kayak-tour
Rock Platform Tour
Join a local expert for a low tide tour of the North Narrabeen rock platform’s exceptional biodiversity
When: Sunday 26 November 2pm – 3:30pm
Where: Pelican Path, North Narrabeen
Cost: $10 for a family of four. Bookings required.
More Information: https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/whats-on/rock-platform-tour-north-narrabeen-0
Long Reef Rock Platform Tour
Take a guided tour of beautiful Long Reef Rock Platform with a local expert
When: Tuesday 28 November 4:30pm – 6pm
Where: Long Reef Headland, Collaroy
Cost: $10 for a family of four. Bookings required.
More Information: https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/whats-on/long-reef-rock-platform-tour-ocean-festival
Little Penguin Chalk Art
Learn about our endangered Little Penguin colony and see some beautiful, artist created chalk art
When: Friday 1 December 10am – 4pm
Where: Manly Wharf Forecourt
Cost: Free
More Information: https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/whats-on/little-penguin-chalk-art
Manly Snorkel and Walk Tour
A unique tour with EcoTreasure’s Advanced Ecotourism which allows you to see Cabbage Tree Aquatic Reserve from a new perspective
When: Saturday 2 December 9:30am – 12:30pm
Where: Shelly Beach Car Park, Manly
Cost: $109 per person. Bookings required.
More Information: https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/whats-on/manly-snorkel-and-walk-tour
Curating Collins Flat
Watch an artist create sculptures from plastics and rubbish collected from the Collins Flat Shoreline
When: Saturday 2 December 10am – 3pm
Where: Collins Flat Beach, Manly
Cost: Free
More information: https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/whats-on/curating-collins-flat
Quarantine Beach Clean Up
Join Dive Against Debris for a beach clean up at Quarantine Beach
When: Sunday 3 December 10am – 12pm
Where: 1 North Head, Scenic Drive, Manly
Cost: Free
More Information: https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/whats-on/beach-clean-quarantine-beach
Finally, it wouldn’t be the Ocean Festival without the much-loved Underwater Photography competition. Head over to Northern Beaches Council’s website to view and vote on the work of some of our most talented underwater photographers.
As always The Ocean Festival promises to bring the community together for a great week of events that help us all embrace and enjoy our coastline. You can keep an eye on any updates via Council’s website, and Facebook page.
Images: Northern Beaches Council
