Forty Baskets Beach is a small harbour beach in Balgowlah Heights, on the Spit to Manly coastal walk. Its sheltered, netted tidal pool suits a calm swim, and the sand, picnic tables, barbecue area and playground make it a practical rest stop for families and walkers. The beach looks across the harbour towards Fairlight. Its name recalls a catch of 40 baskets of fish in 1885, intended to feed soldiers held at the nearby Quarantine Station. Bring food and drinks: there are no shops at the beach.
A beach named for a fishing catch
Forty Baskets Beach takes its name from an 1885 fishing catch. The fish were intended to feed soldiers detained at the nearby Quarantine Station after returning from the war in Sudan. The story connects this quiet stretch of Manly Cove with the station’s history and the movement of people through Sydney Harbour.
The beach also has a deeper history as Country of the Gai-marigal people. A midden deposit lies beneath the grassy area behind the beach. Accounts of the site describe human remains being removed from the midden, with the last removal reported in the 1970s. The history here reaches beyond the story behind the beach’s name; treat the place and its cultural significance with care.
Swimming and facilities
The enclosed tidal pool is the main place to swim. Its sheltered setting keeps the water calmer than an exposed surf beach, and the enclosure is intended to protect swimmers. The pool is tidal, so conditions and the amount of water in it change with the tide.
Behind the sand, the beach has picnic areas, tables, toilets, showers, change rooms and public barbecue facilities. A small playground and swings give children another option between swims. These facilities make Forty Baskets a useful place to stop with family or to rest during a longer walk. There are no shops at the beach, so pack what you need before setting out.
Getting there on the coastal walk
Forty Baskets Beach sits along the Spit to Manly coastal route, making it a possible swimming and picnic stop before reaching Manly. You can also reach it from Beatty Street in Balgowlah Heights. One access point is a staircase between numbers 28 and 30; expect steps on this route. Limited street parking is available on Beatty Street.
Check the route around the southern rocky end if you are walking through at high tide. This section can be difficult to pass then, and signs point to an alternate way around. At low tide, access along the beach is easier. If you need refreshments, Forty Beans Cafe is described as a leisurely walk of about 15 minutes away, so it is not a substitute for bringing supplies if you want to stay at the beach.
FAQ
Can you swim at Forty Baskets Beach?
Yes. The beach has a sheltered, enclosed tidal pool for swimming. Water conditions change with the tide.
How do you get to Forty Baskets Beach?
You can reach it from Beatty Street in Balgowlah Heights, including by a staircase between numbers 28 and 30, or along the Spit to Manly coastal walk.
Are there facilities at Forty Baskets Beach?
The beach has picnic tables, public barbecue facilities, toilets, showers, change rooms, a small playground and swings. There are no shops at the beach.
Is there parking near Forty Baskets Beach?
Limited street parking is available on Beatty Street.
