Store Beach

Store Beach is a sheltered stretch of sand on North Head, near Manly, in Sydney Harbour National Park. Its bush-fringed setting and calm water make it a quiet place to swim, snorkel or spread out a picnic. Getting there is part of the visit: most people arrive by kayak or boat, with a paddle from Manly taking about 20 minutes. At very low tide, a route from Collins Beach may be possible, but the return on foot is not straightforward. Bring water and food; there are no beach facilities.

A beach with a water-only approach

Store Beach lies in Spring Cove on North Head, between Collins Beach and Quarantine Beach. Bushland frames its sheltered sand, and the calm setting is suited to swimming, snorkelling and picnicking. There is no road access. The usual approach is by kayak or boat, which keeps the trip quieter than a visit to many beaches around Manly.

The beach’s name recalls its former role in the area’s maritime history. Ships unloaded provisions here for the Quarantine Station. Store Beach is now part of Sydney Harbour National Park and North Head Sanctuary, an area with Aboriginal and colonial history.

Planning the trip and respecting the reserve

Kayaks can be hired in Manly, including from Manly Kayak Centre. Allow about 20 minutes to paddle from Manly to the beach. Some people attempt to reach it on foot from Collins Beach at very low tide, but accounts differ on how practical the route is. Do not assume it will be possible to walk back; arrange a return by water or choose the kayak or boat approach.

There are no facilities on the sand, so bring drinking water and anything you need for a picnic. Little penguins use the reserve as a breeding area, and access is restricted from dusk. If arriving by boat, keep clear of the buoys and do not anchor between them.