Nestled within Sydney’s scenic harbour, Fairlight Beach is a small secluded beach in Manly. Known for its calm waters and an abundant array of marine life, the beach’s rocky reefs and sandy offer great snorkeling and scuba diving. The sheltered waters of Fairlight Beach make this a good spot for both beginners and experienced snorkelers and scuba divers. With easy access and breathtaking views, this hidden gem is a must-visit spot for anyone seeking to explore Sydney underwater.
Marine Life
Fairlight has large patches of seaweed, which are home to a variety of Leather Jacket species, you are sure to see a few. Kelpfish are also resting on the bottom in this area. Smaller shooting fish such as the Australian Mado and Sergeant fish are a sure sighting.
A bit further out there are rocky bottoms and deeper areas. Make sure to look into the blue, as various larger fish will be schooling in this area. You might see large groups of Yellow Tail Scad and Black Rabbitfish. When scuba diving at Fairlight beach, the deeper areas will offer a higher chance of seeing larger life such as larger rays and wobbegong sharks.
Keep an eye out for the occasional stingray gliding gracefully along the sandy bottom. The iconic and endangared Eastern Blue Groper is also a common sight.
Looking for a handy guide to identify your observations on the go? We recommend Fishes of Australia, the complete illustrated guide.
Today’s Conditions
21°, Partly cloudy
Max Wind: 5.8 km/h SSW
Swell: 1.5 meters
Ocean Temp: 18.9°
Diving Suitability
Suitability based on current swell, wind and exposure of the site.
Tides
High tide at 07:53
Low tide at 13:58
Accessibility
Several options available.
Facilities
Plenty of facilities available, a short walk is required to find restaurants.
Map
How to get there?
Public transport is your best option. The most common way to get to Fairlight Beach is by taking the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Wharf. The ferry ride is about 30 minutes and offers stunning views of Sydney Harbour. Once you arrive at Manly Wharf, you can either walk or take a bus. If you choose to walk, it’s about a 20-minute stroll. You can find public transport itinerary from Sydney here.
If you prefer to drive, you can take the scenic route via the Harbour Bridge or the Sydney Harbour Tunnel to reach the Northern Beaches (See driving instructions here). Continue along Sydney Road until you reach Fairlight Street, then turn left. Follow Fairlight Street until you reach the beach. This journey should take about half an hour. Parking at Fairlight Beach can be a bit challenging, especially on weekends, so it’s advisable to arrive early.
Available Facilities
While Fairlight Beach is relatively small, it does provide essential amenities such as restrooms and changing facilities. These are conveniently located close to the beach, making it easy for visitors to freshen up after a swim or a day spent enjoying the sun. There are also outdoor showers to rinse off the saltwater and sand before heading home.
Fairlight Beach is also equipped with several picnic tables and benches, providing a great spot for a family picnic or a casual meal with friends. There are also BBQ facilities available, which are perfect for cooking up a leisurely lunch while enjoying the beautiful surroundings. These areas are usually shaded by trees, offering a cool respite from the sun on hot days.
Fairlight Beach is a dog-on-leach only beach, which is especially important due to the nearby pinguin colonies. They are not allowed to enter the water.
Reef Ranger Summary
Because of its location within the harbour, Fairlight is a popular alternativer to Shelly Beach for both snorkelers and scuba divers. When locations like Shelly Beach are too exposed to on-shore winds, Fairlight Beach scuba diving is a very appealing alternative. It’s harbour location means you’ll have a lower chance of encountering the more exciting or bigger creatures, but it is still worth the effort.
