Below is a reproduction of an article I have written as part of a worldwide open source photographic guide project initiated by fellow Sydney photographer, Brent Pearson.

Open Source Photographic Guide Project
These guides are created as part of a project designed to assist photographers with knowledge of locations from all over the world. To see more guides, please go to the Main Site for NSW. To find out more about this project, please go to http://freephotoguides.blogspot.com.

Introduction
Curl Curl Beach is located towards the southern end of Sydney’s Northern Beaches between Freshwater and Dee Why Beaches. The beach itself is divided into North and South Curl Curl with their own unique identities. This guide focuses on South Curl Curl.

Special Photographic Features or Notes
The primary photography element of South Curl Curl Beach is the tidal rock pool. Unfortunately, this pool is one of the many pools on Sydney’s Northern Beaches illuminated by orange sodium vapour floodlights however this can be both used to effect and/or countered in post-processing by adjusting white balance of your photos. If you’re not already doing it, shooting RAW is highly recommended in this location which will make processing much more effective.

The pool itself is interesting in its design, separated into two sections separated by a chain fence atop a concrete wall. The photo below shows the general layout of the pool and highlights the effect of the orange lighting. The rocks around the pool can also be effective for long exposures with wave action against them. Depending on conditions however, the rocks may be exposed as shown here, or completely buried in the sand. Winter is often a better time to make use of the rocks after heavy swells move the sand away.

Around the pool itself, the dividing wall is useful for creating leading lines while long exposures will give a smooth finish to the water. The photo below is taken from the pool itself, and also illustrates white-balance adjustment removing the orange glow.

(prints of this photograph are available for secure purchase here)

While the pool itself is the main subject for photography here, depending on light and conditions, the surf club can also be an interesting subject. This shot below was taken in the golden glow just after sunrise.

Night Photography
As shown, this pool is illumintated overnight by orange sodium vapour lights which can make night photography a challenge, particularly if you’re looking for cloud and/or star movement. North Curl Curl pool would be a better option in this case.

Best Time of Day
The only real option here is for sunrise. Sunset can be done if using the pastel colours of the sky to the east, however for sunset itself, there is a relatively high residential hill directly behind the beach. This pool is very popular with both swimmers and families. Even during the dead of winter it’s not unsual for several swimmers to be punching out laps in the pre-dawn darkness. With the popularity of the pool for young families during the day use common sense if your photographing in the area. There’s also a cafe in the surf club for refreshments during the day.

Tidal and Safety Information
No real issues here. Only concern may be if photographing from the ocean edge of the pool during a high tide or swell, the waves can splash up over the pool wall. While here, if you’re into photographing around the rocks, there is a walkway following the rocks south to Freshwater Beach. The rock platform is relatively high and wide however is well exposed to swells from any direction.

Getting There
South Curl Curl Beach is on Sydney’s Northern Beaches between Freshwater and Dee Why Beaches. Best access is by car, although public transport is a possibility with buses running from Manly Wharf if travelling by ferry from the city. There is parking in an upper and lower car park just metres from the pool, or parking on the street is available.