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.

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 South and North Curl Curl with their own unique identities. This guide focuses on North Curl Curl.

Special Photographic Features or Notes

North Curl Curl has four distinct elements for photography, all within close range of the beach car park. These elements include the tidal rock pool, the cliffs/headland overlooking the beach, from the beach itself and the lagoon behind the beach.

Tidal Rock Pool

North Curl Curl’s tidal rock pool is tucked into the rocks under the headland a short distance away from the beach itself.

Photographs can be taken from the poolside itself or from the rocks below it. Long exposures around the pool work well for smooth reflections while the rocks around the pool and the pool overflow can produce a pleasing waterfall effect.

This shot was taken from poolside at sunrise (prints of this photograph are available for secure purchase here)

In times of rough weather or in any swell, the rocks exposed to the ocean in front of the pool are an opportunity to photograph and highlight the power of the ocean. In times of big swells the pool will often be closed although occasionally it provides a few thrills for daredevil kids hanging on to the pool railings.

This shot was taken during a big swell which closed down the pool. It’s almost hard to believe this is the same pool as above. Obvious care needs to be taken in these conditions. (Prints of this photograph are available for secure purchase here)

The Headland

The cliffs and headland overlooking North Curl Curl are accessed via the pathway from the car park behind the surf club. Take the pathway up the headland and the rocky cliffs are slightly off the pathway however can providing stunning views. Apart from the views one of the features of the headland are many rock carvings and a memorial obelisk perched on the edge of the cliff which can be used to great effect for photographs as shown in this image. The rock pool can also be seen tucked in under the headland.

The Beach

Photography from the beach itself can make use of water hitting the rocks in the corner of the beach. It can also be used to get a different angle on the headland enabling photographing across the water. From here the headland has a distinct ‘shape’ in sunrise silhouettes as shown in this image here. (Prints of this photograph are available for secure purchase here)

Photographing from the beach can also give a better sense of scale for big swells hitting the rocks. This photograph highlights a storm swell hitting the rocks during the almost cyclonic east coast low pressure systems during winter 2007. It may not seem apparent in this low-res image but the black speck in front of the wave here is a person, while there’s an obvious scale reference with the headland itself. (Prints of this photograph are available for secure purchase here)

The Lagoon

The effectiveness of photographing the lagoon can be dependent on how much water is in it. Usually the lagoon is closed to the ocean and can get quite full. After periods of rain the lagoon will break open to the ocean. The lagoon is unique in that it is actually above sea level so when it opens to the ocean it drains completely. This works well for photography as it defines a clear channel through the sand which can be used to effect in reflections as shown in this image below. (Prints of this photograph are available for secure purchase here)

Night Photography

The pool at North Curl Curl is one of the few on Sydney’s Northern Beaches not illuminated by the orange sodium vapour lights and out of range of ambient light from the surf club. The makes for better natural light and long exposure photography before sunrise and after sunset. The beach area around the lagoon though can be affected by the the sodium vapour lights from the car park.

Best Time of Day

Sunrise is probably the most effective time to photograph this area. Sunsets are also a possibility particularly from the pool which looks back west over the water to the beach, or from the headland itself. Without any major ambient lighting in the area night photography as mentioned above is possible,

Tidal and Safety Information

Safe access to the pool is dependent on the tide. At low tide and with little or no swell, safe access can be made by walking the sand and rocks at the end of the beach. During high tide, or in a big southerly swell the water crashes hard up against the headland. Access to the pool in these conditions can be made following the pathway up to the headland. The path is clearly defined and will lead you down to the pool.

The obelisk and cliff face of the headland are off the defined pathway. There’s can be a small amount of bush-bashing required so care should be taken being near the edge of the cliff.

With the lagoon, while it provides for nice photographic opportunities unfortunately is one of the dirtiest bodies of water on the NSW coast. Try to avoid getting in it if you can, and especially after it breaks out to the ocean when it drains completely. Avoid swimming in the ocean then as well. Usually they’ll close the beach during this period anyway.

Getting There

North 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 ample parking in the car park behind the surf club, which has quite possibly the largest speed-humps in the world. The main photographic areas of interest are within short walking distance of the carpark.