I’m just a little bit in love with Mona Vale beach, is it one you know too?
It’s special for me because it’s where I started my ocean swimming with Can Too and reigniting a long dormant love of adventures on the ocean.
It really had been a long time (and four children) since my last watery adventures, and since I last felt so exhilerated... and so scared at times too.
The first time we did our ocean swimming at Mona Vale, a pod of dolphins came and swam alongside us.
What can I say? Thank you, you gorgeous dolphins.
Mona Vale Beach
Surfview Road, Mona Vale
You get two beaches for the price of one at Mona Vale.
To the north is The Basin, a rounded bay edged with cliffs. The Basin tends to be more sheltered than the main beach which can be quite wild. However there is no patrolled area with flags in The Basin.
There is a wide rock platform in between the two beaches and this is the part of the beach my twins love best. They love to grub around in the rock pools and splash about in the rock pools.
The main beach is 1km long, very beautiful and great for walking with kids. But do stick to splashing between the flags, the waves and rips can be fierce here.
Trust me, I know.
Cafes: Bronze Kiosk is at the SLSC building.
Toilets: SLSC block has changing rooms, showers and toilets, has all-ability toilet
Shade: Not on the beach
Playground: Yes, across the road see Apex Park Playground review and photos here.
Shark net: No
Parking: Pay carpark by the beach
Bus stop nearby: Yes
Extra: Make a big day out of it by visiting Mona Vale beach and then visiting Flying Fox park and playground.
Any other info you can pass on to families about Mona Vale Beach?
Seana, it looks lovely and the words that stood out for me were “I last felt so exhilarated”. I could do with a little bit of that. been treading water too long!!! Love
Mairi X
Yes, I loved the fear… well, loved when it was over anyway. We must have got used to a bit of adventuring on the seas when we were little Mairi. I miss popping over to your blog, by the way.
Wow! What a beautiful place!
Hi Rita, yes, it is lovely. It’s a cliche I know, but we are very spoiled here in Sydney. Will pop over for a visit to see you soon, it’s been too long… and you’ve reminded me that I must find my knitting!
It’s a lovely beach and the rock pools are great with the kids. I’ve had many days on MV beach. Ocean swimming is very therapeutic and it’s so important for mothers to have something they do that’s very own xx
It sure is a fabulous beach with some really good cafe action surrounding it as well. My dad and I used to come down from the north shore for breakfast on Mona Vale Beach. It was a family tradition that I remember very fondly.
Carolyn
Hmm.. Saturday swimming should be a habit with my growing family. I will include this beach on the list to visit. Nice post!