Sydney's true secret beach: a golden cove on North Head with no path in — you arrive by kayak or not at all, often to a beach entirely your own.
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Store Beach is the beach Sydney forgets it owns: a perfect golden cove tucked into the national park bushland of North Head, with no road, no track and no crowds — because the only way in is across the water. Paddle around from Manly and there’s a fair chance you’ll have the whole thing to yourself, ferries gliding past in the distance.
Getting there by kayak
Hire a kayak at Manly Cove and paddle south-east past Little Manly and Collins Flat — about 30 relaxed minutes in sheltered water. Land on the sand, swim, and keep half an eye on the tide and your return window. The cove sits inside Sydney Harbour National Park; between roughly August and February the beach’s upper sand is a protected little penguin nesting area, so observe any closure signs and keep to the waterline.
Worth knowing
There are no facilities at all — carry in water, carry out everything. Swell rarely troubles the cove, making it one of the calmest swims in the harbour. Combine the paddle with Shelly Beach for a full Manly water day, and find more secret beaches and hidden places around the harbour.
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Facilities
None — kayak hire, toilets and cafes back at Manly Cove
Photography Tips
Shoot the cove from the water on approach — golden sand against bush with the city skyline far behind. A dry bag for the camera is essential.
Insider Tips
Respect penguin nesting closures on the upper beach, watch the afternoon sea breeze for the paddle home, and take every scrap of rubbish out.
Getting There
Kayak or SUP from Manly Cove (hire available), paddling 30 minutes south-east past Little Manly. No land access exists.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to Store Beach?
Only by water — hire a kayak or SUP at Manly Cove and paddle about 30 minutes south-east around Little Manly. No track or road reaches the beach.
Can you swim at Store Beach?
Yes, the cove is sheltered and usually calm — one of the quietest swims in Sydney Harbour, and often completely empty midweek.
Why is part of Store Beach closed sometimes?
The upper beach is a little penguin nesting site — Sydney's last mainland colony — with seasonal protections roughly August to February.
Is Store Beach free?
Yes, though kayak hire at Manly costs; the beach itself is inside Sydney Harbour National Park with no fees for water access.
