Ocean pool in Freshwater, New South Wales

Freshwater 2096
Neighbourhood

33.7816° S, 151.2946° E

Birthplace of Aussie surf, low-key and lovely.

Freshwater or Freshie, once known as Harbord, is the soul of Aussie surf culture, where it all began. With it's curved golden beach and easygoing vibe, it still feels like a timeless holiday.

Locals drift between the surf, the laid-back village, and a cold brew at the iconic Harbord Hilton. On long summer days, Freshwater Beach is the place to be: sun-soaked, salty, and full of stories.

It’s effortless, salty, and always alive.

We’ve pulled together our favourite spots to surf, sip, shop, stay, play, chill, and get Saltee.

The Saltee Bucket List

  • Surf

    Birthplace lines, clean morning sets

  • Sip

    Quiet cafe rituals after surf checks

  • Shop

    Minimal surf and eco gear

  • Stay

    Tucked beach cottages

  • Play

    Headland walks

  • Chill

    Salt and stillness

distilleries

6

breweries

2

makers & producers

15

cafes & restaurants

7

26

2,000

kilograms of plastic removed from the ocean

saltee stays