The Birthplace of
Australian Surf & Soul.
Gayamaygal People
The area was once fished and utilised by overlapping clans of the Garigal people to the north and the Gayamaygal people to the south. Evidence of their habitation remains today in the form of indigenous Australian Art such as rock engravings, open campsites and rock shelters.
(1886)
Harbord & Freshwater
A place so loved it’s had two names. The suburb of Freshwater, originally named Harbord, underwent a name change to better reflect its local identity, and connect to the iconic Freshwater Beach. For many years the suburb of Freshwater was named ‘Harbord’ after Lady Carrington’s family estate in England, in honor of the wife of the then Governor of New South Wales.
Over time, residents felt the name did not resonate with the area’s unique coastal character and world-famous beach. In 2008, after much local campaigning and a community vote, the name was officially changed to Freshwater, and the rest they say is history.
(1908)
Freshwater Surf Club
Freshwater Surf Life Saving Club was founded in 1908, choosing maroon and white as the club colours. Since that time, the surf club has continually patrolled the beach for the benefit of the general public.
(1925)
Opening of the Freshwater Rockpool
The Freshwater Beach rockpool officially opened on 28 November 1925. A path leading to the pool was later constructed. In 1962, the pool was extended to 50 metres.
Aloha Hawaii
Freshwater is a twin/sister city with Waikiki Hawaii, United States.
(1914)
Duke Kahanamoku
In December 1914, Duke Kahanamoku, the world sprint swimming champion, was touring Australia. He selected a timber from a Sydney firm to fashion a board modelled on those used in his native Hawaii. Kahanamoku then famously gave a demonstration to the press of surfboard riding at Freshwater Beach on Thursday 24 December. It was the second recorded time that anyone had surfed the clean waves beyond the break in Australian waters using this Hawiian-style surfing technique.
(1915)
Isabel Letham
In 1915, Isabel Letham became known as one of the first women to ride a surfboard in Australia.
February 6, 1915, during Duke Kahanamoku’s demonstration, Kahanamoku called for a volunteer. Among the crowd was 15-year-old Isabel Letham. The Hawaiian athlete took her by the hand, paddled out, and caught a wave effortlessly.
(1928)
The First Local Pub
A pub by the beach? Now you’re talking.
The Harbord Beach Hotel, opened in 1928, and was known for its buttercup-yellow exterior, red roof, and was cheekily coined ‘The Hilton’ by locals. In 2020, the pub was purchased and renovated by Glenn Piper and a group of Freshie locals, and continues to be the beating heart of our local community. Now known as Harbord Hotel, it hosts weekly trivia, comedy nights and a bevy of live music events. It’s also an Ocean Friendly certified venue.
(1979)
Anzac Memorial
The Soldiers Avenue Brushboxes were planted to commemorate those who died in World War I. Only two of the original tree guards remain. Named after local serviceman Leslie Jacka, Jacka Park Memorial Garden first opened in 1979 and contains an early memorial obelisk, flag pole and wall of remembrance.
(1970)
Irene Crumpp
Undercliff Reserve in Freshwater has been named after trailblazing local woman Irene Crump - who fought doggedly to protect the land from development more than half a century ago.
Located at the southern end of Freshwater Beach, the reserve includes part of the popular walkway and stairs that form an important pedestrian connection between Freshwater and Queenscliff Beaches.
(2012)
World Surf Reserve
Freshwater has a rich beach culture stretching for more than 100 years.
With surf breaks that are famous worldwide, Manly Freshwater was named a National Surf Reserve in 2010 and a World Surfing Reserve on March 10, 2012.
