Mona Vale is effectively two separate beaches separated by a broad ocean rock platform. Waves that roll in along the southern edge of the platform surge into a gully that allows them to break smoothly and with considerable power. The undertow this creates can be troublesome to swimmers, so it’s just as well the gully is right beside the surf club’s patrolled swimming area.

Heading south towards Warriewood, Mona Vale opens up as a series of fun, uncrowded beach breaks known as Cooks Terrace. The bay to the north of Mona Vale proper is called The Basin, and here you’ll find a small right-hand reef break, perfect for cruising on a long board. The rock platform which splits the beach in two has a 25 metre ocean-fed lap pool (free entry) and a smaller pool for the children.